Leslie William Forth

He will be deeply mourned by his sons, Gregory (Christine) and Clive (Erica), his grandchildren, Aidan (Kelly), Joel (Catherine), Nicole, and Emma, and his great-grandchildren, Rupert, Beatrice and Adelaide, and by many friends and family across Canada, England, and the U.S.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Pretoria (Peggy) in 2014, after 68 years of marriage.

Les was born in Warthill, Yorkshire on November 19, 1925, one of seven children. During the Second World War he served as a gunner in the Royal Air Force (where he also met and fell in love with Peggy). After the war they settled in Peggy‘s home town of Winchester, where he worked as an accountant at Winchester College until emigrating with his family to Vancouver in 1957. In Canada he completed his accountancy training, qualifying as a CGA, and worked as an accountant for many years in a profession that was well suited to his meticulous personality and sharp mathematical skills.

Above all, Les was a man of great integrity, honesty and fine character, who gathered admirers wherever he went. His manners were impeccable, his wisdom profound, and his kindness and patience boundless. He was, in the words of one of his grandchildren, a person of deep emotional intelligence. As in life, he will continue to stand out as a role model of love, respect and calm perseverance to all who knew him.

The family would like to send heartfelt thanks to the exceptional staff at Melville Hospice Home in White Rock, BC and at Avalon Gardens in Langley, BC for the compassionate and loving care they provided during Leslie’s last days.

At Les’s request, there will be no funeral service. Les always enjoyed good food and good conversation with his family and friends, and over the years, he and Peggy spent many happy evenings at the Canadian Legion and their square dancing club. Leslie was also, like Peggy, a great lover of the outdoors and nature. So if you would like to toast Les’s wonderful life with a drink, a dance, or a walk in the woods, please do so. At a later date the family will gather to honour his memory.