Remembering John Karl Forrest

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of John Karl Forrest (30/12/1947). After a 4 year plus battle John passed away peacefully and pain free on July 20th, at OSMH, with family by his side. Husband of Carol of 47 years, proud father of Rob of Red Deer, Alberta and Dana (Dan) of Angus. Brother of Will (Julie) , Step Brother of Bill (Jackie) and Cathy (Chris). John was an Educator for 33 years. His final 10 years were spent as Principal of David H. Church Public School. His love of the students and staff, showing respect to both and believing in a team approach endeared him to many. After a year of retirement he was approached by the Mnjikaning First Nation to be Principal of their school. He accepted and later became their Director of Education. He finally decided it was time to retire once and for all. He was the recipient of the Special Achievement Award from the Province of Ontario in 1979 for his contribution to fitness and amateur sport in starting organized Ball Hockey, provincially, nationally, and now it has gone international. John and Carol are long time members of Lake St. George Golf Club. This was his favourite place to be and thanks to the Louth Family for all the kindness shown to John especially over the past 4 years. Special thanks to Larry, golf buddy and friend who made it possible for John to still get to the course for the past 2 years. John started his path to becoming an author as a founding member of the Mariposa writers group who published 2 anthologies. He also published two well received Christmas Books of his own, and has had a serial story in The Packet for many years in the week leading to Christmas Day. John is also the author of 17 stories that have been published in Chicken Soup Books - second highest in their history. John was one of the original members of The Coldwater Village Players, and truly enjoyed joining Rita, Wendy, Susan, Brenda and numerous others in various plays and musicals. He loved going to Roadrunner Lake Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona where he and Carol had a winter abode. Many wonderful memories and friends were made there, times never forgotten. Aside from his family and friends, he loved cheering his Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays and cruising in his 68 Mustang Convertible with the top down. Special thanks to Dr. Norm Kee, Dr. Kristin Farn, Dr. David Alexander, OSMH ER & Soldiers l staff and Respiratory Therapists for their excellent and compassionate care over the past 4 years. Our hospital has gone through very difficult cuts, but the staff remain fantastic & caring professionals. We are very fortunate to have so many wonderful, kind and caring friends who have been so supportive of John and the family during some very difficult times. Visitation will be at Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Homes, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia, (705) 326-3595, on Tuesday, July 26th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. On Wednesday, July 27th visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. immediately followed by a Memorial Service. The family would appreciate donations to OSMH, or a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.