William F. "Willie" Forbes

William "Willie" Ferguson Forbes - 85. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, husband and "Grandfather". Formerly of Hilden, Willie passed away on June 25, 2011 at Orchard Court, Shannex, Kentville. Born in Stellarton, NS, on December 10, 1925, he was the son of the late John Lawson and Bertha (Fraser) Forbes. He was a Veteran of the Second World War, served with the 1^st Battalion of the Black Watch until their disbandment when he transferred to the Royal Canadian Regiment until his retirement from the military in 1972. He then settled with his family in Hilden. Dad believed in giving back and was a member of many organizations where he held various key positions. He served 20 years with the Hilden Volunteer Fire Brigade, achieving rank of Deputy Fire Chief. He was an active member of the F.S.N.A., Colchester Branch and served as president for a number of years. He was a member of the Scottish Society of Truro and a life member of the Truro Legion, Branch 26. Together he and his wife tirelessly worked to make their home and gardens a place of pride and joy. In 2004 they relocated to the valley so they could spend more time with their most cherished grandson. Willie is survived by his wife of 54 years, "Jo" Mary Josephine (Chisholm), Kentville; a daughter, Joann Forbes, Coldbrook and his "very special grandson", Alexander Forbes, Sackville, NB; three sons, James, Kamloops, BC; John, Vernon, BC; George (Brenda), Portaupique, NS; and former son-in-law, Don Urquhart, Tupper Lake, NS. He is also survived by his sisters, Joy (Lloyd) MacDonald and Lois Ward, both of Hopewell, NS and sister-in-law, Pansy Forbes, Orillia, Ontario; two brothers, Alan (Peggy), Charlottetown, PEI and Ian (Shirley) of Hilden, NS. He was predeceased by sisters, Lorna in infancy, Jeanne Gale and Kathleen Flemming and a brother, Floyd. There will be no visitation by family request. The funeral service, followed by a reception, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2011 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, with his cousin, Reverend James Forbes officiating. Following the reception, a graveside service will be held for the family at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Kentville. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to either the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.