Obituary of Michael Forristal

To participate in the Livestream of Mike's funeral, please click here

Passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday December 16, 2020 at the age of 68 years.

Beloved husband of Brenda (nee Roberts), devoted father to daughters Jennifer (Dave Inglis) and Robin (Bradley Goulding), doting Granddad to Quinn, Kalem, Will, Harper and Emerson.  Dear brother of David (Carol McDonald), Patrick (Sharon Baird) and Mary-Ann (Paul Lis).  Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his mother Betty, father Ken, brother Richard, mother-in-law Pat Roberts and father-in-law Bill Roberts.

Mike was born in London, Ontario on September 28, 1952.  He grew up in Waterloo, attending St. Jerome’s High School before graduating “First in Class” from Mohawk College’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Program.  He started his extraordinarily successful career joining Wm. Roberts Electric where, under the mentorship of Bill Roberts he advanced rapidly leading to his appointment in 1991 as President of Conestogo Mechanical.  Under his leadership the company grew exponentially and his reputation for integrity, quality and innovation was widely recognized in the industry, resulting in him assuming key roles in the Mechanical Contractors Association of Kitchener-Waterloo, including serving as its President from 2010-2012.

Mike dedicated himself to community service.  As an active member of the Kitchener Conestoga Rotary Club (KCRC) for over 20 years, he was just recently made an honorary member to acknowledge his many years of exemplary service.  In addition, KCRC presented him with the Vern Asmussen Award, a Presidential Letter of Excellence and a Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest recognition given by Rotary International.  Whenever there was a need, Mike was there to help, serving on the World Community Service, Dream Home, Lobsterfest and Turkey Drive committees. He truly embodied the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”.

For all his accomplishments, what really mattered to him the most was being the best husband, father, granddad, brother and friend he could possibly be.  He loved cruising in his Corvette, golfing with his buddies, after work beer and wing get-togethers, hosting friends for a barbecue, but what truly gave him the most enjoyment was the time spent with family, especially at the cottage on Georgian Bay and at Marbelle on Marco Island, Florida.  Mike’s kind, gentle and fun-loving spirit will be sorely missed.

A private family service by invitation only will be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo on Sunday December 20, 2020 at 2pm.  A public livestream of the service will be available at www.erbgood.com by selecting Mike’s obituary notice. Cremation has taken place and interment at Parkview Cemetery; Waterloo will be held at a later date.

Condolences for the Forristal family and a donation to the Kitchener Conestoga Rotary Club Turkey Drive or Lutherwood “Steps for Kids” may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

To donate to KCRC Turkey Drive, click here

To donate to Lutherwood Steps for Kids, click here