Obituary of Nikolai John FORSCH

FORSCH, Dr. Nikolai John June 27, 1944 – Drumheller, Alberta November 6, 2015 – Okotoks, Alberta Nick passed away peacefully at the age of 71 years after a recent diagnosis of cancer. Born in Drumheller, Nick lived near Calgary until his teen years when he moved with his family to California. They returned to Calgary in 1962. In November 1967, Nick married Elaine Wilkie. After a four-year apprenticeship, he qualified as a Journeyman Refrigeration Mechanic in 1969. However, he still wanted to be a veterinarian. He attended U of C, and then was accepted at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, graduating in the Class of 1976. Nick practised large animal medicine on the southern edge of Calgary before he joined Agriculture Canada in 1981 as a federal veterinarian, retiring from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in 2012. Nick was always interested in watching and participating in sports, especially curling and golf. Thoroughbred racing was also an interest and he owned and trained several racehorses. Running became a passion in his fifties and he ran two marathons and many shorter races. In 2013 he ran 1000 kilometres over the year as a commitment to a Muscular Dystrophy charity. Nick was a total family man and supported his daughters’ and grandchildren’s activities by attending dance recitals for almost 30 years and was still attending soccer games. Usually he was the only parent and fan at his grown daughters’ soccer games! Lovingly remembered by his wife, Elaine; his daughters and their husbands, Aileen (Alfi) Forsch and Ken Chorney, Allison and Mike Sutherland, Regan and Jeff Bickell; and six grandchildren, Dori, Calista and Nik Sutherland, Zeke Chorney, and Indigo and Arloe Bickell, Nick is also missed by his brother Bernie (Debbie) Forsch, sister Nadine Reiner (Dennis Bernard) and their families, Elaine’s family and a large extended group of family and friends. Nick was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Clayton Forsch and an infant brother, Barry. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, November 22 at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY RECEPTION CENTRE (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E.). Open House commences at 2:00 P.M., with a tribute at 2:45 P.M. Forward condolences through . In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Foothills Country Hospice, Box 274, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1A5. In living memory of Nikolai Forsch, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: 403-256-9575.