I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of the utmost Gentleman. He was an amazing musician and deeply respected by his peers. I fine educator and so sincere in everything that he did. Thank you Jim for your kindness and compassion. You are deep in our hearts and will be greatly missed. Nina

Dear Linda & Family
My sincere condolences on Jim's untimely passing - he was a talented musician, and dedicated member of the Royals for many years - a calm, steady presence in the band that will be missed by many.  Ready Aye Ready.

How deeply saddened I am to know of Jim's passing.  He and I worked together - most memorably as music teachers at the Toronto School Board's vocal music camp, Voices at the Boyne.  Jim's talents and attributes were many and his kindness and gentle thoughtfulness knew no bounds.  Those of us who were privileged to know him were far the better for it.  
With sincerest condolences to his wife, Linda, and his family,
Shelagh Cohen
 

Dear Linda, Andrew, Scott and family,
We are very sorry for the loss of Jim and our prayers and thoughts are with all of you
at this time. Let there be comfort that loved ones and extended family have you in their thoughts.
Allan, Isabel and Elliot McMullan and the extended McMullan family,
(Joan, Floyd, Carole, Ravi, Simon and Alana)

My sincere condolences to Linda and her family at this sad time. Jim truly was a man who was  "young in years, but full of time when measured by the experiences of his life."



My deepest condolences on the loss of Jim.  To his family, friends and all the students, band and choir members who had the privilege of knowing him over the years.  He was a very kind, dignified man with a quick sense of humour and always made us laugh.  His ability to stay positive was inspirational. Last summer, while the band was in St.Andrew's, a group of us took some of the Resort bikes out for a tour.  Despite being the oldest member, he out-biked us all! We rested on the shore while he biked out to an island and back before the tide came in!  He was taken far too soon and I will miss him terribly.  Rest in peace Jim.  

Remembering Jim for his happy music in our high school days and recently with Encore. May you find comfort in your memories.

I have known Jim Forrest, and his wife Linda, since 1967 when they both began their teaching careers in the Forest Hill School in which I was teaching. Jim's quiet gentle manner soon won the hearts of both staff and students alike. These same qualities of Jim's won Linda's heart as well, and in 1970 I had the pleasure of attending their beautiful wedding. Jim was an exceptional human being, whose kindness and integrity were admired by all who came to know him.

We are indeed saddened by the passing of our fellow chorister James Forrest.
I first met him while singing with The Queensmen choir then again with the Let There Be Music choir.
Such a gentleman, with poise and patience towards us not as musically gifted.. Much sought after for his talents and knowledge. A man who always had a ready smile and a kind word and ready wit.
He was a very kind soul and will be missed by us all.
The last time I saw James , he gave me a hug as I left.... I can still feel that hug.
Our condolences to Linda and the Forrest family. 
Our thoughts and prayers serve to support you.
Blessings to all.


Linda and family,
I am heartbroken about Jim’s passing. He was such a gentle, kind and gracious man. Those of us in Let There Be Music Community Choir are devastated and saddened at his passing. He will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
God speed.

Dear Linda and Family
Jane Robinson told me about your Husbands passing at church this morning.   So sorry to hear the news.
I will keep you and family in my prayers as you remember your wonderful life together.
God Bless you all
Love Helen Taylor. St B.

My dearest brother,
My heart is very sad, but happy too that I have been able to share so much of your life...Wonderful "Thanksgivings" at the cottage...Summers with Scott and Heather...Christmas with Andrew and Erin.
I want you to know how much I love you and how grateful I am to have had you for my brother.
Your sister
Joan

Dear Uncle Jim,

I will forever remember our conversations we had this past summer at the cottage, it was a beautiful time sitting there with you on the front porch, as we gazed out over the lake with the sun shining down on us. 

Thank you for sharing your life with all of us.

Love, 
Paul


On Behalf of The Royal Regiment of Canada Association we would like to express our condolences to the Forrest family and friends. He was a valued member of the The Royal Regiment of Canada Band for many years and he'll be missed.

Regards,


WO Glen Moore (Ret'd) CD, Vice President and Webmaster
The Royal Regiment of Canada Association

Dear Joan and Family,
This is the time you hoped would not come for a very long time and I am so sorry that your very loved one has now left you. 
With love at your time of grieving,
Maureen Tracey

My sincere sympathy...
From your NTCI classmate 

Farewell Jim---my heartfelt sympathies to your family.  We played near and frequently alongside one another from 1961 to 2018 and travelled far and afield about this planet as musicians with the Band of the Royal Regiment of Canada.  Many of our and our associates' exploits are not appropriate to add in this venue, but you know much of those memories to which I allude.  Our circle of buddies has been slowly but inexorably passing on to those choirs in the sky, where I expect to make music with you and them anon---but hopefully not too soon!  I am glad that we got to enjoy so many events together over the many long years---your constant friendship and mild manner made you a stalwart amongst those with whom to feel comfortable sharing life's events throughout the decades.  The clarinet sections of "the Royals" and "the Encore Band" will seem a bit lonlier for some time owing to your passing---hopefully some new blood can arise and fill your shoes in time.  Rest, dear friend, and join the music of the angels in eternity.

Hi Linda,

So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing.

Blessings,

John Hinkley

The soundtrack of Jim’s life was music, a talent that was nurtured in his early years 1958-64 at North Toronto Collegiate in the first public school instrumental music program of its kind in the province. It was there on the athletic field at 7:30 am in the misty mornings that Sheila(French horn) and I (tuba) came to know Jim (clarinet) as we all sleepily stumbled round and round the field blowing our instruments while at the same time trying to perfect the not-so-straight lines of the marching band. Those glorious years in the Red and Gray of our beloved NTCI gave us not only the lifelong gift of music, but also of enduring friendships that saw us through numerous ‘nefarious’ adventures, canoe trips, parties, marriage, births, and now the finality of death. The sword wears out its sheath and the soul out wears its breast. Jim’s soul was as gentle and kindly as could be found in the spectrum of humanity. That Gabriel’s horn will now have another worthy accompanist in Heaven’s orchestra is beyond doubt. Stay tuned Jimmy!

 We have known Jim since the 1960s at McMaster University.  Our families went on a picnic every summer to Niagara Falls with our children for many years. We will always remember so many fun times with Jim, Linda,  Andrew and Scott during the past 50+ years.
 Jim was an honest, gracious, fun loving and sincere person whom we will miss very much.
Linda and family, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Love,

Linda and Norm

As former neighbours of Jim and Linda Forrest we began and have subsequently enjoyed a long term friendship. Particularly relaxing were our luncheon get-togethers, often discussing subjects A to Z! Jim was always very soft but clear in his opinions, and any alternative views on his part would be gently explained. He was a very proud man of his wife, Linda, and family. 
We valued Jim's friendship and will sincerely miss him.
Love and sympathy to Linda and their Family.
Wally and Martha

OBITUARY

James Allan Forrest

November 4, 1943 – January 5, 2019

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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