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Obituary of James (Forbes) NEWMAN, Q.C.
June 16, 1947 - Crystal City, Manitoba
August 12, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta
Forbes Newman, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness. Forbes was born to Raymond and Anna (Forbes) Newman in Crystal City, as there was no hospital in his hometown of Cartwright.
Forbes attended university at United College (University of Winnipeg) for his BA, followed by an MA from Queen’s University and an LLB from the University of Toronto. Upon graduation Forbes made his way west where, apart from the first two years, he spent his entire career at Ballem McDill MacInnes LLP (Gowling WLG), with a practice focused on oil and gas and corporate commercial law. In 1979 he married Margie (Robson) and later, as a father, took great joy in introducing his sons Andrew and Peter to skiing and golf.
His genuine interest in and concern for others resulted in his involvement on the boards of Wood's Homes and Calgary Family Services, including terms as Chair of both. He was deeply committed to his church, serving as a member of Vestry, Warden on two separate occasions and Chair of the Education Committee, as well as leading the Meditation Group. Forbes joined the Christ Church Choir in 1974, remaining in the tenor section until March 2020. He also sang in Festival Chorus for a number of years.
Forbes was diagnosed with MS over 20 years ago and bore his ever decreasing mobility with grace and dignity. Despite the physical limitations placed upon him, he maintained his compassion, keen sense of humour and interest in people of all ages, always determined to help them any way he could. Further medical complications arose over the past year which he accepted without complaint.
The joy of Forbes’ life was his family. He is survived by his wife Margie, sons Andrew (Jordi), Peter (Niki) and was Papa to four grandchildren, Robson, Holly, Andy and Heidi.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at The Anglican Parish of Christ Church, Elbow Park 3602 8th Street SW, Calgary, AB. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Forbes Newman’s memory may be made directly to The Endowment Fund, Christ Church, Elbow Park 3602 8th Street SW, Calgary, AB T2T 3A7, Telephone: 403-243-4680.
In living memory of Forbes Newman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
