Obituary Overview
Forbes, John Alexander
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, John Alexander Forbes. John A. to some, Jack to many but “Johnsie” to us, was a proud man who lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. His passing was no different. He died peacefully in his sleep, with family by his side.
He joined the Navy as a young man, making many lifelong friends, most notably his dear friends Gord and Bridie Lonar. Gord predeceased John by a lifetime of 33 years, but their long and loud Uckers games still ring in our ears – and Bridie and Margaret’s friendship has stood the test of time.
After the Navy John was soon drawn to the emerging CableTV industry. He was one of Canada’s cable pioneers and speaks fondly of his days at MetroVision in Bedford/Sackville. His experience building cable systems took him to the US for a time where he worked with his sister Margaret “Tudy” and brother-in-law Gerry Kazma’s cable businesses in Michigan and Indiana. An entrepreneur before it was fashionable, John returned to Nova Scotia and tried his hand in many new ventures, either as a sole proprietor or mentor helping others with his business skills and experience. His love was Cable TV though and the many friendships made with co- investors and colleagues, among them his dearest friend Edd Twohig, as well as Lloyd Caldwell, Kirk McCullough, Yvonne Cosgrove and Dil Isherwood.
John and Margaret raised their four children in Clayton Park and attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. Pius the X Churches. Parish life was important to them especially the wonderful people in the community. Barb and Clyde Holland, Lloyd and Ida Knickle and Kie and Linda MacIsaac were household names. After Clayton Park they moved to Kentville in 1978 where the children attended school, KCA and Acadia University. The Annapolis Valley was a special place for the family.
Through all these years Margaret’s family, the MacIsaac’s, played prominent roles providing love, support, lots of laughs and tears, often intermingled – and song.
John was generous to a fault and gave of his time and talent for those less fortunate. He loved to cook and always made enough “goodies” to be sent home. He was an early adopter of technology (bought one of the first apple computers sold in North America!) and kept up with the latest trends and social media.
John is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Margaret Helen Forbes (nee MacIsaac) of St. Pat’s HomeCare in Ottawa, his children Brian (Wendy) Ottawa, Heather (Collin) Ottawa, Mark (Christina) Kemptville and Sandra (John) of Halifax along with his 9 grandchildren of whom he was so very proud of each and every one and their accomplishments: Ailish (Victor), Jonathan, Alexander (Monika), Brandon, Zachary (Jamye), Rebecca, Rylan, Hayley and Struan. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret “Tudy” Kazma (Gerry) of Naperville, Ill., and Carol Vold of Lethbridge, AB.
He is predeceased by his parents Donald and Margaret Forbes of Kingston, ON and brothers Donald (Joan) Truro NS and Robert (Margaret) of Kingston, ON.
There will be a visitation on Monday, March 12th from 7:00 – 9:00pm at Kelly Funeral Home on 3000 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa. The funeral will be at 1:00pm at St. Maurice’s Parish, 4 Perry St., Ottawa A reception will follow in the church hall. If you wish, you can make donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. If Dad could have, he would have found a cure for Mom.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Alexander Forbes 2018.source
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario