JOHN EWING FORSYTH

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JOHN EWING FORSYTH Born September 26, 1905, Pipestone, MB Died February 4, 2004, Souris, MB John Forsyth was born in 1905 on a small farm near Pipestone, MB. He attended Paramount, a one-room country school, then went on to schools in Melita and Pipestone, where he became a skilled catcher on the local baseball team. He developed his farming skills under the mentorship of his elder brother Dave until he was able to enter the Manitoba Agricultural College of the University of Manitoba in 1928. At university he served as editor-in-chief of the Managra, the college magazine, played on the champion inter-faculty football team in 1930, and met his future wife, Kay Schnarr of Killarney. Following graduation in 1933 he became municipal administrator of Rorketon, MB. In 1937 he took service with Great West Life Insurance Company in Yorkton, SK, as a farm loan inspector. Marriage in 1937 was followed by the birth of sons, Donald, Neil and Bill during the years of the Second World War. In 1947 the family was able to return to Manitoba when he became the Agricultural Representative at Russell. In 1952 he became ag rep at Souris, where he resided for the rest of his life. Always active in the church and the community, he played a leading role in United Church Sunday schools in Yorkton, Russell and Souris. Among many organizational involvements, he was a charter member of the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists and a member of the Masonic Order. A witty and accomplished public speaker, he was often pressed into service as a master of ceremonies at local functions and as a proposer of toasts at innumerable weddings and other celebrations. After his retirement in 1970, he served as director of the local museum, as President of the Souris Branch of the Manitoba League for the Physically Handicapped, and during his stay in the Victoria Park Lodge as Chairman of the Lodges Residents council. He enjoyed square dancing, golf and curling, and travelled to Europe and throughout Canada. To the end of his life he maintained a deep love of family, concern for others and a curiosity about the world. Mr. Forsyths wife Kay died in 1973. He is survived by his sons and by Donalds adopted son Scott Anderson.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2004