Bob passed away peacefully January 13th, 2016 in the loving presence of his wife. Born August 15th, 1943 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Bob was predeceased by his mother, Verna Forrest and father, Robert M. Forrest. He is survived by his wife, Susan Speight Forrest; sons, John (Katrina) and Brian; sisters, Lynne Pippin, Gail Mitchell (Alan), and Dawn Maddess; along with numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. He will be dearly missed.

Bob excelled in academics and sports. He loved basketball (a great right hook!) and a good game of tennis. He completed his MD at the University of Saskatchewan and then went on to McGill University for his Neurology residency. He acquired encephalitis when working on the children’s unit at Montreal Children’s Hospital. Against all odds, he relearned to speak and walk again, and then went on to relearn his medicine and practiced for many more years in Montreal, Saskatchewan and B.C.

Bob was a man of incredible perseverance, tenacity, and resilience. Well respected by his peers and a mentor to many.

Thank you to Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion for their outstanding care and compassion and to Ron Postl, a shining star in Bob’s life for the past 4 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Centre, or Victoria SPCA in memory of Bob would be greatly appreciated.

A summer celebration of Bob’s life will be held for family and close friends.

“Hold fast to dreams

for if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

that can not fly”

Condolences to the family may be offered below.

McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

  • Anne Mayhew

    I send my condolences to the family of Dr. Forrest on the death of this remarkable man.
    I live on Beaver Lake Road – right beside the trail that Dr. Forrest used to take on his way home to Townsend. We met on many, many occasions.
    Dr. Forrest told me something of his history, but I am grateful to have a more full account from the obituary. He was a good and heroic man – that I had realized long ago.
    I have missed him of late, and now I know why. It was a privilege to have known him.

  • Olaf O. Storaasli

    Susan, John, Brian, Lynne, Gail & Dawn & family,

    Our thoughts and prayers go out your way on the passing of our dear friend Bob.
    He was such a positive inspiration in my life, a close bond lasting a lifetime.

    I may be unique as, leaving Saskatoon for Scotland and the US after 10th grade, I only
    experienced and remember all the good times we shared together in Saskatoon. I relished
    Bob’s and our successes and high points in academics, sports through our close friendship.

    I didn’t learn of Bob’s death-defying critical encephalitis attack in Montreal (he said 2 others died),
    nor of his heroic recovery and ensuing hardships until much later.

    My memory is full of the “good stuff”: our good times together, almost every day growing up.
    I still relish the multitude of positive memories of those wonderful days. We have so much to be thankful for, friendship being near the top with family and our creator.

    We’ll always cherish fondly the memory of Bob’s life.

    Olaf & Barbara WIKIPEDIA: Storaasli

  • Barbara Latham

    Thanks so much to Susan for this loving obituary for Bob, and the closing lines of verse and the sweet photo. She didn’t add that for much of his life, Bob was and stayed fit and handsome with a unique sweet smile and laugh. He was in sickness and in health always a big personality. He will be missed but not forgotten. He was so lucky to have Susan Speight in life to the end.

    Remembering the good ol’ days at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon

  • Michael Stanger

    I remember the day that Bob contracted encephalitis as a fellow intern at Montreal Children’s.
    He had shown exceptional kindness and care to a family friend and we were amazed at his ability and the extent of his recovery from the condition.
    Our condolences to Susan, family and friends.
    Jan and Mike Stanger
    Victoria.

  • Dan & Dot Cavanaugh

    We were tennants at Dr. Bob’s house in Saskatoon. We remember Bob to be a great landlord and super guy, even when we had a kitchen fire in his house! Also “Johnny Mac”, he must’ve been about 3 at that time, always had a superman costume on!
    So sorry to hear about this sad news. Condolances to the family on your loss.
    We will raise our glass to him tonight!

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