Obituary of John Forbes

John (Jack) Brooke Forbes July 4, 1920 - May 7, 2013 The family of John (Jack) Brooke Forbes wish to announce the passing of their beloved father on May 7, 2013 at the age of 92. Jack was the loving husband to Margaret Gwen (Dibben) for 67 years and father to Heather Shipman (Mike), Ian Forbes (Dianne) and Jane Forbes (Laurent). Adored Papa to John Shipman (Mercedes), Brooke French (Chris), Katie Colvin, Patrick Colvin, Mary Forbes, Jack Forbes and a dear Papa Jack to great grandchildren Elora Shipman, Amelie Shipman and Brady French, Brother, partner and best friend to Ralph Forbes (Phyllis) and Frances Reynolds, step brother to William Harvey (Patricia) and Cameron Harvey (Linda). Cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews, son of the late Eileen Stewart Ainslie Forbes Harvey and Russell Arthur Forbes. Born July 4th, 1920 in Winona Ontario, he attended school in Brantford, Ontario and attended Queens University in Arts 42 Commerce and Finance. He left Queens in 1940 to join the Army and served with the 15th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery as a Captain, being awarded the Military Cross for action in Holland. He also served with the No 2 Forward Observer Unit of the 8th British Airborne Regiment as a liaison officer. Jack joined with his brother Ralph to form Forbes Motors Ltd. in Welland and then Kitchener/Waterloo from 1948 until 1981 when they sold to Russell Forbes. Jack served as President of the K-W Gyro Club and was a member of the K-W Senior Gyro Club. He was active in the Waterloo Rotary Club and was made an Honorary Member as well as receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Jack served as President of the Ontario Automobile Association and as a Director of the Canadian Automobile Association. Jack was a founding Director of Junior Achievement of K-W and then as a Governor of Junior Achievement of the Waterloo Region and an Honorary Governor. He was President of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and a Director of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and honourary member. Jack was President of the K-W Chapter of CISV (Childrens' International Summer Village) and then President of the Canadian Association. Jack served as a Director and then President of the K-W Westmount Golf and Country Club and was made an Honorary Member. He was a member of the Atlantis Golf Club in Atlantis, Florida and was a Director of the Ontario Golf Association and a Governor of the Canadian Seniors Golf Association and was a member of the International Seniors Amateur Golf Association. Jack was an extremely generous man in every way supporting his community financially and with his leadership abilities. He served his country with bravery, was a partner in a successful business and was the rock and foundation of his family until the end, inspiring us all with his courage and grace in his declining years. He never lost his sense of humour and positive outlook. Next to his family, his love was golf and his second homes were Westmount Golf and Country Club in Kitchener and Atlantis Golf and Country Club in Florida. Our heartfelt thanks go to the staff of the Elliott Community, Home Instead and Luther Village and to dad's very special friend and caregiver Jay Armistead. Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories of Jack during visitation at the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo on Sunday, May 12 from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at First United Church, 16 William St. W. Waterloo, on Monday, May 13 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow at the Westmount Golf and Country Club, 50 Inverness Drive, Kitchener. Private interment at Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener. Condolences for the family and donations to Kidsability, Junior Achievement or to First United Church may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or by calling 519.745.8445.