ROY FORSYTHE

Roy Forsythe, 87, of Alberton Township, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with heart disease, with his family by his side, on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
That he survived for 16 months from time of diagnosis is a tribute to his determination and inner strength.
Roy was born March 30, 1922 in Fort Frances to the late David and Elizabeth May Forsythe. Shortly after his birth, Roy moved to International Falls, Mn. with his parents and siblings and spent his childhood with his 12 brothers and sisters on the Van Lyn Road.
Besides his parents, Roy was predeceased by his brothers, Ivan, Harold, and Norman; and sisters, Helen, Viola, and Eunice.
Roy is survived by his wife, Helen; son, Tim (Susanne) of Winnipeg, Man.; daughter, Wendy (James) Seeley of Dryden, Ont.; five grandchildren, Carrie, Tracey, Jonathan (Danielle), Elizabeth (John), and Jaime; and four great-grandchildren, Jacee, Kloe, Izaac, and Sasha.
Also surviving are his sisters, Irene, Gladys, and Muriel; brothers, Freeman (Rose) and Gerald (Rita); numerous nieces and nephews; lifetime friend, Bert (Chris) Lavigne; as well as many dear friends throughout the area.
Prior to the start of the Second World War, Roy was employed as a camp cook on the Alaskan Highway. In July, 1943, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served with pride and distinction until his honourable discharge on Sept. 15, 1945.
Roy attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer 1st Class and was awarded the War Medal 1939-1945, North Atlantic Star, and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
Roy was united in marriage to the former Mary Rose Helen Radford on July 29, 1944 in Port Arthur, Ont.
After his discharge from the Royal Canadian Navy, Roy returned to Fort Frances and worked for J.A. Mathieu and the Ontario Minnesota Pulp and Paper Company.
In the early 1950s, he started up his own contracting business, which was known as Roy Forsythe and Son. Roy was responsible for the construction of many homes in the Fort Frances/Dryden area, but his true calling came in April, 1966 when he became a Customs officer in Fort Frances.
Of special note is the time he spent on Ottawa Island. His adventures and exploits during this time are what legends are made of.
He thoroughly loved his job, and once again he served his country with pride and honour until the time of his retirement in April, 1986.
After his retirement from Canada Customs, Roy took up the hobby of propane refrigeration. This brought him in contact with numerous people from both sides of the border, and once again many adventures and long-lasting friendships ensued.
One of his greatest loves, outside of his family, was the great outdoors. From the days of the early 1950s, which were spent on Rainy Lake and Cherry Island, to his adventures north of Kenora, Dryden, Ear Falls, and Pickle Lake, where he formed many long-lasting friendships with the local outfitters and bush pilots in the area. He loved to fly, and enjoyed meeting everyone involved with the outfitting industry.
Once again, he became a true friend, legendary fixture, and story-teller to all he came in contact with.
Roy was awarded the Township of Alberton Senior of the Year in 2006, and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 in Fort Frances.
Cremation took place in International Falls, Mn., and a memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Fr. Wayne McIntosh officiating.
Interment will take place in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 Color Party will provide a military tribute during the service.
The honourary pallbearers will be Freeman Forsythe, Gerald Forsythe, Bert Lavigne, Jim Brow, Don Chambers, Allan Jewell, and Bob Meyers.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 920 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N4 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com