Rene Forster

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Rene Forster, who died on July 1st at the age of 89 in Barrie, Ontario after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on January 24, 1936 in Winterthur, Switzerland to Emma (nee Koller) and Jakub Forster. He was a devoted husband to Pamela (nee Groskopf) for 50 years.

He was a loving father to Paul (Melissa) and Carol (Grant), and a cherished “Papa” to Arianna and Luke. He is survived by his sisters Ursula and Suzi in Switzerland.

Rene Forster was known for dedication to his family, immediate and extended, his dry sense of humour, sharp mind, work ethic and integrity, which he instilled in his children. He enjoyed spending time with his family, travelling, listening to Pavarotti and sometimes ABBA and just about anything to do with World War 2. He worked as a designated CMA & CGA Accountant for 36 years in the Pharmaceutical Industry working for GlaxoSmithKlein and Solvay Kingswood, where he was known for achieving the gold medal as the top student in Canada for his cohort of Industrial & Cost Accountants (CMA).

Prior to settling down in Canada, Rene wished to travel to Brazil in the hopes of meeting “exotic” women, but due to the Hungarian revolution he could not obtain a visa and instead travelled with his friend “Studi” to Peru. In an effort to learn English, he immigrated to Canada where he would finally settle down after meeting his dream “exotic” woman from Jamaica.

A visitation will be held at Innisfil Funeral Home (7910 Yonge St., Innisfil) on Wednesday, July 9th, from 10:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. Memorial Service to start at 11:00a.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Parkinson’s Canada or Hospice Simcoe.