JOHN WILLIAM ARTHUR (JACK) FORSYTH

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JOHN WILLIAM ARTHUR (JACK) FORSYTH

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jack on September 30, 2025, at Virden District Hospital surrounded by his family.

Jack was born on April 23, 1938 on the family farm in Pipestone Municipality, near Woodnorth. He was the youngest of 5, and perhaps his liveliness caused the most grey hairs for his parents! He attended school in Woodnorth and joined the workforce at a young age. Jack knew what it meant to put in a hard day's work. He met Carrol (Smith) and they were married in 1959. They briefly resided in Virden when son Trent was born, and then moved to the farm for most of their lives on 22-9-27 near his parent's farm, when daughter Holly joined the family. In early years Jack worked as a truck driver, and on the oil rigs, all while running his own farm. Farming truly was his passion and his garden was a great source of pride. Jack grain farmed, had commercial cattle, a dairy barn, and eventually became an equine/PMU rancher. Perhaps his love of horses as a child had led him to this final farming venture.

Throughout his life, horses always played an integral role. As a family, the Forsyths travelled across the country showing light horses; Hackneys and Roadsters, and then finally showed a hitch of draft horses; it would only be Clydesdales. While Jack was a fierce competitor and was driven to perform well in the show ring, he would be the first to tell you it was the friendships gained across Canada and the US that truly made this so worthwhile.

Jack was always involved in many organizations and believed giving back to his community was vital. He was a member of the Woodnorth Community Club, Western Canadian Hackney Association, Manitoba Clydesdale Club, Scarth Community Club, BPO Elks Virden Branch, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #8, St.Paul's United Church and finally the Virden Lions Club until his passing. Jack also became a councillor in 1995 for Ward 5 in Pipestone Municipality and held that position for 19 years until he stepped down.

Jack and Carrol later moved from the original farm to an acreage as they were semi-retired, and in 2015 moved to a condominium in Virden. They resided there until just this spring when they moved to the Princess Lodge.

Jack was a people person...he never met anyone that he didn't believe had value and was worthy of a good conversation and a smile. He loved to have a coffee, shoot the breeze, make his opinions known, and share a hearty laugh together. His presence was large and he could tell a story like no other. While he could have a tough exterior at times, he truly cared for others deeply and in fact performed many acts of kindness privately, just because he saw a need. He leaves a gaping hole in so many hearts.

Jack was predeceased by his parents George and Vera Forsyth, his siblings Don (Audrey) Forsyth, Alick Forsyth, Georgina Cassidy (Mark/Bertha) and Winston Parsons, his in-laws Ivan and Edith Smith, and Garry and Margo Smith.

Jack leaves to mourn his wife and best friend Carrol. They were soulmates and just 3 days shy of celebrating their 66th wedding anniversary. As well, his son Trent Forsyth (Donna Swanston), and daughter Holly Forsyth (Kevin Tutthill). His grandchildren Courtney Forsyth (Scott Kozoroski), Kyle Forsyth (Marcia Forsyth), Holt Kingdon (Lea Kingdon), Dane Kingdon (Rhiannon Broadfoot) and Chase Forsyth (Lanelle Gulak). As well his great-grandchildren; Berklee and Huntley Kozoroski, and Hadley, Rhyleigh and Everly Forsyth. Finally, his sister Janet Parsons, and numerous nieces and nephews. Honourary Forsyth family members, Jack and Kathy Welsh.

Jack fought many medical battles over the years, any one of which could have led to an earlier passing, had he not had such a fighter instinct and will to live. We were all given a gift of additional years to share in Jack because of his resilience. Jack was laid to rest on October 10, 2025, in Virden.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 01, 2025