ROBERT FORREST

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ROBERT FORREST It is with much sadness that the family of Robert (Bob) Forrest announces his death on Thursday, July 22, 2004. Robert Forrest, aged 96 years died peacefully at Red River Valley Lodge in Morris, MB. He is predeceased by his faithful wife Ethel of 62 years, and survived by daughter Marilyn (Raymond) Dyck of Peterborough, ON. He will be lovingly remembered by his two grandchildren, Ian (Ola) Dyck and Kate (Heath) Sterling. Robert is predeceased by his parents, Catherine and Thomas Forrest; brothers, Bill (Isobel), Thomas (Thelma), and Andrew (Irene) sisters, Betty (Geoff) Covernton, Jean (Ham) Sweeney, Margaret (Cecil) Martin, Agnes (Harvey) Stevenson; brothers-in-law, Charles, Andrew, Ernie and Cameron Reid; sister-in-law Elsie (Robert) Latimer. He is survived by his sisters, Mary (Roy) Tillett and Catherine (Nat) Okerlund; brother-in-law Thomas (Joyce) Reid and sister-in-law Mary Reid; and many nieces and nephews. Robert was born March 31, 1908 near Letellier, MB. He lived his entire life in the Red River Valley in the districts of Letellier, Marais, Silver Plains, Broadview and Morris. Robert met Ethel while she was teaching at Armour School near Morris. They were married September 27, 1941 and lived near Letellier for two years. They soon purchased a farm in the Broadview district near Morris where they lived until 1981 when they moved to Morris. Bob was strongly committed to his community. He was a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES), where he served as Worthy Grand Patron and the Masonic Lodge where he served as District Deputy Governor. For many years he and Ethel travelled throughout Manitoba as ambassadors for both organizations. Over the years Bob was active in the Morris United Church, director for the Valley Agricultural Society, trustee for Broadview School and member of the Morris Pool Elevator. One of the founders of the Manitoba Stampede, Bob never missed an opportunity to promote the event. His indicator of a successful Stampede was the Heavy Horse Show ring full of 6 horse teams. As a young lad, Bob played baseball, but his true love was hockey. Throughout the 20s and 30s he and his brother Bill played for the Letellier team called the Flying Frenchmen. The games were almost always on outdoor rinks, and against the rough and tough teams all along the Red River Valley and into the USA. One of Bobs most prized possessions is a picture of the team with three gleaming trophies. He spent many a Saturday afternoon curling in the Farmers Curling League and always seemed to bring home something from the bonspiel, even if it was the door prize. Bob loved to travel and journeyed several times a year to Peterborough until his last trip at Christmas 1998. He travelled to Scotland, Arizona, Hawaii, Eastern and Western Canada, and almost every town in Manitoba including Churchill. Our family appreciates the support of the Home Care Service, Meals on Wheels, neighbours, friends and especially Charlie and Rita Covernton and David and Doreen Penner for their caring and support that enabled Robert to remain in his own home for as long as possible. Special thanks to the staff of the Red River Valley Lodge for their respectful and loving care while Bob was a resident. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 27, at 2:00 p.m. at Morris United Church, Rev. Bob Stark officiating. Interment will be held privately prior to the service. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Morris United Church Memorial Fund, Box 90, Morris, MB, R0G 1K0. Morris Funeral Home 746-2451 Toll Free 1-866-746-2451

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2004