Samuel Forsythe - Signalman
Samuel Forsythe was born in Toronto on December 20, 1924. He joined the Navy in 1943, after three years in the Reserve Army. He married Mary Lyon, April 20, 1946 and they have four children, Anne Marie, Barbara, Jim and Steve and six grandchildren Troy, Cheryl, Ki, Elsie, Sam and Willy. After after the war, he travelled as a tramp printer to B.C. ending up home in Ontario in 1948. In 1964 there was a newspaper lockout of Toronto printers and rather than do any more travelling, Sam became a student at Humber College graduating as a flooring specialist opening his own business in Agincourt, Ontario. After "retirement", Sam worked for the Scarborough Board of Education, and on that retirement the school donated "The Sam Forsythe Award of Excellence in Poetry" which he presents to a graduating student annually. For many years Sam was a Cubmaster in Agincourt District rising to Assistant District Commissioner. As an active member of the Masonic Order, Sam became a past master and was voted an honourary life member for services rendered. Grand Lodge of Canada appointed him "Grand Superintendent of Works" in 1983. Sam wrote a book of poetry about the Nene and there are copies in the National War Museum, Ottawa, as well as in the hands of the former Russian Ambassador to Canada and the Royal Norwegian Navy in Oslo. Mary and Sam enjoy travelling and gardening.

Sam has permitted his Nene poems to be re-published on this website.

Samuel Urquhart Forsythe December 20, 1924 - February 20, 2013

Obituary [Note: Mary died several months later, on19th. May, 2013.]

Passed away peacefully at Ajax-Pickering Hospital on Wednesday February 20th, 2013, at the age of 88. Survived by Mary his cherished wife of 67 years. Beloved dad to Anne-Marie (Frank), Barb (Phil), Jim (Yvonne) and Steve (Frances). Proud Granddad of 11 grandchildren and “Great” Granddad to 10 great grandchildren. Respected Masonic Brother for over 50 years, WWII veteran and Poetaster. The family will receive friends at the McEACHNIE FUNERAL HOME, 28 Old Kingston Road, Pickering Village, (Ajax), 905 428-8488 on Sunday, February 24 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the chapel on Monday February 25 at 2 p.m. Cremation. Memorial donations may be made to the Diabetes Association or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be placed at www.mceachniefuneral.ca

Mary Irene Forsythe January 4, 1925 - May 19, 2013

Passed away peacefully at Community Nursing Home, Port Perry on Sunday, May 19, 2013, at the age of 88 years. Predeceased by Sam, her husband of 67 years. Beloved Mom to Anne-Marie (Frank), Barb (Phil), Jim (Yvonne) and Steve (Frances). Proud Grandma of 11 grandchildren and “Great” Grandma to 10 great-grandchildren. Survived by her sister Charlotte Allen. The family will receive friends at the McEACHNIE FUNERAL HOME, 28 Old Kingston Road, Pickering Village, (Ajax), 905 428-8488 on Thursday, May 23 from 6-9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of the Funeral Home on Friday, May 24 at 11:00 am. Mary will be laid to rest with Sam in Pine Ridge Memorial Gardens, Ajax. Memorial donations may be made to the Durham Children's Aid Society or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be placed at http://www.mceachniefuneral.ca