It is with great sadness that the family of John Forbes Abercrombie announce his peaceful passing on July 14, 2016 at the Cowichan District Hospital following a brief illness. Family members were honoured to be present with him at the end.
Forbes was born in Glasgow, Scotland on May 7th, 1920 where he spent his early years. He joined the war effort in 1940 and became a Wireless Operator, spending time in Britain and India. His wireless training took him to Canada where he returned and settled after the war.
In 1947 he met the love of his life, Mabel Lena Attwood and they married in 1950. They settled in Calgary, which remained their home for the next 28 years. They were blessed with 3 children; Murray (Karen), Scott (Margaret), and Kristeen (Klaus). Forbes was predeceased by his much beloved Mabel in 2001.
In his early years Forbes worked as an accountant and office manager with Trans Canada Pipelines in Calgary. At age 56 he took early retirement and he and Mabel moved to Cobble Hill, where they established and operated Cobble Hill Herb Farm for the next 14 years.
Forbes’ Scottish roots called him home once in a while, so he and Mabel enjoyed many trips there over the years, developing wonderful friendships.
Following Mabel’s passing in 2001 Forbes moved to The Cove in Mill Bay, where he pursued his interests as a musician, poet, author, photographer, sculptor, and artist.
Mabel and Forbes bought some land on Cortes Island in 1970 and built a cabin. Forbes continued to enjoy the family cabin throughout his entire life. Last summer at age 95 he was out sailing with his family while on a visit.
Forbes touched the lives and hearts of all who were blessed to have known him. He enjoyed a unique and special connection with each of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His legacy lives on through them.
Those who desire may make a memorial donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Canadian Cancer Society, or the Farmer’s Institute at Cobble Hill.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Kim Grymaloski and to the staff at Cowichan District Hospital for the wonderful care he received.