John Forsyth's Obituary
John Forsyth
October 29, 1934 – July 9, 2020
John Forsyth was born in Glasgow, Scotland and passed away peacefully at home in Newark, California at the age of 85.
John will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Annie Forsyth of 64 years, and their children Linda Stringer (late son-in-law Russell) and John Forsyth, Jr. (daughter-in-law Joyce); grandchildren, Russell, Heather and Ryan; great-grandchildren Damien and Jerimiah.
Upon high school graduation, John served an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker. At eighteen, he began his two-year duty in the RAF (Royal Air Force) in Scotland where he had the honor of standing guard for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Following his military service, he worked as a machinist in Scotland. In 1968, John and his young
family embarked on a new life moving from Scotland to California where he began employment at United Airlines in San Francisco as a machinist. He worked at United for 29 years, retiring in 1997. John received several awards and accolades throughout his career. He was highly regarded for his machining expertise as a tool and die maker, his strong work ethic, and kind personality.
John was an exceptional athlete. He trained in Aberdeen, Scotland at the age of 15 and played with the Scottish International Footballers, and then went on to play for the Pollock Football Club in Scotland throughout his twenties. When he moved to California he continued his love for soccer, joining the San Francisco Scots Football Club. He was an avid golfer and played at several courses around the world in Scotland, Australia, Hawaii, California and many other locations. John also enjoyed bowling and swimming. In addition to sports, John also loved going to the casino.
John was a consummate gentleman, witty and humorous to the very end. One of his favorite sayings was, “I’m an athlete!”
He often recited poetry from memory, especially Robert Burns’s poems. His favorite song to sing to his dear Annie was “When I Fall in Love”, and he tenderly sang it to her last month on their 64th wedding anniversary. John was an incredibly sincere, genuine, honest, reliable man, and a loving devoted husband, father, and grandparent. John will be greatly missed and forever in the hearts and thoughts of his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
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