April 18, 1924-September 14, 2004
The final curtain fell for Bob on Sept. 14, 2004. He died peacefully at Chilliwack General Hospital, in the arms of his loving wife of 20 years, Audrey Neufeld.
Bob was born and raised in Winnipeg, Man., and was an assessment auditor for the Workers’ Compensation Board for many years. Theatre was his great passion, both directing and acting. He was a life member of the Chilliwack Players Guild and A.C.T.R.A.
Bob was predeceased by his first wife Edith; his mother Mary; father Robert; and dear sister Agnes.
He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his number one fans, his wife Audrey; son Jamie (Lana) Forsythe; and daughter Cathy (Barry) Meade. The magic will live on and ‘Papa’ will always be very special to his five grandchildren, Mandy and Jamie Meade, and Ryan, Dalyn and Brittany Forsythe. Extended family will also miss him, Wanda Hook, Loyd (Gerry) Neufeld, and Chris (Christine) Neufeld. ‘GrandBob’ was also very special to Chris and Kerry, Darcie and Rebecca, Darla and Nick, Dana and Jeremy, Jinni and Peter, Angie and Rodney, and Lori and Jeff, and their children, the Mills family, Vi, Ed, Mike, Terry and Christie.
His quick wit, warm smile and huge heart touched all who met him. He will be fondly remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path. Recently, in recognition of Bob’s innumerable contributions to our community, the Rotary Club presented him with their most prestigious honour, the Paul Harris Award.
Special thanks to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit for all their help and support to Bob and the family.
The bottom line of the Ol’ Marquee reads: I lived well, laughed often, and loved much!
To continue Bob’s legacy in theatre, a new scholarship is being established for students studying theatre at the University College of the Fraser Valley. Donations can be made to:
The Robert Forsythe Memorial Fund, c/o The UCFV Foundation, 33844 King Rd., Abbotsford, B.C.. V2S 7M8. Cheques made payable to the ‘UCFV Foundation’. Please make note in the memo line on the cheque: ‘Re: R. Forsythe Memorial Fund.’
A Celebration of Bob’s Life will take place Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004 at 1 p.m., at the Chilliwack Arts Centre, 45899 Henderson Ave., Chilliwack.