JOHN KNOX

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JOHN KNOX "JOCK" FORBES May 27, 1910 - September 30, 2000 With great sadness, the family announces Jock passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2000. Jock was born in Keewatin, Ontario May 27, 1910. Except for work during the depression years and the Second World War. Jock lived in Keewatin. He was the third of six children born to John and Isabella Forbes who came from Aberdeen, Scotland in 1900. Educated in Keewatin, he started working at age 15 at the barrel factory. Jock worked during the depression years for bridge construction in Ontario and Northern Quebec. He enlisted in the army the day war was declared (Sept. 7, 1939). Jock served six years with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, "D" Company, fighting in France, Belgium and Holland, obtaining the rank of company Sergeant Major. Jock returned to Keewatin and married (1945) a nurse, Myrtle "Mac" McTavish, who he met while both were stationed in Montreal. He returned to work (39 years total) for the Lake of the Woods Milling Company in various departments until the mill burned down in 1967. He then went on to work for the Ontario Department of Transport as a radio dispatcher. He enjoyed the people he came in contact with and made many friends throughout the District. Jock was very much involved in community activities. He was a Life Member of the Keewatin Legion, Branch No. 13, serving as President in the Centennial year 1967. He was instrumental in the formation of the Sea Cadets. He was the Bass drummer for the Keewatin Legion Band, who marched in many holiday parades. He belonged to the Keewatin Kinsman Club and became President in 1950. He was Master of the Keewatin Masonic Lodge, No. 419 in 1950, and also District Deputy Grand Master, 1968 to 1969. He was a member of the Khartum Temple. He served 10 years on the board of the Northwestern Health Unit, the last two years as Chairperson. Jock became an Honourary Member in 1980, (50 years on the board) for St. Andrews United Church. He took part in many other activities such as curling, golfing, Master of Ceremonies, church choir and member of "The Music Men", and "toasting the Haggis" at Robbie Burns night. In his younger years he spent time with the neighbourhood children pushing them in his wheelbarrow or playing his guitar and singing to them. While Mac was with him, they enjoyed many hours at the "shack" fishing or just playing cards and nights out "square dancing" with friends. He loved Keewatin and was proud of the fact that he and his brothers and sisters all settled in Keewatin. The Forbes family has contributed greatly to their beloved community, Keewatin. Jock was predeceased by his wife in 1983, Myrtle (Mac) his parents, John and Isabella; sisters, Grace McLay, Bess Contini; brothers-in-law, Louis Contini, Wm. McLean Sr., Donald McTavish and Lloyd McTavish and sisters-in-law, Florence Forbes and Eva Brechen. To mourn his loss, he leaves son Dennis Forbes (Rose) of Gimli; grandsons Wayne (Crystal and daughter Shasa) and Stephen Forbes (Lorie) of Winnipeg; daughter Linda Pelletier (Doug) of Keewatin; granddaughters Susan (Alex Chichioco) of Orillia and Joanne Pelletier of Keewatin. Jock also became a great grandfather to Jaxon and Kyle, who he enjoyed very much. Also left to mourn sister Katherine McLean; brothers Jim Forbes, Bill Forbes (Mary) sister-in-law Bernice McTavish of Rapid City; brother-in-law Wuggs McLay and many nieces and nephews. Jock also has many cousins in Scotland who enjoyed his company and will miss him. He will always be remembered by cousin Kathleen Brown and family of Winnipeg and special friends Lena Ruxton of Winnipeg, Roy Sampson of Leamington and Grace McIntyre of Strathclair. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 5, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Andrews United Church, Keewatin. Interment to follow at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery. Pallbearers William McLean Jr., Gord McLay, Scott Forbes, John Contini, Gord McCoy and Allie Reynard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 13, or the charity of your choice. Brown Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 03, 2000