William (Bill) Forth

After a brief battle with an aggressive cancer, William (Bill) Forth passed away at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital on July 24, 2021 . Bill was predeceased by his wife of 49 years Edith (Dawson) in 2013.  Bill recently enjoyed the companionship of Ghislaine Laferriere, who also assisted with his caregiving at the end.

Bill is survived by his children Angela (Ed) and Kevin (Luann).  He was special “Pappy” to Nick and Natalie Ghikadis, and Steffani (Johan) DeVries.  Fondly remembered by Stephanie Adams and her son Olsen, and Steven Stickwood and his family.  Also survived by brother-in-law John Mitchell (Barb), sister -in-law Ruth Smith (Carl), and their families.  Bill is predeceased by his younger sister Barbara Mitchell (2016).

Bill’s dad Kenneth was stationed in Summerside, Prince Edward Island during World War II when he met and married Bill’s mom Ruth (MacLellan).  Bill was born in Summerside on June 12, 1942.  He came with his mother to Bracebridge as a baby on a “blacked out” train (to prevent bombing) to live with Ken’s parents until the war was over.

After growing up in Bracebridge where Bill attended Bracebridge Public School and Bracebridge High School, he worked at a number of jobs including Maher’s Shoe Store on the “main street” where he met Edith who worked at Ecclestone Hardware.  Bill and Edith were married on September 19, 1964 at the Windermere United Church.  They were able to purchase a piece of property from Edith’s Uncle Abe Dawson where they began building the house that they raised their family and provided a happy and loving home.

For many years, Bill worked at The Pines before moving over to the District of Muskoka.  At both places, he tended to all maintenance matters and was able to fix anything – a true handyman.  Coworkers and friends were very familiar with Bill’s quick wit and sense of humour, always ready and willing to tell a joke.

After retiring, Bill had the opportunity to spend more time with his beloved grandchildren who have many fond memories of their Pappy.

A kind and caring “salt of the earth” gentleman, he will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lisa Tsugios, all of the nurses who cared for Bill at the hospital, palliative care nurse Cathy McKeown, and a special thank you to Para-med’s nurse Christina.

Visitation will be held at Reynolds Funeral Home, 1 Mary Street, Bracebridge, on Friday, July 30th, 2021 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 31st, 2021 at 11 a.m.

Burial to follow at Ullswater Township Cemetery.

Due to Covid restrictions, visitations will be held in half-hour intervals and there are limitations in numbers of attendees for the funeral service. Registration is required for attendance of both, and this can be done by clicking the RSVP button beside each visitation interval and the funeral service or by calling Reynolds Funeral Home (705) 645-2257. Masks will be required.

Should you wish, donations in memory of Bill can be made to a charity of choice.