Ruby Susanne Forsyth

September 3rd, 1929 - July 18th 2025

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Ruby Forsyth, at the age of 95. She lived independently until weeks before her death, still winning at Yahtzee and joking she had “most of her marbles.”

Born in Burns Lake, BC, the eighth of eleven children of John and Margaret Gilgan, Ruby grew up on Tchesinkut Lake, where her love of nature and animals began. After her schooling in Burnaby, she returned to the Lakes District as a young teacher. In 1949, she married Stewart Forsyth, her lifelong best friend. Together they built a family and a farm in Hazelton, raising cattle, operating Forsyth Forest Products, and welcoming friends and neighbors with warmth and generosity.

Ruby and Stewart raised eleven children—John, Susanne, Bill, Bernice, Margaret, Stewart Jr., Robert, Andrew, Alan, Theresa, and David. Even with such a busy household, she had endless grace, love, and attention for her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews—and everyone else fortunate enough to know her. Despite the demands of farm and family, Ruby was famous for her hospitality. Whether you arrived at mealtime or midnight, you were offered food, tea, and great conversation.

She will be remembered for her patience, kindness, tireless work ethic, ready smile, love of games (especially Yahtzee and Rummoli), and her enduring fondness for animals and babies.

She will be deeply missed. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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