John Lawrence Forster, affectionately known as Larry, passed away peacefully on Saturday January 27, 2024 in Victoria at the ripe old age of 92.
He will be sadly missed by his wife of 67 years, Jane, his children Catherine, John and Melanie and his sisters Shiela Carter and Leslie Loney. Predeceased by his sister Linda Forster.
Born on October 30, 1931 in St Catharines, Ontario, Larry graduated from University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1955. This was followed by a career with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation which spanned 35 years, including work on the Pickering Project and the Founding Chairman of Loyalist Parkway project. In 1976, Larry was appointed to be the Ontario Government’s representative to the National Defence College, Course XXX in Kingston Ontario.
After a yearlong attempt at retirement in 1989, Larry was lured back into the working world to join the Island Highway Project on Vancouver Island as their chief engineering consultant. After five plus years of working, Larry finally retired in his adopted and much-loved home of Victoria, BC.
A quick-witted storyteller, a gardener, a camper, a music lover and traveller are some of the many words used to describe a life well lived. Being of service to others was high on Larry’s list of priorities including time as a Scout Leader and an active member of Rotary. Larry was elected to the post of president on three occasions with multiple Rotary Clubs across the country. During his many years with Rotary, he was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellowship Award as well as Rotarian of the Year.
Despite being diagnosed with dementia in his later years, Larry’s infectious sense of humour never wavered.
The family wishes to send a special thankyou to all the staff at Sunrise Senior Living, Victoria for their extraordinary care and compassion.
Funeral Services to be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 11:30 am. Followed by a reception at the Union Club of British Columbia, 805 Gordon Street, Victoria.
The family welcome cards, flowers or a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada in Larry’s name. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
18 Responses
I had the pleasure of working directly with Larry for a couple years in the late 80’s as the Project Coordinator for the Loyalist Parkway Master Plan. That experience was career changing for me. The mentorship and guidance he provided in making a positive impact as a government employee stayed with me for the remainder of my career. Sincere sympathy to Jane and family.
Larry was an outstanding Rotarian whom I respected and admired. He contributed much to our Rotary club for many years. We shared time on the International Youth Exchange Committee and many happy social events as well. Our sincere condolences to Jane and the family.
We were sad to hear of Larry’s passing.
Although we only knew him for a short time, we enjoyed his sense of humour and always with a twinkle in his eyes.
He will be missed.
Our sincere condolences go to Jane and his family.
Phyllis and Doug Johnson
Margrit and I would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to Jane and you.
We mourn with you, as we have also lost a valued, dear friend.
We wish Jane and you much strength and confidence and are thinking especially of Jane, whom we wish courage and God’s blessing.
Stay safe.
We have so many wonderful, impressive memories of Jane and Larry since we met at a “Floating Wine Seminar” on a cruise ship on the River Rhine in October 1999.
We met several times on their European trips, at home in the Palatinate, in Strasbourg, Paris and Hamburg.
We will keep these memories close to our hearts.
With warm regards
Margrit and Henning Fischer, Großkarlbach/Germany
Dear Jane, Cathy, John and family – I am so sorry to hear about Larry’s passing. I had the great pleasure of getting to know Larry through our Rotary Club of Victoria, BC. I joined the Club in 2013 where I understand Larry had already been a valued and contributing member for more than two decades. Larry was always fun and interesting to sell car raffle tickets, serve on committees, and share lunch and dinner with. He was well respected and liked by our members and I will remember my time with him fondly. Best wishes to all of you during this very difficult time.
Larry and his wonderful family gave us a life present of hosting a backyard gathering after our 1971 marriage in Thunder Bay. Melanie was the flower girl. We have had so many opportunities to be together over the years, particularly in Mississauga. My (John) Rotary life was separate from Larry until we met as couples at the 2005 100th Rotary Anniversary in Chicago.
I sent some Happy Bucks to the Rotary Club of Victoria for Larry, the man who was always there with calmness, intelligence and joy of life. John and Rochelle Barnum
My Dear Jane,
It was with tremendous sadness that I received the news of Larry’s death. Oh my dear please accept my very sincere condolences. Larry was such a gentleman with a gentle manner and always so kind. He will be very greatly missed and I know that hole that he leaves in the fabric of your life will take a very long time heal. My heart goes out to you. I miss seeing you .
Take care my dear Jane.
With warm, loving thoughts, Lydia
Jane and Family.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Our connection with you both at Pacific Opera events was always positive. Larry’s warmth and smile was contagious and we will miss him but treasure warm memories. My best wishes to you as you continue your lives without this gentle man. Thinking about you in this difficult time.
Gary Moser…Chair Pacific Opera Victoria Foundation