JAMES HAIG FORSYTH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JAMES HAIG FORSYTH August 13, 1919 - January 6, 2016 Peacefully, in the early morning hours of January 6, 2016 James Haig Forsyth passed away at the age of 96. Jim was born and raised in Eriksdale, Manitoba, one of the six children born to John and Annie Forsyth. He often spoke of the way of life when he was a boy, recalling at the age of five or so watching his home being moved onto a new hand-poured concrete foundation by a team of horses while he played nearby with his toy trucks. Growing up he could often be found tinkering with radios and truck engines, anything he could take apart and figure out how it worked. His affinity for mechanics served him well and upon the start of the Second World War, Jim and his brother John answered the call of duty, travelling overseas to England where they spent their deployment driving and servicing various transport trucks and vehicles. His service to Canada earned him a Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and he was very proud to contribute to the war effort. Upon returning home from the war, Jim married his sweetheart Kathleen Willetts of Eriksdale on April 30, 1946. Together they settled in Eriksdale, where they raised their four children; John, James, Alan and Paul. Jim was an actively contributing member of his community. He drove trucks, graters and was proudly the first president of the Eriksdale Credit Union as well as Transportation Coordinator of the Lakeshore School Division. He was perhaps best known as the owner and head mechanic of Central Motors in Eriksdale which he operated with his brother and business partner John Forsyth until he retired in 1974. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years Kathleen; sons John, Jim (Linda) and Paul (Susanne) Forsyth, grandchildren; Avery, Heitha, Casey and Lucas Forsyth; great-grandson Ray; siblings Art Forsyth and Nan Elfenson; sister-in-law Iris Forsyth (nee Campbell) as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, Glen and Sandy Heroux and family, and beloved friends. He was predeceased by his parents John and Annie Forsyth, son Alan Forsyth, daughter-in-law Thelma Forsyth (nee Sigurdson) brother John Forsyth, sisters Emma Mills and Margaret Whitney, and in-laws Jim and Olivia Willetts, John Mills, Larry Whitney, Gladys Forsyth and Len Elfenson. Jim lived a long and full life filled with family, friendship and love to be celebrated. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. A service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at the Eriksdale Recreation Centre with Rev. Cliff McMillan officiating. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Al Forsyth Foundation Inc., PO Box 217, Eriksdale, MB R0C 0W0, the E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital Guild, c/o Irene Sigurdson, PO Box 474, Eriksdale, MB R0C 0W0 or a charity of your choice. Our family is so appreciative for the wonderful support we have received from our friends and our community. We also thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital for the kindness and care given to Jim and our family over the years. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern Lundar 1-204-768-2072 1-866-323-3593

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2016