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- Obituary:
Coleman Forsythe
March 10, 1936 - August 24, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Coleman Forsythe in McLennan, AB on August 24, 2024 at the age of 88 years.
Coleman Max Forsythe was born on March 10, 1936 in Greenfield, New Brunswick, he was the oldest child of Ernest and Sybil Forsythe (nee Harrington).
Coleman left formal education in grade 8 to work the cream route and on the farm with his father to help support the family. When Coleman was 19 years old, he hitchhiked his was across the country to Alberta. In Alberta he worked construction, ran heavy equipment and bulldozers. During this time he helped construct the Alaskan highway through Alberta.
Eventually Coleman returned to New Brunswick, his younger brother Larry was in school at the time at the Greenfield Schoolhouse. Larry introduced Coleman to his teacher Francis Elizabeth O'Keefe, who would later become his beloved wife. Francis and Coleman stayed at cottages outside of Fredericton, NB when they first married. They loved telling the story of how Coleman taught Fran how to drive and she drove the car over every set of stairs leading into each cottage.
Kelly, their first born joined them in 1964. Later while the family was farming in Brampton, their son Bill was born. The family returned to Greenfield where Bill and Kelly grew up. During this time Coleman attended the University of Maine at Presque Isle and obtained his Bachelor of Arts, Pre Law. In 1992 Coleman and Francis found their way back out west. They settled in Northern Alberta where Fran pursued her love of teaching and Coleman supported her as he moved into retirement. Fran and Coleman had a long, loving and committed marriage, they were role models for their children.
Coleman is predeceased by his wife, Francis-Elizabeth; his parents, Ernest and Sybil and his brother Wavel Forsythe.
He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Allen (Mark) and grandsons, Mark, John (Megan) and Josh Allen; son, Bill (Stephanie - nee Kepros); brothers, Glenwood (Trudy), Clint (Yvonne) and Larry (Ruth); as well as sisters, Janic Pelkie and Grace McLaughlin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Coleman's memory to the Diabetes Association of Canada.
https://www.peacecountryfunerals.com/obituary/coleman-forsythe
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