FORSYTH Garth

FORSYTH

GARTH DEAN FORSYTH age 88, beloved husband of Jean, rode off at sunrise February 18, 2016. “See ya later, Alligator. Don’t get your hum gum twisted over your huzzy guzzy!” He was born to Neil Snow and Chloe Roseltha (Hatch) Forsyth early in the morning of December 5, 1927 in Cardston, Alberta, Canada—just prior to a record-making blizzard. He stood 6’2”, with dark hair and intense blue eyes that could see into your soul. He met Elna Jean Campbell, daughter of William David and Elna (Bohne) Campbell, while both worked at the Rothe ranch. They married October 14, 1948 in Hillspring, Alberta, Canada. In 1951, on the ninth of January (Garth’s mother’s birthday) they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Every spring he sought the first crocuses, buttercups, and shooting stars, and brought them to Jean— usually before anyone else knew they were blooming. They purchased a home in the Kimball Valley in 1958 and raised cattle, hogs, sheep, chickens, an occasional goat, goose or turkey, and 11 children. Few could nurse a sick animal or comfort a child quite as tenderly as Garth – he felt reverence for every life.

He was apprenticed as a saddle maker as a boy, and at 12 bought his first horse (he would rather catch a horse than walk a block). He then got a job herding milk cows for the town of Cardston. Garth’s preferred occupation was cowboy; his children and grandchildren enjoyed riding, fixing fences, trapping gophers and learning to love nature alongside him. For many years he managed the Ross Lake Community Pasture from May through October. Other vocations supplementing this included: truck driver, sheep shearer, senior care assistant, retail clerk, carpenter and general contractor. He was an all-around handyman. If it was broken, he could fix it. A highlight of his life was assisting with renovations of the Cardston Alberta Temple. Though he built many bridges, houses, barns and quonsets, his real accomplishment was building a life of love, friendship and service. He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Branch President of the Blood Branch, a missionary with Jean in the Los Angeles Family History Centre, an ordinance worker in the temple, and in many other capacities through the years. He enjoyed learning every day and was a powerful example of faith, fortitude, service, and good cheer. He began to ski at age 50, joined Facebook at 80 and became proficient with Skype at 85! Garth is survived by 10 children, Rex (Betty Lou); Gene (Debbie Lyle); Randy (Kathy); Tim (Karyn); Linda (David) Ames; Shane (Sharon); Necia (Richard) Kittler; Scott (Teri); Becky (Kevin Penner); and Bonnie (Darcy) Erickson; his foster son Wilfred (Charlotte) Marks Sr.; 52 grandchildren, 125 great- grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. He is also survived by 2 brothers: Mylo (Matilda) and Bryce (June); and his only sister Ruth (Robert-deceased)) Horne. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Rex (Chic), Scott (Gladys), Ken (June), and Duane (Verna) Forsyth; two granddaughters: Tausha and Marie; and one great-grandson: Clayton.

The family expresses appreciation to all those whose kind words, visits, sincere regards, and reminiscing, cheered and lifted him recently – “the folks that call [him] friend.” We also express gratitude to Dr. Playfair, Dr. Tailfeathers, and other doctors, nurses and staff at the Cardston Hospital; staff at the Chinook Lodge; and other nursing staff and volunteers for their special concern and compassionate care.

Family will greet friends at the Legacy Funeral Home, on Friday, February 26th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. or at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

The Funeral service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, CARDSTON ALBERTA WEST STAKE CENTER, 846 1st Ave W, Cardston, Alberta on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2016 AT 11:00 A.M.

Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the LDS general missionary fund: https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/donations/lds-church/ missionary-fund.html?cde1=807

Condolences may be sent to: www.legacyfuneralhome.ca