Mr. Bruce Robert Forbes, age 69 years, resident of Thunder Bay, passed away unexpectedly with his family by his side at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on January 11, 2019.
Bruce was born in North Bay, Ontario in 1949 to Robert (Bob) and Amy Forbes. Shortly after, he moved with his family to Kirkland Lake and finally Thunder Bay, Ontario, where he grew up and spent most of his life.
In his earlier years, Bruce attended Hillcrest High School and later studied to become an electrician, completing his apprenticeship with Ontario Hydro. He worked as an electrician for many years in Toronto, Northwestern Ontario and lived and worked for some years in Calgary, Alberta. He was a lifetime member of the IBEW in Ontario and Alberta. He spent his final working years as an electrical inspector for the Electrical Safety Authority with his close friend and boss, Bill Johnson.
Bruce retired from the ESA in 2017 and did much travelling with his wife Anna. They both enjoyed their many trips to Poland and across Europe as well as to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he joined the gun club and in North Carolina where he hunted for pheasant. Bruce was a proud member of the Thunder Bay Trap and Skeet Club and was very valued for his work on the Executive there. Bruce also enjoyed his membership in the Thunder Bay District Fish and Game Association and appreciated all their help during his illness. He made many close friends and acquaintances while pursuing his pastimes over the years. Bruce owned many motorcycles and enjoyed travelling with his motorcycle friends as well as ice racing. Recently he participated in Tai Chi and seemed to really enjoy the peace it brought him.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife Anna, her two children David Galandziej and Justyna Poling and grandchildren Olivia and Noah, his sister Janet Forbes and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Manitoba, Ontario and the United States as well as numerous close friends.
He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Amy Forbes, his sisters Joyce Forbes-Cattani (Barry)and Margaret Forbes-Uchacz (Peter).
Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery at a later date.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Sargent and Son, 21 North Court Street from 10:30 - 12:30 on Friday, January 18, with words of tribute commencing at 10:30.
If friends so desire, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Northwest Region would be greatly appreciated by the family.
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