John FORREST Obituary

A "larger-than-life" person. Will always remember John, part of my high school and college life.

John was a correspondence friend of mine since 2002. We played endless games of chess on 'game knot'. Over the years we developed a friendship through chess that transcended further in our lives. He never won a game of chess with me, but came close. I recall one game in particular where I had mixed up a sequence of moves and lost a piece in the process, I had actually verbally told him earlier on the correct moves. He'd realised that the move played was not my real intention and resigned the game against my wishes. This small incident is a reflection of the true nature of this wonderful man. He was an honest, warm, caring gentleman in everything he did. His talent was immeasureable as was the spirit of his heart.
I will miss you Blacky
Johnny Awesome [GameKnot]

Thank you to all the family for the wonderful memorial on Sat. We laughed & cried & sang together in honouring John's memory. It was very sad but we appreciated & felt better for having the chance to share our stories & memories. We will miss him. We will always remember him. My last time with John,he was playing waltzes on the accordion while we danced, on a beautiful evening, on a riverbank with salmon jumping nearby. What a memory! Our love to Paul, condolences to Kim & the family with the hope we will keep in touch,

John touched so many people with his amazing talent. Along with Alan, I also knew him since "Barsby Band" days. He already stood out as an exceptional musician back then. It was touching to find his Peter Gzowski clip from 1977 on youtube with an intro by John Candy! My condolences to the family, especially Paul.

Memories of all the good times we shared in high school and band have come back to me since hearing of John's passing. He was such a gifted and talented musician. My condolences to his friends and family.

It was so sad to hear to hear of John's passing. I knew John at Malaspina College, we played together most notably and fondly for me in "Juan de Fuca" summer of 1972. I moved to Toronto soon after and John showed up a couple of years later. Unforgettable character, great musician, funny with a wit I couldn't keep up with. I didn't know him as Blackie but that is such a great nickname for him. RIP John

I was shocked when I heard Margaret Gallagher announce John's death on CBC's Hot Air on Saturday, January 21. John & I were friends in the early '70's - he taught me how to love poetry and music. I still have the trumpet charm that he gave me. Condolences to the family, especially Michelle & Alan.

Hi;
John and I lived together in Toronto at
53 MacPherson Ave. And yes I remember the
bread truck story. John serenaded the Suhanic family many Christmas' with his wonderful piano playing. Hello to his son Paul your Dad was a gentle, loving man. I hope he did not suffer in any way. Cheers, Claudia Suhanic Knox

I am saddened to learn of my cousin John's death; I have alot of fun memories of being with him and the rest of my cousins when my family moved to Vancouver Island, good times. Whenever I heard John would be playing at the legion in Courtenay or Comox my mom (his aunt) and I would go to hear him and the band play; I would write a request on a coaster and have it taken to him asking for the "Baby Elephant Walk", it would be at that time that he would know we were there and play it for me; whenever I hear that tune I think of John; he had such a wonderful gift of music and shared it with so many; God bless you John, never forgotten....love, your cousin, Kathy.....thinking of you Uncle Jim & family xoxo

I am very sad to hear of John's passing. My condolences to his family and friends. John was a creative and gifted musician. I enjoyed playing with him in some "put together at the last minute" bands. I will miss him.

John was a true & loyal friend to me & many others. He celebrated our successes & shared in our sadnesses. I passionately hope there is a heaven because John would be so pleased & happy to carry on with his beautiful gift of making music. We will miss him a great deal. He had such a big heart & so much love for his family & friends. He enriched many lives. Our condolences to Paul & the family.

John and I met in grade 7 and have been friends ever since. We played music together, did crazy things together, grew up together, had our kids about the same time. We shared alot throughout our lives, loves and adventures. John was always interesting to be around, challenging at times and hard to understand at times but mostly alot of fun. So creative, gifted and such a love of music, there was always music with John. He played alot of music on many instruments and always seemed to have one to play in the back of the car. A truly wild and crazy guy who brought so much love and life into our world. It is hard for all of us to lose him so soon.

I had the pleasure of playing in a Band on occasion with John and it was always a blast. What amazed me was he never needed to rehearse - he could just be told a key, we'd count it in and he would nail it every time...Happy trails John....