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IAN FORREST
Ian was a family man at his core. His pride and joy were his two children, Stephen and Jennifer, who he raised as a single father to be outstanding adults. Ian's devotion to his family ran deep, including caring for his elderly mother, Enyd Forrest, who meant the world to him, being an amazing father to his two stepdaughters, Heather and Natalie, and being a fun-loving grandfather to their children.
Ian was the type of man who would be there for you when you needed him, whether it's driving you across the country on short notice, coming to your rescue for a late-night emergency home repair or digging a hole with his tractor, which he only got stuck a couple of times.
Ian was happiest when he was at his family hunting cabin, Lo-Duck Lodge. He loved relaxing in the gazebo with a cold beer, listening to the sounds of nature and going for a canoe in his man-made slough. Ian was an avid hunter, spending countless days in the Delta Marsh paddling around Waterhen Bay, where he grew up hunting with his late father Rod and his brothers. Ian didn't care if he got a duck or two, he just wanted to be in the Marsh where he felt at home. Ian was also a very passionate upland game bird hunter, walking miles over the Prairie grass with the hopes of hearing the flutter of a grouse. When Ian wasn't hunting, he loved to shoot skeet in the backyard of the Lodge with his friends and neighbours. The skeet thrower usually "broke" when his friends were shooting better than he was.
Not only was Ian a devoted family man, he also supported many social initiatives and was a respected member of his community. He was a long-time supporter and member of the Conservative Party of Manitoba and was a 35-year volunteer with Ducks Unlimited Canada. Ian had many roles within Ducks Unlimited and he was always happy to do most of the work. He helped create and organize the Ducks Unlimited annual sporting clay shoot. The shoot originally started at Lo-Duck Lodge and eventually moved to the Woodlands area to become the largest North American sporting clay event.
Ian also helped campaign for the creation of Oak Hammock Marsh, now an internationally recognized building and area. His company also helped with the design of the iconic grass roof. Whether it was hosting dinners for Ducks Unlimited or campaigning for a cleaner environment and carp free marsh, Ian always worked his hardest and never asked for anything in return.
Ian was a successful and respected businessman. He ran RTI Forrest Roofing Consultants. The name RTI stands for his late-father Rod, his late-brother Tim and himself. For over 60 years, "Forrest" has been a trusted name in the Canadian Roofing industry. Ian joined Tim to run their family roofing business, started in 1960 by their father, Rod. Ian's long list of happy clients is a testament to the superior quality and professional job he was known for. Ian was proud to be the best damn roofing consultant and inspector in the province.
Ian was a man who had many accomplishments in his life, too many to list here. Right now it brings his family comfort to think that he's smiling, having a cold beer and watching the game with his dad and his late brothers, Patrick and Tim.
He will be deeply missed by his children, Stephen (Emily, Marshall) and Jennifer (Kevin), mother Enyd, stepchildren, Heather (Jacob, Leah, Riley, Rachel), Natalie (Shawn, Madi, Paige) and David (Caitlin), brothers, Ed (Angela, Christopher, Jeffrey) and Don, his sister Chloe (Joe, Alison, Ross), and many other family members.
Please raise a cold beer in honour of Ian and let him know how much he will be missed.
