Dr. R. Forbes Colgate

COLGATE - At the Woodstock General Hospital on Tuesday, 11 April 2006, Dr. R. Forbes Colgate of R.R. 3, The Governor's Road, Woodstock, in his 94th year. Belov&egraved husband, partner, best friend, soul-mate, and Scrabble sparring partner of Jean Fearman Colgate (née Martyn), for 62 years on April 15th. Much belov&egraved by and very proud of his offspring, father and grandfather, guide, mentor, and inspiration of Brian, his wife Cathy [Kate], and their children, Scott, Mhairi, and Martha, of Napanee, ON; Susan Colgate and her daughter, Lydia, of Adelaide, Australia; Philip, his wife Wendy, and their daughters, Karissa and Shannon, of Calgary, AB; Catherine Coss, her husband Roger and their children, Kimberley and Gregory, of Warren, MB; Patricia Warder and her husband Henry and their children Erin, Daniel, and Bethany, of Reaboro, ON; and Carol Hutchinson and her husband Dave of Victoria, BC. His caring for former daughters-in-law Lee Anderson and Pili Palm-Leis did not cease. Much loved brother of Connie Wallace of Peterborough, Barbara Speers (Jack) of Barrie, Norah Shedden of Young's Point, and Nancy Adams of Toronto. Predeceased by his elder brother William, his younger brother Boyd, and his wife, Margaret ‘Peggy' Rosamond Lamont [d. 1942]. Forbes was raised in Toronto, Montréal, Wingham, and Weston. Very much a product of the Depression, he supported himself through high school at night by working days in the shipping department of Eaton's College Street. Forbes gained entrance to the Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph [which - he always reminded us - was then part of The University of Toronto], where he made a reputation as an excellent baker through his part-time job during his years there, and gained distinction as a keen student, always standing in the top few of his 71 classmates. Having trained with the Ontario Agricultural College Contingent of COTC, he was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps on graduation with the OVC Class of 1941. Following his WW II service, he entered practice as a Veterinarian, first in a small animal clinic in Toledo, OH, and then in his own practice in Woodstock and Oxford County during the late 40's and early fifties, working mainly with large animals throughout the County, and small animals through his clinic. Each of his children has a stock of memories and stories, both humorous and touching, from their respective turns "helping" dad on his farm calls. In the mid-fifties he followed another path, entering public health service in both the public and private sectors in Ottawa, Toronto, and then Hamilton. He concluded his working career by serving as Deputy Medical Officer of Health and Director of Public Health Inspection Service for the Region of Hamilton/Wentworth Health Unit. Several of the inspectors who worked for him in Hamilton have joined Forbes for lunch each April and October for the 29 years since he retired in 1977! Jean and Forbes raised their six children in the home they built in 1953 and still enjoy today, on an acreage on The Governor's Road. In his retirement, Forbes was an inveterate reader of non-fiction, an avid amateur radio "ham" operator, and great comfort and support to many through a number of on-line Prostate cancer support groups. He also worked on his "forever project" of getting his workshop and "ham shack" organized - an unending task that he has now bequeathed to his children! The family wishes to especially thank the members of Forbes' support teams, at Woodstock General Hospital, including 4 (Surgical), 2 East (Rehab), and CCU - especially Nicki whose "Now Papa, I need you to …" would bring a smile to Forbes' lips even in the midst of great pain. Our thanks also go to Dr Denton, surgeon, and a special thanks for so much care over the years to Dr Jeff Nichols, our family physician. The devotion and compassion of all of these people, and other caring friends in the community, is appreciated beyond what mere words could ever express adequately. Friends may call at St. David's United Church, 190 Springbank Avenue, North in Woodstock on Tuesday, 18 April 2006 after 1200 hrs [Noon]. Visitation will be followed by the funeral service at 1300 hrs [1:00 P.M.], and a reception will follow the funeral, all at St David's. Cremation will follow, with inurnment at a later time. Memorial contributions would be appreciated for the Woodstock General Hospital Foundation , the Ontario Veterinary College , or the charity that is closest to your own heart. Donations may be arranged through the R.D. Longworth Funeral Home, Woodstock, 519-539-0004. On-line condolences at www.longworthfuneralhome.com

Service Details

Tuesday, April 18th, 2006 1:00pm, St David's United Church