Jim passed away peacefully at Victoria General Hospital after a short illness. Born in Nanaimo to Walter and Edith Forsyth, he was the eldest of four children. Predeceased by his loving wife Dolores (Dodie) in 2013, his parents and sisters, Lorna Armour and Joyce Waller, and nephews John and Tyson Waller. He is survived by his children – Lynda Ireland, Leslie Eno, and Brett Forsyth, son-in-law John Eno; six grandchildren – Steve Ireland, Holly-Anne Eno, Robyn Larose, Sean Eno, Sarah Eno and Michael Eno and respective spouses Bethany Ireland, Bryan Steeksma, Jon Larose and Katrina Eno; nine great-grandchildren; brother Terry Forsyth and Marianne Middleton and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Jim enjoyed a very rewarding career with the RCMP, and after many moves around the country, achieved the rank of Superintendent while stationed in Ottawa, retiring in 1985. He had many interests including mechanics, woodworking, chess, curling and computing. He was a tireless volunteer for many organizations over his life including early on with the Victoria Amateur Swim Club where he taught life saving.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge Goldstream from 1965-2011. In retirement, he was also involved with Victoria Division of RCMP Veterans and also served for a term as National Director; Chair/Vice-Chair and general maintenance man of his condo building, Chateauneuf, for 20 years; Pacific Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, and last but not least, the National RCMP Vets Net which he founded in the 1980’s, and of which he was extremely proud. His most avid hobby, however, was boating – first sailing in the Thousand Islands of Ontario and then power boating in and around Victoria where he was a member of Capital City Yacht Club. His most enjoyable times were spent captaining their boat Mer Blue with Admiral Dodie at his side as they cruised the Georgia Strait and Gulf Islands.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 29th, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC with reception to follow. Beginning at 1:30 pm, for family and friends unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed as well as archived at the following link: http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/6099.
Tributes to Jim, if desired, may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, BC, or a charity of choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Brett
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Murray MILNE - Saskatoon Division I had the honour of serving as a Director of the Veterans Association with Jim for, I believe it was three years. He was a generous guide and eager to assist the new Directors. He was proud to be a Director and gave generously of his time and knowledge. AGMs were special when he and Dodie were there.
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Peter & Gwen Baldry Gwen and I bought into Chateauneuf in 2002 for regular visits from the UK to our daughter’s family in Victoria – both Jim & Dodie were very welcoming, helpful to us “foreigners” and we enjoyed many social hours with them including travelling on their motorised “boat”. Jim was a perfect host and made us most welcome – we have many fond memories
Peter & Gwen Baldry
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CALVIN SMALL Pat and I join the many others who have expressed their condolences to the Forsyth Family. I got to know Jim during my service with the RCMP Veterans Association. As a director, his dedication to helping the members of the Association, especially those who were experiencing difficulties, was admirable. The support and wise counsel Jim provided me as National President was most appreciated. I have been privileged to have known such a fine person as Jim. May he rest in peace.
Cal Small, Governor
RCMP Veterans’ Association
Ottawa, Ontario.
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Doreen Langmead I didn’t know James Brett Forsyth but I’d like to offer my condolences anyway. I’d also like to ask if there’s any sort of connection with William Bannister Forsyth who was a missionary in Brazil because he looks a lot like him. My “Uncle” Ban was a fellow missionary my father Eric and with my (real) Uncle David. Uncle Ban lived with his (third) wife Brenda in Wiveliscombe, England and was over 100 years of age when he died.
Please get in touch and let me know through the funeral home.
Once more, my condolences for your sad loss.
Doreen
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Patty and John Dixon Patty and I were lucky to have Jim and Dodie as neighbours when we bought our house in Ottawa. We have many memories: neighbourhood Christmas parties, drinks on their deck, shared meals. Jim and Dodie kept an immaculate house – inside and out. There wasn’t anything Jim couldn’t build or fix. What a bonus for first time home owners!
After they moved home to Victoria, they kept in touch. They would visit each summer when they came ‘East’, entertain us when we went ‘West’, and send newsy Christmas letters. Last Christmas, Jim admitted he didn’t send any cards. We got a personal phone call instead.
Jim and Dodie were wonderful people and we know the family have many wonderful memories.
Condolences from Patty and John Dixon
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Robert Copeland Betty and I always considered both Jim and Dodie as our best friends from the 1960’s when we served in Victoria and again in Ottawa. Our condolences to his
family who we met occasionally while living in Victoria. Had a few nice sails on
his vessel Mer Blue when visiting him in Victoria after his retirement. We will
miss you Jim.
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Roy Berlinquette My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of a great individual. Jim was one of the first colleagues to greet me when I arrived in Ottawa in 1982. He had this gentleman’s way about him that gave one comfort and reassurance. We met over the years as members of the Vets and held long discussions about his passion for sailing. May you rest in peace, my friend.
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Joshua E Purney I HAVE KNOWN JIM FOR A VERY LONG TIME AND HE WAS A VERY FINE OFFICER TO WORK FOR IN OTTAWA. MAY AND I WISH TO EXTEND OUR CONDOLANCES TO HIS DAUGHTER AND FRIENDS. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY ALL.
JOSH AND MAY PURNEY
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Sharon Sutherland Condolences to all who are saying good-bye to Jim Forsyth who is so nobly described in this obituary. I did not have the privilege of knowing him, but I well know the Forsyth Eno family who have carried forward so many of his values, his skills, and his interests. I can only imagine how proud he was of who you are, just as you can find comfort remembering the person he was. May all of you know God’s peace and comfort. Sharon (and John) Sutherland
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Tim Hoban RIP my friend. We will be along to visit you before you know it. Sincerest condolence to your daughter, family and friends.
Governor Tim Hoban – RCMPVA
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Rick and Lise Morris Lise and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. We have fond memories of him and Dodie at RCMP Vets AGMs. I worked with Jim when he was on the National Board and when he was running the Vets Net. Jim was a tireless worker in support of the Vets and has earned nothing but respect from those who interacted with him. Please accept our condolences. We know you will always have fond memories.
Rick and Lise Morris
Past National President
RCMP Veterans Association
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Yves Campagna Jim was a good-humoured colleague and a great friend for many years. I replaced him at Headquarters when he retired. I extend by condolence to all members of his family.
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Phil McLellan We’ve lost a fine gentleman! Have good memories of my association with Jim at HQ. Sincere condolences to the family.
Phil McLellan
I miss you…