A celebration of Ian's life will be held on Friday, April 12 at ANAVETS Unit #283, 3584 Portage Avenue. Ian was a regular at the Legion and loved trying his luck in the meat draw. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., followed by a reception at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to attend. Come and share your memories of Ian, it would mean the world to his family.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 08, 2019
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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Truly saddened at the news of Ian’s passing. My condolences and love to his family. Ian and I grew up on Duffield Street together with a great group of kids and count the friendship of our early years as some of the best of my life. My mom always said Ian and I always got in to trouble but we’re good kids. I fondly remember going over to visit Mrs. Lidyard with Ian as she always had a candy bar for us. God bless Ian and his family. - Posted by: Gord Morrison (Friend ) on: Apr 13, 2019
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Truly shocked and saddened to hear of Ian's passing, Ian was one of the first people I remember other than family growing up. We had many great times growing up together on Duffield St. after the Forrest family moved when we were teens we lost touch, but would run into each other occasionally over the years, it was always Hi Tif,a smile, hand shake, and a hug, I will miss him. - Posted by: Cliff Graham (friend ) on: Apr 11, 2019
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Ian - Truly saddened and shocked MY Life Long friend I could say he was the closest to a having a brother for me 46 years of life's adventures - growing as teenagers into adults together . So many Social evenings I know Ian cherished as I did . Never a argument , always a smile and laugh. I know when I drive to the Lodge I will always close my eyes , listen and hear You and Tim and Rod. Rest my friend Stewart Astleford - Posted by: Stewart Astleford (Friend) on: Apr 11, 2019
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Ian was a man that had quality’s we all wish to achieve, he was a great friend and a fantastic mentor always ready to share his vast knowledge... he will be missed .... and I will never forget his smile and willingness .... love you Ian I miss you a whole lot ✌️ - Posted by: Ward Dallman (Friend ) on: Apr 09, 2019
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Ian was my life-long friend, thanks to the special bond shared by our mothers who were Registered Nurses together at the Winnipeg General and later at Deer Lodge Hospital, our parents who later went on double-dates together and bought homes near each other in the '50's , and then had their families around the same time. We grew up thinking we were cousins, and that lasted a life-time. Ian was one of those very special people who seemed to have the patience of Job, and a smile and laugh that could warm the coldest day. We didn't see each other often in our adults lives, since I moved away from Winnipeg, but I always kept tabs on him and his siblings through their dear mother Enyd, also known as my "Auntie Skipper." I am saddened to know that Ian's 'big lion' heart has stopped beating; he will be so deeply missed. Blessings on your memory and spirit my friend, and my love goes to Ian's children and the entire Forrest family at this time of loss. Thank you, Ian, for all that you did to help and serve others, and for the great person and friend you have been. - Posted by: Pauline James Curtis (Life-long family friend and 'honourary cousin') on: Apr 08, 2019
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My condolences to Ian’s family. I am so glad I was able to spend some quality time with Ian before he past. He was a true friend. He was always there for me through good times and bad for over 20 years. Memories that will never fade. You will be missed my friend. Until we meet again. Cheers!!! Marnie Hampshire - Posted by: Marnie Hampshire (Friend) on: Apr 08, 2019
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Saddened and shocked when I heard the news. Just spoke with him two days before his passing. Always a pleasure working with him professionally and visiting with him personally. I have but one word to describe Ian [INTEGRITY]. He is and will continue to be sorely missed. Thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends. Another great one has left us. - Posted by: George Huston (Client and friend.) on: Apr 08, 2019
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I am so sorry to hear of Ian's passing. I worked together with Ian on various projects and I always enjoyed his company. He was such a friendly person. He was reliable, hard working, and I had a lot of respect for his ability to help with roofing issues. My sincerest condolences to his extended family. - Posted by: Paul Boge (Friend) on: Apr 08, 2019
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We are so sorry and offer our deepest condolences to the family. He was a great friend and loved having him over for barbeques, watching the hockey or football or just having a beer on the patio with my husband, George. He was so proud of all his kids and grandchildren and so devoted to caring for his mom. He is a wonderful man and we will miss him so much! Blessings and love George and Nicki - Posted by: George and Nicki Gibson (Gardos) (Close friend) on: Apr 08, 2019
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I am so shocked to hear of Ian's passing. We just saw him a few weeks ago at a reunion of old friends. He was such a happy, friendly guy who made a great impression on people. I went to school with Tim. Another sad and sudden loss for the Forrest family. Deepest condolences to all of Ian's beloved family and friends. You too, Perry! I know you will all miss him forever. May Ian always walk beside you, especially when you need him most of all. God Bless XO - Posted by: Sara Mosher (Friend) on: Apr 08, 2019
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Was saddened to hear this. Best friends for many years back in the day. Had often thought of looking him up. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: John Phillios (Old friend) on: Apr 08, 2019
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I only met Ian once or twice, but have seen firsthand the legacy of his work in Delta Marsh at LoDuck Lodge, Oak Hammock Marsh and Ducks Unlimited Canada, his passing will certainly be missed by all. - Posted by: Chris Benson (Family friend) on: Apr 08, 2019
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Sorry to hear of Ians passing. My condolences to the rest of the family. We will have a beer again one day buddy. - Posted by: Curt Newman (Friend) on: Apr 08, 2019
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As I write this it is with a very heavy heart.I am saddened by the passing of my very good friend Ian.Ian was a true friend.I cannot remember over the 50 years we knew easch other,a single time Ian was not supportive of his friends and Family.A true gentleman and positive influence in my life.I will miss you greatly my Friend. - Posted by: Perry Switzer (Long Time Friend) on: Apr 08, 2019
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I’m a retired commercial roofer and have meet Mr.Ian on several job sites he was involved with/class act guy/My condolences to the family - Posted by: Denis Lecuyer(Red) (Aqaintance ) on: Apr 08, 2019