Obituary of Robert Gordon Forsyth

FORSYTH: Robert Gordon 'Bob' -

A resident of Blenheim, Bob Forsyth passed away peacefully, fittingly on Family Day, Monday, February 18, 2019 at the Blenheim Community Village with his family at his side in his 90th year.

Born in Blenheim on May 24, 1929, Bob was the son of the late Robert and Johanna (Torrie) Forsyth.

Beloved husband of 67 years to Janet Forsyth (nee Sparks).

Loving father of Jerry Forsyth (Dianne) of Blenheim and Tim Forsyth (Patrice) of Merlin. Predeceased by his daughter Kim Smith (2001). Father-in-law to Brett Smith (Lynn) of Chatham.

Cherished Grandpa of Corrie Allingham (John) of Kingston, Rob Smith (Erin) of London, Lindsay Kucera (Chris) of Essex and David Stephenson (Nicole) of St. Thomas.

Great-Grandpa to Camryn and Jackson Allingham; Elaine and Samantha Smith; Adelaide, Maya, Charlotte and Victoria Kucera; and Amelia Stephenson.

Brother-in-law to the late Jack Sparks (Jean Crackel), the late Harold Sparks and the late Ronald Sparks (Sue).

Also missed by nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

Bob was a Life Member of Rotary International and Past President of Blenheim Rotary, Past President of the Christian Businessmen's Association and Founder and Past President of the Canadian Branch of Compassion International.

Following graduation from the University of Western Ontario, Bob became the Canadian Pacific Express and Telegraph Agent for the Blenheim, Chatham and Wallaceburg area. From there, he became the local agent for Greyhound Bus Lines, gaining the IATA license which led to the founding of Forsyth Travel Bureau Ltd. which continues to service the Chatham-Kent area today.

Being a proud Blenheimite, Bob was involved in the formation of the Blenheim Golf Club. He loved being a part of local sporting clubs and fundraising and supporting local causes such as the Blenheim Open, the United Way Golf Tournament and sponsoring local teams.

Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at the Blenheim Baptist Church, 24 Talbot Street East, Blenheim at 11:00 am on Friday, February 22, 2019 with Rev. Bill Terris officiating. Cremation to follow with a private family interment to be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim at a later date.

Donations made in memory of Bob to the Alzheimer Society, Compassion International, Blenheim Rotary or the Blenheim Baptist Church would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim, 519-676-3451