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Jack Forster was a man of compassion, generosity, wisdom and integrity. During his long life of over 99 years, he touched many lives and left the world a better place.
He was born in Alberta in 1922 and raised on a ranch. He attended schools in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and later enrolled in the University of Alberta, graduating with distinction, with a Civil Engineering degree in 1944. He followed with a Masters degree in Hydraulic Engineering from the University of Iowa in 1946. His engineering career took him to Alberta, Sao Paulo Brazil, Quebec, northern BC, Madison Wisconsin and finally Vancouver BC. His most recent position was Manager of Hydroelectric Design at BC Hydro. Jack always took his responsibilities to serve the public very seriously and worked with high personal ethics and moral standards.
Besides his professional career, Jack enjoyed his hobby of photography for many years, photographing weddings, community and church events, family gatherings and nature. His gallery showing of “Appreciation of Creation” highlighted his eye for beauty and artistry. He also enjoyed gardening, hiking, and running, and was involved in activities at West Van United and North Shore Alliance churches, the local Community Centre and gym. Jack made friends easily and nurtured friendships formed throughout his life. At the age of 99 he was still in touch with friends from his childhood and university years, and from all the areas he worked in, still actively interested in them and the details of their lives.
Jack met Bernice Opgarden while they were teenagers, and his marriage to her in 1947 lasted more than seventy years. Bernice was the source of his greatest joy and inspiration throughout his life. He honoured and loved her as his wife and life companion and the mother and grandmother of their family. They had four children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who brought them much happiness and enjoyment. He was pre-deceased by Bernice, and leaves to mourn three daughters (Elaine, Marilyn and Beverly) and one son (Marc) as well as his dear sister (Marjorie Sinal) in Calgary. The family is especially thankful and would like to express their appreciation for the kindness of the care staff at The Mayfair in Abbotsford, where he and Bernice lived since 2015.
Due to the current restrictions of Covid, a service of Remembrance will be held at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Jack Forster October 3 1922
December 16 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Abbotsford, Province: Colombie britanique