Grampa Ab
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Ab on September 22, 2009 at the Credit Valley Hospital. Beloved husband of Joyce (Wither) who he married in Winnipeg in 1953. Wonderful father to Bruce (Cheryl), Sharon (Stephen) Abel, and Laura J. (James). Proud grandfather of Katie, Alex and Andrew Forth, and Laura and Virginia Abel. He was preceded in death by his parents Frederick Charles and Sarah Jane Forth, and brothers Fred of Ancaster, Jack of Gravenhurst, Gordie of Red Deer and sister Lillian of Winnipeg. He is survived by brother Alf of B.C. and sister Betty of New Orleans. Ab loved life, took great pride in his home, his family and his employment and is well remembered in the furniture business for his years as National Sales Manager for La France Textiles, and later with Pride of Paris until his retirement. Ab was transferred by La France to Mississauga in 1970, and while it was not easy to leave family and friends in Winnipeg, and the family cottage in Sandy Hook, he quickly made new friends and a lasting impression in his new territory. The family joined St. Stephen’s-on-the-Hill United Church, and all of his children were confirmed there. In Winnipeg, Ab was an active curler at the Deer Lodge Curling Club, and after moving to Mississauga, curled with Bruce and Stephen at the Humber Highland Club. Ab was a wonderful athlete, excelling in hockey, track and field and golf, attested to by the many trophies and awards he won during his lifetime. In Winnipeg, as a 25 year member of Assiniboine Golf Club, he was their representative for many years in the Mundie Putter League. In Ontario, he was a member at Glen Abbey for 15 years. Twice he had a hole-in-one, once in Winnipeg and once in Florida. Ab said he made many friends and sales on the golf course. He was a longtime member of the Clarkson Music Theatre, helping to build the sets for many productions, and won an award for the sets he built for H.M.S. Pinafore. He had never been interested in being on stage until he was finally convinced to be in the chorus for the Mikado, but he found he loved it and continued to sing in the chorus with Joyce in many concerts. Ab and Joyce moved to their condo in Oakville in 1997, where they became active on the social and gardening committees. Ab loved the condo, as it allowed them to spend their winters in Florida, golfing and enjoying life with their friends. In 2006, he joined the Chancel Choir at St. Stephen’s-on-the-Hill United Church and greatly enjoyed both the music and the friendship of other choir members. Ab had a gentle and kind nature and a great sense of humour. He said his greatest trophies were his 56 year marriage to Joyce and his children. His happiest times were spent with them and his five grandchildren. Although ill, he was able to attend a long overdue family reunion in Winnipeg this spring, and see many of his in-laws, nieces and nephews, and especially his brother Alf and dear friends Al and Shirley Muir and Barbara Longworth. According to his wishes, Ab will be cremated, and a visitation will be held at Skinner and Middlebrook Funeral Home, 128 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga 905-278-5546 on Sunday, September 27, 2009, from 3-6 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Stephen’s-on-the-Hill United Church, 998 Indian Road, Mississauga, on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the music program at St. Stephen’s-on the-Hill.
