Bill Forster

Bill Forster, Daddio, Uncle Bill, Bill Baby - that’s his name, don’t wear it out. Goofy, generous, handy, stubborn, and thoughtful. Unique would be an understatement - if you know you know. Our friend told us that in dad’s last days he said “No one ever really dies because someone can be so alive in a dream.” This makes it clear that he was in no way ready to leave. Luckily, he will never really be gone, and yes, we have dreams, but we also have all the walls around the neighbourhood that are still patched and painted, all the plumbing that still flows because he fixed it, the lights that still shine because he did the electrical work, and the floors we still walk on that he installed. He lives in every inch of Riverdale, he was the ultimate doer. He literally did it all, including driving planes, trains, and automobiles. Not only did he fix and do, he also created. He was confident in what he said about dreams because “you may say he’s a dreamer.” Although he worked hard and was dedicated to the railroad for a large portion of his life, after 30 years he realized his dreams were bigger and it was time for a track change. He was more than just a trainman confined to a set of tracks. From there, he built a house from the foundation up, started a business, invented, volunteered, travelled, wrote songs, and caregave to loved ones. He became an integral part of Riverdale, fighting injustices in the neighbourhood by raising money with Riverdale Share, helping those in need through Out of the Cold, and we could never forget the great parking petition of Jackman Avenue. Not only was he a great supporter of the community, but he was also his family’s biggest and proudest fan. His passion for life lives in us. He wanted us to always find good and beauty in the world, whether it was through music, dance, sports, play, art, science, you name it, he encouraged us to learn, no matter how much we resisted. This is because he was an artistic spirit himself, and wrote beautiful poetry and music. Although it was not often shared with us, it is what brought him to his “beautiful bride” over 30 years ago. Music was always playing in our home, whether it was The Beatles blaring through the surround-sound, Dad accompanying whatever we had on TV with one of his guitars, or the beating of his drums coming up from the basement. Regarding dad’s passions, hockey was always a focal point in the house. Our earliest memories being of him teaching us to skate on the rink he built in the backyard before we could walk, carbing up to play on Merv with his buddies, and skating us around the ice after the game. Once dad stopped playing hockey, he still had the Leafs - not much consolation there. Although he was great at many things, he never quite mastered the art of the grill. Whether the steak was totally blue or burnt to a crisp, it was always “just how he liked it”. This philosophy extended to the corn he cooked that was still raw, and the peaches he picked off our tree that were crunchy and sour. However, he did make some mean hot dogs, cheese omelettes, and popcorn, never leaving a single lost solider behind (un-popped kernel). He had an adventurous palette for food and also for travel. This quality took him and his beautiful bride to places in Europe, and more recently to Southeast Asia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Nova Scotia, and Vancouver. At home or abroad, Dad always found ways to bring family and friends together to share laughs, adventures, long-winded, detailed stories, and of course, many-a-drink along the way! “You’ll ride so high On that railway in the sky The silver rails will lead you home To a place that’s warm and dry There’ll be no more tomorrows When finally comes today The switch is lined The signals clear You’re on this road to stay The switch is lined The signals clear You’re on this road to stay” • Bill Forster There will be a celebration of life for Bill in his favourite season, Spring, as the blossoms return beauty to the world after a cold, dark winter. Please leave a message if you would like to join us. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverdale Share or a charity of your choice. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/54398?v2=true

Bill Forster

September 20, 2023