It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Donald Francis Forsyth in Penticton, British Columbia on November 2, 2021 at the age of 90 years. Born the youngest of three boys in Windsor, Ontario to James and Francis Forsyth (née Small), he was predeceased by his brothers Andrew and James, and his son-in-law Phil. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 65 years Madeleine (née Metz); their children Bill (Claire), Robin (Carmen), Scott, Brian, and Kim; their grandchildren Adrian, Andraya (Graham), Maggie (Matt), Sarah (Roman), Amanda (Ryan), Heidi, Benjamin, Matthew, Noah, and Harley; and great-granddaughter Eleanor.
Don was a devoted and loving husband and father. He was an artistic soul and a proud member and supporter of the artistic community. He pursued the arts in university, spending a memorable time abroad at St. Andrew’s University, Scotland. He particularly loved music and theatre, performing with the St. Andrew’s University Choir, the Tudor Singers of Montreal, St. Andrew’s and St. Paul’s Church Choir, and, in his youth, the Windsor Light Opera where he would meet the love of his life. Don and Madeleine’s shared interest in singing would continue into retirement.
He lived a rich and full life, getting to travel the world extensively throughout his 26-year career in his role as Executive Producer of local programming at CFCF-TV Montreal. He was also highly recognized for the numerous years and countless hours spent producing the annual Montreal Telethon of Stars for research into children’s diseases. A natural storyteller, he could entertain for hours with interesting anecdotes. This talent translated to him winning numerous awards for his work, notably the Society of American Travel Writer’s Lowell Thomas Award in 1985. He was a funny man with a dry wit, and one always knew something good was coming as he would develop a small wry smile before telling it. He also had a unique passion for collecting decorative eggs, amassing well over 200, with many of them memories of previous travel.
After moving from Montreal to Penticton for retirement, Don’s passion and energy for music and theatre did not wane. He engaged in his community by working with the Penticton Arts Council, he and Madeleine sang together with the Naramata Community Choir, and he was in several performances with Soundstage Productions. He was a wonderful grandfather who kept careful tabs of all his grandchildren’s interests and delighted in playing card, board and party games with them when they came to visit. He developed a keen interest in gardening and could always be found sitting on his bucket tinkering in the soil.
The Forsyth family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Trinity Care Centre for providing such compassionate care. A private family gathering will be held in lieu of a Celebration of Life. Any thoughts or memories of Don are most welcome and may be e-mailed to Providence Funeral Home, Penticton, British Columbia. Memorial tributes may be made to The Penticton and District Community Arts Council. Always thinking of you Dad – on to your next trip.