Peacefully, with family by his side, Gregory Wayne Forsythe passed away on September 30, 2023 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 67 years.
Greg was born in Portage la Prairie, MB on August 9, 1956 to Harry and Frances Forsythe. Greg grew up with one brother, Doug and two sisters, Linda and Janice. Greg attended Victoria School, Prince Charles School, and Portage Collegiate Institute. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and then joined the Primary Reserve until 1975.
Greg lived in Portage, Brandon, Winnipeg, Regina, and Calgary. He worked in construction, sold electronics, installed security systems and later worked with fire alarm systems, even running his own business for a period of time. Greg’s job took him from Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba, to the Western provinces, and to extremely remote locations in the Far North.
Family was extremely important to Greg. He travelled to Ottawa many times to visit his sisters and their families and had many fun memories of his times there. He had a very close relationship with his brother and they often could be found going out for a meal together or helping each other to cook a delicious stir fry. He shared many fond memories he had of growing up and was so grateful for his mom and dad.
Greg was a very social man with numerous friends. He has been described by his friends as loyal, genuine, spontaneous, having a great (sometimes dry) sense of humour, and someone who was liked by everyone. He enjoyed many Friday and Saturday nights with friends at the Gordon Motor Inn in his younger years and enjoyed many gatherings for Tim’s coffee in the mall parking lot in his later years. During his time in the Portage Hospital, he thoroughly enjoyed all of the many visits he had with friends and family.
Greg was interested in cars, trucks, anything mechanical, electronics, reading the history of Portage, researching his family history and, most of all, driving fast. Anyone who knew Greg had a story about his need for speed and his white-knuckle experiences. He was quite proud of his pet project, his MG car. He was known for his keen interest in the news and emailed many articles to his family and friends on the daily. He enjoyed travelling for work and pleasure; visiting Europe with Tom McLean; St. Maarten with his sister, Linda and her husband, Jamie; Las Vegas with his brother to attend CONEXPO; and Churchill where he was lucky enough to see polar bears.
Left to cherish his memory are his nephew, Jeff Kerr (Olga Ouglitskih) of Ottawa; his niece, Andrea (Tyson) Klassen of Brandon; and his niece, Dawn (Peter) Tasse of Ottawa; his great niece, Kaitlin (Dustin); and great nephews, Maxim, Brennan, and Landon; his brother-in-law, Jamie Kerr of Ottawa; many cousins and friends.
Greg was predeceased by his father, Harry; his mother, Frances (nee Dutson); his sisters, Linda Kerr and Janice Forsythe; and his brother, Doug Forsythe. Greg’s family would like to thank all the staff at the Portage District General Hospital for their love, support and the excellent care that Greg received.
Greg will be terribly missed by all that knew and loved him. As per his wishes, cremation and a private internment will take place. A celebration of life in Greg’s memory will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 65, 275 Duke Avenue, Portage la Prairie, MB on Thursday, October 12 from 2-5pm.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Greg’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.
Ronald Moffit Memorial Services of Portage la Prairie, MB in care of arrangements.