Obituary of Jerome Alexander Forbes

Jerome passed away surrounded by family in the early morning of April 18, 2015 after a 6.5 year battle with prostate cancer and its effects. Jerome was a very generous man, especially with his infectious laughter. He couldn’t remember a joke, but loved to hear them. He was very dedicated to his family, to his community and to his profession. Outstanding in his field, Jerome was born to farm – a farm boy in his youth and dairy farmer by profession, he kept going back for more after retirement. He promoted development in the agriculture industry and St. Andrew’s community through his service on many boards and committees. Jerome was well loved and known as many things to many people. As a husband Jerome was solid, faithful and loving. As a father he was patient, accepting, supportive and present. To others he was an ethical man with strong faith, surrogate father, uncle, big brother, antique tractor enthusiast, patient mentor, smooth skating defenseman, speedy ball player, sharp-shooting curler, avid golfer (who once played 54 holes in a single day), risk-taking card partner, ice cream chewer, and mustached punster. Born July 8, 1949, Jerome is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Ann (Westenenk), his children Alana, Sandy, Anneke, and Andrea, his siblings Sears, Cathy (Best), Mary (Ferguson), John, and Bernie. He was predeceased by his parents Val and Clara (Sears). Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 pm Monday, April 20 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral services for the late Jerome Forbes, 65, of St. Andrew’s, will be held on April 21 at 10:30am in St. Andrew’s Church, with Fr. Charles Cameron presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society Lodge That Gives or the Wishing Wells Society.