Bernard “Bif” Forester, former chief executive of sporting goods manufacturer K2 Inc., died Sunday after battling prostate cancer. He was 78.

Forester began his career at the New York office of Price Waterhouse after graduating summa cum laude from the University of Arizona with a degree in business and accounting. He joined K2’s predecessor company, Anthony Industries, in 1973 and served as both chairman and chief executive. Forester converted the former swimming pool construction company into a manufacturer and marketer of brand name sporting goods now based in Carlsbad.

Forester is survived by his wife Diane; his brother Burt; his children and stepchildren K.C., Donald, and Leah Forester, Glenn Hirsch, Mark Friedman, Julie Jaffe and Jennifer Lechter; and nine grandchildren.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 25th at Forest Lawn Mortuaries in Hollywood Hills. Donations can be made to the research organization Stop Cancer.