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Alexander Forsyth
March 4, 1920 - March 10, 2016
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<div itemprop="description">FORSYTH, Alexander John March 4, 1920 &ndash; March 10, 2016. Passed away peacefully in his 96th year with Vera his beloved wife of almost 71 years by his side. Devoted father of Douglas (Barb), Neil (Gail), Brian (Kathy), Susan (David Wingert), Sandra (Glyn Jones), and Donald (Sheila). Cherished grandfather of Robert, Julie (Derek), Grant, Erin, David, Megan (Josh), Adam (Megan), Allison, Eric (Jaime), Kevin and Erica. Cherished great grandfather of Jaime, Branden, Kacee, Emiley, Nathan, Cole, and Logan. Predeceased by his sisters Margaret Jones, Frances Southin, and Mabel Lemond, and his brother Frank (Betty); survived by his brother Robert (Cecile). Born in Russell Ontario, Alec graduated from Ottawa Technical High School and began working for Northern Electric in 1939 shortly before Britain declared war on Germany. His strong interest in electronics led him to join the Royal Canadian Air Force in early 1941 to train as a radar mechanic at Queen's University. It was during his training that he met Vera and they became engaged. He graduated with the rank of Pilot Officer and travelled by ship in late 1941 to Great Britain for hands-on training with the radar network developed there. He left for India in April 1942 where he served as commanding officer for 3 years, installing mobile radar stations at various sites in India and Burma. The presence of radar was unknown to the enemy forces, and it gave a strong advantage to Allied pilots. He arrived home in Ottawa as Flight Lieutenant Forsyth in early May 1945, and was awarded the MBE medal (Member of the British Empire) soon afterwards. He and Vera were married on May 19th, 1945. They moved to Kingston where Alec studied civil engineering at Queen's University, and in 1951 he began working for the newly formed Crown corporation, Defence Construction Limited, which is responsible for the construction requirements of the Department of National Defence. He retired as head of engineering services at DCL in 1986. Alec was an avid gardener, expert mechanic and carpenter, and he taught each of his six children many valuable skills and values of life. He patiently taught all of us to drive, encouraged us in our studies and watched us grow without trying to direct the paths we chose for ourselves. Alec&rsquo;s quiet, gentle nature, kindness and sense of humour will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. The family would like to thank the staff at Russell Meadows and Orchard View on the Rideau for their special care. <br />Family and friends are invited to visit from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at <br />CAPITAL FUNERAL HOME &amp; CEMETERY <br />3700 PRINCE OF WALES DRIVE <br />613-692-1211 <br /> <br />Funeral Service will take place on Friday March 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel, followed by a Reception. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Society. <br />Online condolences may be shared at www.arbormemorial.ca/en/capital. <br /></div>