WILLIAM (BILL) FORREST

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WILLIAM (BILL) FORREST It is with much sadness that the family of Bill Forrest of Emerson announce his passing on February 26, 2003. Dad was predeceased by his wife, Isobel; sisters, Betty, Jean, Margaret and Agnes; brothers, Andrew and Tom. He is survived by his children, Tom (Lorraine) of Winnipeg and Barbara (Jim) of Calgary; grandchildren, Kristjan, (Corrine), Steven, (Nina), David, Jason and Laure; and great-grandchild, Saige; sisters, Mary, Catherine; and brother Robert (Ethel) and numerous nieces and nephews. Dad was born August 19, 1906 in Rosenfeld, He lived his entire life in the Red River Valley in the districts of Morris, Letellier, Marais and resided in Emerson for the past 60 plus years. During the 1920s and 1930s, Dad worked on the family farm. To further support the farm, Dad worked in the Bissett gold mines and custom farmed in the Peace River area. He wrote the Canada Customs exam in 1936 and received his permanent appointment in Emerson in 1940, in the same year, Mom and Dad were married and Dad joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served his country overseas until 1946. Dad strongly believed that commitment to your community made it a better place to live. As such he served on the District School Board, St. Andrews United Church Board, Emerson Town Council, Red River Valley Regional Health Board, Emerson Curling Club, Emerson Golf Club Board, Emerson Swimming Pool Committee, 3rd Masonic Lodge. Dad was a founding member of the Emerson Minor Hockey Association, manager of many Emerson baseball teams and a life member Emerson Legion Branch No. 77. Our parents loved to travel and we have many fond memories of trips together. Wherever Bill and Isobel went, new friends were made. They particularly enjoyed their many years at Pine to Palm in Weslaco, TX as "snowbirds". Keenly competitive, Dad always had fond memories of his baseball and hockey days in Letellier and curling days in Emerson. He loved sports, played golf, bridge, cribbage and shuffled in Texas. He enjoyed spending quality time with his grandchildren. They listened to his life stories of the past and always remarked on his amazing memory! Our family is very appreciative of the care Dad received at the Morris and Emerson hospitals over the past months. Special thanks to Dr. Munsamy and the staff of the Palliative Care Unit for their respectful and loving care. Thanks to the many friends, relatives who called, wrote, and/or visited Dad. Your kindness and caring was gratefully appreciated. Funeral arrangements are being looked after by Loewen Funeral Chapel of Steinbach. Honorary pallbearers will be representatives from Canada Customs and the Emerson Legion, Branch No. 77. A memorial service will be conducted by Rev. Bob/Myrna Stark for Dad on March 8 at St. Andrews United Church in Emerson at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately prior to the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Emerson Hospital Palliative Care Fund in Emerson, MB.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 01, 2003