Obituary of Ronald Gordon Forrest

June 22, 1946 – Kimberley, British Columbia

January 17, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Our hero Ron Forrest passed away peacefully on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the age of 78, from brain cancer (glioblastoma). Ron is survived by his loving wife, Margaret “Maggie” Forrest (née Morrison), his son Steven (Dion), his daughter Kari, and his grandchildren, Logan, Reid, and Ella. He is also survived by his brother Doug, and two sisters, Dale and Kelly-Lynn; as well as an extended family of beloved relatives including in-laws, nephews, nieces, and countless cherished friends.

Ron was born on June 22, 1946, in Kimberley, BC, to Wilf and Nora Forrest. His family settled in Calgary, AB, in 1955. A few years later, they moved to an acreage by Red Deer Lake where he lived while attending high school at Henry Wise Wood. Ron had a distinguished 34-year career with the Calgary Fire Department, joining in 1967 and retiring as a Captain in 2001. At the hall he was known for conducting drills, cooking up meals for his crew, and always being quick to share his vast knowledge of firefighting and cars.

Ron married Maggie in October 1997, and together they shared their love of travel and adventure. For several years they were snowbirds enjoying their time between High River, AB, and Hemet, California. Most recently they spent time in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where they took in the sights and culture, were learning Spanish, and cheered with mango margaritas and an Aperol spritz. Over the years, Ron and Maggie travelled extensively throughout Europe, the USA, Mexico, and enjoyed cruising, one favourite being the Mediterranean.

Ron played many sports, his favourite being golf. He spent hours practicing, golfing the links, building clubs, and providing tips to his friends. Ron worked at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club in Okotoks, AB, as a marshal for over twenty years and joined their Men’s Senior League, winning many prizes. Up until the end, you could find Ron at the Malanquin Club De Golf in San Miguel de Allende, MX, where he would practice and play several times a week with his golf buddies and caddie.

Ron’s family would like to express gratitude to the doctors and nurses on Unit 111 at the Foothills Medical Centre, and more recently the dedicated staff at Southwood Care Centre (Hospice)—especially those who worked tirelessly over the holidays to care for Ron.

A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Ron’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Burns Memorial Fund, 1120 - 105 12 Ave SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 1A1, Telephone: (403) 234-9396, Website: www.burnsfund.com, or to the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada, 205 Horton St E, Suite 203, London, ON, N6B 1K7, Telephone: 1(800) 265-5106, Website: www.braintumor.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ron’s family here.

In living memory of Ron Forrest, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book & Watch the Celebration of Ron's Life