Obituary of Frederick "Fred" James Forster

FORSTER: Frederick James Forster slipped away peacefully at his home in Brandon on August 8, 2011 at 67 years of age. Fred was born in Melita, Manitoba on December 29, 1943, to Jean and Charlie Forster and was the youngest of four children. His school years were spent in Melita where Fred met his wife, Sharon (Elliott) whom he married on August 6, 1966. The couple moved to the family homestead in Waskada and Fred enjoyed farming the land for the next twelve years. During this time, they had a son, Michael and daughter, Tara and eventually relocated their family to Killarney Lake. Fred loved the house that he and Sharon had built on the lake and took every opportunity to enjoy its amenities. He loved to go boating, water skiing, golfing and tending to his beautiful yard and gardens. Fred always had a special place in his heart for the people he had met and the friendships he had made while his family resided in Killarney. He was very community minded and volunteered his service for ten years as a trustee for the Turtle Mountain School Division and more than fifteen years as a magistrate for the Province of Manitoba. During these years, Fred also worked for Moore's Building Centre and Red Power and Equipment. When Miller Farm Equipment took over the local Case International, Fred had the opportunity to transfer to Brandon. So in 2009, he and Sharon joined their families in Brandon where they were able to be closer to their grandchildren. Fred absolutely adored his four granddaughters: Bailey, Sydney, Athalia and Layla. He devoted much of his time to attending special events for each of "His Girls." Grandpa sat through many piano festivals, dance recitals, plays and productions, as well as soccer games and Karate lessons and he loved every minute of it. Grandpa Fred was also a naturalist at heart and loved to spend time outdoors with his granddaughters. He enjoyed teaching them how to catch frogs and butterflies, taking them to collect interesting rocks and artifacts, and picking flowers and beautiful bouquets for each and every one of his girls. Grandpa spent countless hours taking his granddaughters for walks and bike rides and making the most of every moment he could with all of his girls. Grandpa also had a great love of animals and had two special dogs in his life: Jessie and Cody – who both adored him as much as he loved them. Dad was a loving husband and an amazing father who was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever his family or friends were in need. He renovated and remodeled his children's houses, built them many decks and fences and tilled their gardens with the strength and energy of ten men. He ultimately left an incredible piece of himself in every part of their lives. Dad also loved to travel with his family whether on four wheels or two! He had the spirit of an adventurer and enjoyed taking Sharon and the kids on numerous car and motorcycle trips through Sturgis, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, B.C. and Alberta. But it was the ultimate highlight of Dad's life to have had the opportunity to take his family to Disneyland on two occasions. The memories that you made will never be forgotten Dad! Fred was predeceased by his parents, Lila Jean and Charles Forster and brother-in-law Melvin McComb. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; children Michael (Carolyn) Forster and Tara (Barry) Somerset; grandchildren Bailey, Sydney, Athalia and Layla; sisters Mary McComb and Donna (Bert) Lohner and brother George (Felisa) Forster, as well as many special nieces, nephews and cousins. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 727B-10th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4G7.