Alexander Forbes

Alistair leaves to miss him his wife Elizabeth; daughter, Lorna (Kory); granddaughters: Ashlynn, Alissa (Quintin), Emma (Zach); great grandsons Kai and Luka; his best pal and walking buddy Diego, as well as many dear friends.

Alistair was predeceased by his mother Agnes, father Charles, stepfather William, and sister Margaret.

Alistair was born and raised in Kilmarnock, Scotland. As a young adult, Alistair worked on the busses in Kilmarnock as a heavy duty mechanic. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth in 1964 at a dance. He almost lost his chance with her though, as he missed the bus for their second date, and since she had no phone Elizabeth was sure she had been stood up. Never one to give up, Alistair walked 12 miles to her home to plead his case. He would make that walk many times, as he always ensured Elizabeth was home safe, even if it meant he missed his bus to Kilmarnock and needed to walk home.

Alistair and Elizabeth were wed in 1968, and emigrated to Canada, following Alistair’s dream. They were fortunate to be welcomed to Canada by Janette and Allan Strachan and family, who gave them a place to stay and became cherished lifelong friends. Alistair worked with Kenworth trucks, as a heavy duty mechanic until he was hired by the City of Edmonton Fire Department in 1970.

In 1973 Alistair and Elizabeth welcomed daughter, Lorna. After Lorna’s birth the pair were drawn back to Scotland for a short time, but ultimately returned to Canada. Alistair (Alex as he was known in the Department) was hired on with the City of St. Albert Fire Department in 1975, where he enjoyed a 30 year career. He loved every day of his time with the Department, proclaiming it to be the best job in the world.

Those who knew Alistair know that he could never be bored, and always had a little business on the side. He worked hard at each one; everything from lawn care, trailer rentals, and f irewood. They kept him busy, but always an animal lover, he often spoke about the idea of opening a boarding kennel. In 2000 Alistair, together with Elizabeth, Lorna and Kory, brought that idea to life, creating a family boarding kennel business.

Alistair retired from the City of St. Albert Fire Department as a Captain in 2005, at which time he helped to grow the family’s boarding kennel business, as it moved to a new location. Alistair threw himself into the task of finding that perfect location, drawing up plans, and creating a thriving business that his wife, daughter, son in law, and grandchildren will continue to nurture.

During retirement, Alistair and Elizabeth enjoyed travel. They spent many of Alberta’s cold winter months on the beaches of Rincon de Guayabitos Mexico with their dear friends Stena and Joe, where they made many more friends, and fond memories. Alistair loved to travel to Las Vegas and Vancouver Island, and most recently he and Elizabeth ventured across Canada driving from Alberta to the Maritimes.

Alistair will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We will miss his quick wit that kept us on our toes, his legendary tractor rides for grandchildren and great grandchildren, his always sound advice, and the way that he would warm up the car ensuring the passenger side was always closest to the house for Elizabeth getting in or out. His quiet love for his family shone through in the care he took of all of us.

We would like to thank the nursing team at the Leduc Hospital, unit 2.2 for their exemplary care, with a special thank you to Becca and Jo.

We offer thanks to the City of St. Albert Fire Department members, and retirees, and The St. Albert Firefighters Union for their support during this time. Alistair will be honoured on the IAFF Memorial walls in Ottawa and Colorado Springs, as a Fallen Fire Fighter.

At Alistair’s request, there will be no service.

Arrangements Entrusted to Hainstock & Son Funeral Chapel (Leduc)