John Falconer Forrester

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce that our beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Son-in-Law and Friend, John Falconer Forrester, passed away on March 3, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on July 9, 1958 in St. Albert, Alberta, John and family moved to Calgary shortly after his birth and called Calgary home.

During school years, John was a drummer in the Calgary Stampede Show Band and the Air Cadets band. He later bought his own drum set and provided drum lessons. While attending Bishop Carrol High School, he learned to fly and got his pilot license. He flew glider planes and did a solo flight in a Cessna 150 in 1975. After high school and odd jobs, he joined Chariot Express Ltd. (“Chariot”) and together with two other partners, built a successful trucking company. Eventually, John became the sole owner of Chariot and under his leadership, the company continued to thrive and grow to have over 70 employees. John retired in 2017.

In 1980, John met his wife Linda. John and Linda were married in 1983 and together raised three children, Jeffrey, Richard, and Kenny. They were married for 39 years. Prior to meeting Linda, John sold just about everything he owned so that he could travel to Scotland to spend time with Grandma Forrester and meet endless Aunts, Uncles and Cousins who lived in both Scotland and Ireland. John was very close to Grandma (Gertrude) Forrester who passed in 1985.

John valued family above everything else. He adored his wife and was so proud of his three boys. They were his greatest gifts. Nothing was more important to John than spending time with his wife, his sons and their families, his grandchildren, Linda’s parents, his twin brothers and other family. Linda’s parents (Geza and Phyllis Bodor) were “Mom and Dad” to John.

John was a kind, gentle and generous man who always smiled. He had the most positive outlook in any situation which was contagious to those around him. He was energetic and always willing to help with anything he could. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his sayings, one-liners and ‘grandpa stories’. Despite the demands of running a successful business, John always found time for others. While he didn’t have the opportunity to play sports as a child, he was determined to be involved in many sports with his sons. He coached many baseball teams throughout the years and was president of Centennial Little League in Calgary for several years. John filmed football games, filled his van with endless kids driving to and from all sorts of sports venues, organized events and always had treats for the kids. After retiring, John loved volunteering at his grandchildren’s school and attending their sporting events. Animals could sense John’s gentle nature and John enjoyed taking “grand puppies” out for walks.

John had many vehicles over the years and not one of them was ever dirty. Everyone who knew John, knows that his vehicle was always washed and clean. He had such pride in everything he did. When he mowed his lawn, it looked like a golf course. Friends and neighbours would always comment on how nice the lawn looked. John was always organized and ensured that every detail was taken care of. He even organized a parade when the Flames won the Stanley Cup in 1989.

John loved to skydive and received a Free Fall Certificate in 1981. John loved music, especially the blues and rock. He took up golf later in life and it became one of his favourite activities as while the game was a challenge, it allowed him to spend time with good friends and family. John and Linda played golf in every country they travelled to, even in Iceland. He also enjoyed curling and continued to curl even after knee replacement surgery. He loved to travel and together with Linda, they ventured to many places. A favourite spot was his condo in Canmore with a clear view of the 3 Sisters. John loved anywhere warm, sunny and a beach and travelled to many sunny destinations. Parksville, BC will always be special as it was the last trip John took last fall.

John was a fan of the Calgary Flames and didn’t miss the Stampeders Labour Day game which he attended every year with his sons and with his grandchildren as well. He enjoyed live comedy shows, theatre, concerts and all kinds of events including the Metropolitan opera in New York City. John was an excellent cook and loved to barbecue year round. He liked nothing better than to share a meal and then head off to an event with family and friends.

John is survived by his loving wife, Linda, and his three sons, Jeffrey (Jocelyn), Richard (Christine) and Kenny. He will be forever cherished by his four grandchildren, Alexandra, Jason, Harrison, and Bennett. He is also survived by twin brothers Stephen (Irena) and Michael, as well as Debbie (Don), Gary and several nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL (3220 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB) on March 15, 2023 at 2:00 PM.

Memorial donations be made to either the Rosedale Hospice (https://www.hospicecalgary.ca/donatenow/), or Kidsport Society of Calgary (https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/calgary/donate/).