Robert Stuart Forrest

Beloved husband to Iris Darlene Forrest of Edmonton. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Archie and Carolyn Forrest; sisters, Sara & Jean and brothers, Jim and Jack. In 1934, Bob was the fifth baby born to Archie & Carolyn—covering some 17 years from eldest to youngest. Bob leaves behind numerous other living sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and more spread all across Canada and in California.

Most certainly as important, Bob was a dear friend to many wonderful people.

Bob was born in the small town of Lancer, Saskatchewan. At age 12 and the last child at home, he moved with his parents to Abbey, Saskatchewan where his father transferred his John Deere Agency. He finished grade 12 in Abbey and went on to University of Saskatchewan where he earned an engineering degree. Bob moved to Alberta in 1960 taking a job teaching at the Vermilion School of Agriculture and held several jobs with the Department of Agriculture serving as Director of Rural Services. Bob went on to join the International Development Research Centre of Canada retiring as its Associate Director.

In 1968, he reconnected with and married a high school classmate who would become the love of his life, Iris Darlene—better known as Darl to some and “DeeDee” to others. Together they lived very active lives including going to the theater, downhill skiing, golfing, Scottish country dancing, traveling, playing bridge and spending time with their family and friends. They also loved spending time at their home away from home—their cottage at Clearwater Lake. Bob loved cooking, baking and was revered for his pie making skills. Moreover, he enjoyed a fine scotch from time to time or an ice-cold beer. In his prime, he was always a snappy dresser, loved his tartan kilt and wool plaids.

Mechanically inclined and tinkerer extraordinaire would be an understatement for Bob. He loved to figure out solutions and was a “go to” for many things that proved otherwise challenging for the rest of us. We always knew “Bob can fix it”. He was just that way.

Bob loved to smile and loved to laugh. He was well loved by the people whose lives he touched and he appreciated all of the friendships he enjoyed. While a vitally healthy man for most of his life, Bob was struck by Parkinson’s some six years ago and experienced growing challenged health over this course of time.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Devonshire Senior Community in Edmonton as well as to Kipnes Centre for Veterans, Alberta Health Service with a special thank you to Audrey Pointe and the Harmony Caregiving team who supported Bob’s care. Joined by Darl’s dedicated love and support and that of life-long friend Judy James and niece Rebecca Stokes; all were invaluable in his last few years of diminished capacity. In keeping with Bob’s wishes, no service will take place.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta, 20, 6835 Railway St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2V6.