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FORBES GEORGE
1939 - 2020
Rest in Peace
Forbes leaves behind his wife, Pat Kremer, his three sons, Stephen (Val), Peter (Tamara), and Tom, as well as grandchildren, Kaitlin (Neil), Megan (Dustin), Robert, Nick, and Zoe (Austin), and great-granddaughter Olivia. Forbes also leaves to mourn Pat's three children, Kelly (Greg), John (Erin), and Paul (Camille) and grandchildren, Riley, Scarlett, Taya, and Beatrix. He was predeceased by his first wife (Mary).
Forbes was born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1939. He went to Aberdeen Grammar School and was educated as a concert pianist at the Guild Hall in London. He married Mary Baxter at the age of 20, had three sons, and owing to chronic respiratory illness, immigrated to Winnipeg in 1969 (for a dryer climate). He taught music, then English, at St. John's High School in Winnipeg for 30 years and was a constant and central member of First Presbyterian Church.
Mary died in 2010, and after a quiet year living at home, Forbes began a relationship with lifelong friend Pat Kremer, and soon moved to Ottawa to be with her. Some people struggle to be happy once in love, but Forbes managed it twice. Both his families were thrilled to see them happy together. As Forbes's illness came to a close over this last year, Pat was unstinting in her care and effort to keep him well and to make him comfortable.
The family extends thanks to the doctors and nurses and home care staff who looked after Forbes in his last months, as well as to the palliative and MAID teams who eased his passing, and especially to Karen, Pat's sister, who helped tirelessly with Forbes' care at the end.
No funeral or memorial service is planned, but we ask that those who wish to celebrate Forbes' life make a donation to Movember.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2020
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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My condolences to the family and friends of George Forbes. He was my band instructor from 1970-1976 and inspired me in performing the French Horn professionally and to teach music. Many of us who he taught, later became well known musicians in the music world. My favourite was playing in the pit orchestras, when we did the musicals at St. John's High School and he was conducting. We did some big name musicals at St. John's High School, such as Camelot, Guys & Dolls, etc.. In 1970 George Forbes introduced me to the French Horn and this year is my 50th year playing. George Forbes is fondly remembered by myself and many of his students from St. John's High School and the music world here is missing a great role model. - Posted by: Frank (Student) on: Sep 28, 2020
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It was my privilege to be friends with Forbes and Mary and his mother Molly in Winnipeg in the late 70's/early 80's. I remember them for their love for family, friends and dog. I also remember them for the acceptance and encouragement that radiated from them. - Posted by: Pat Walchuk (Friend) on: Sep 22, 2020
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I wonder if your dad had a sister Ruth and Bessie AUN Ruth married Len Lancaster I'm Gordon's daughter Joyce sorry He is gone but not too far around the corner he will be seen in the baby's smile's joy just around the corner. You will meet and he will welcome you home. (Sorry for your loss, I wrote this poem for you.) - Posted by: Joyce Lancaster (family members brother) on: Aug 14, 2020
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I’m not sure I can sum up in one short message what Forbes and the George family meant to me. I’ll only say that he was an important source of comfort and support to me during a difficult period in my life and that I am very glad and grateful to have known him. My heart goes out to Pat, Tom, Stephen and Peter and the extended family. Much love, Vicky - Posted by: Vicky Smallman (Friend ) on: Jul 25, 2020
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I spent many years singing with Forbes and enjoying his wonderful organ/piano work. He will be remembered for his love of music and his wonderful Scottish sense of humour. - Posted by: CHERYL Freeman (Choir member at First Presbyterian/Winnipeg) on: Jul 25, 2020