Surrounded by family, Bob (Robert) Forster passed peacefully on May 26th, 2022.
Bob’s path started out on August 24,1945 in Virden Manitoba as Robert David Forster to his beloved parents David and Mollie Forster.
Right off the hop, Robert (who became Bob when he entered the RCMP at age 21 years) was what one would call “a character”. His sense of mischief was legendary.
Following his training at Depot, Bob’s RCMP career began in Rosetown SK, eventually leading back to Regina where he started his family.
His next post would be Carlyle, where the family (and beltline) continued to expand. Here, a station wagon designed for 6 (but filled with 8) could be seen twice a year heading south of the border to Minot for school supplies, all day swims, and the creation of countless memories.
Cpl Forster was then stationed at Fillmore, where he took on the role of Unit Commander.
Bob’s final stop with the RCMP was running a detachment in Pierceland, but this time as Sergeant Forster (aka ‘Large Sarge’) – Bob’s desired rank as a Mountie, and befitting of his interest in hands-on policing.
For those in the know, Bob’s time in the RCMP was ‘spicy’ – always putting his family, those in his command, and those most in need first (Much to the chagrin of some of them ‘higher up’ types).
He retired from active policing in 2000. However, Bob’s contributions were not complete as he continued working in an advisory capacity for the RCMP through to 2021 capping just shy of 54 years of service to the public.
Bob’s next adventure began in 2006 when he met his love, Donna. After several years of courtship, he dropped to one knee (and as legend has it, needed a hand back up) proposing in Christmas of 2015 – they wed in 2017.
These were wonderful years for Bob, as he and Donna spent time traveling to BC to visit friends and family, tending to Donna’s yard in Semans, and racking up the miles traveling back and forth to visit the greatest gifts of his life – his 6 children and many grandchildren.
Visits from Dad were far too many to count over the last 2 decades. Be it by car, plane, or motorcycle, a visit from ‘Gramps’ meant family was in for too much coffee, a few too many meals, tall tales, and endless laughs.
They were always something to look forward to, and every time he left, life felt a little melancholy. Dad, you were a father and grandparent like no other. We love you and miss you.
Bob had an innate sense of exuberance, passion and fun which he shared with his family and friends throughout his life. He had an extraordinary sense of justice and integrity which stood him in good stead when teaching his children and working in the RCMP.
Robert/Bob/Dad/Gramps will be loved and remembered always by His loving wife Donna, His children (with former wife Gail) David (Delphine), Tamatha (Des), Steven (Amanda), Sarah (Lynn), Ashley, Andrew (Shookria), His Grandchildren Jesse, Tegan, Mattea, Sydney, Lilli, Makena, Aiden, Naveigh, Gabriel, Huxley, Emerson, Tyven, Josslyn, Ethan, His Sister, Vicki and numerous family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Parish in Saskatoon Wednesday June 1st at 10:30AM.
For those unable to attend the service in person, a livestream of the service will be able to view at https://youtu.be/ccV9Li6DYuw
Our deepest sympathies to all the Forster family on the passing of Robert. I am sure you will have many cherished memories of Robert. He was a good friend for over 70 years.
Deepest sympathy to you all. Robert was a childhood friend as we started school together and stayed together until grade 12. We connected over the years and was always a cherished visit. Hugs and prayers ❤️
I met Bob about 13 years ago. My sister, Shookria is married to his son, Andrew Forster. I remember when I first met Bob, I told my sister how lucky she was to have such an amazing father-in-law. Bob always had a smile on his face and always gave the biggest, tightest hugs. He was such an amazing man, and will be missed by all of us dearly. I am happy that we all had the privilege to meet Bob, and make memories. He was a courageous, smart and brave man that I know his sons look up to. My nephew, Ethan was fortunate enough to meet him and we will share stories and memories with Ethan as he gets older of his wonderful grandfather.
Rest In Peace, Robert David Forster.
Our deepest condolences to Bob’s family… we knew Bob as Terry’s sister in law ” Carol” is related to him and we spent time visiting when we were stationed in Regina…He was so funny and full of love and jokes..
RIP Bob…you will be missed..🙏🌹💖
Our deepest condolences to Bob’s family… we knew Bob as Terry’s sister in law ” Carol” is related to him and we spent time visiting when we were stationed in Regina…He was so funny and full of love and jokes..
RIP Bob…you will be missed..🙏🌹💖
Condolences to you and your family Dave, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our condolences to Donna and family. We have lots of wonderful memories of Bob. Bob and my Mom worked together in Carlyle many years ago as well. Bob will always be in our hearts. What a wonderful, kind, funny, sweet man.
Sincerest thoughts to the Forster family. Always enjoyed chats with Robert catching up on things. Many fond memories. Hugs to you all
I telephoned Bob July 2021 while in Saskatoon after 40 years of no contact, since I was transferred to BC. We talked for an hour as if we hand seen each other last week. He was a communicator and story teller like I had remembered. Bob and I spent many a night shift at Regina. Bob was a man of justice but he had an impish side to him that was unpredictable and fun. I couldn’t wait for the next shift as I knew it would not be boring. A particular unsettling event occurred and Bob was the first to recognize the incident; he addressed the injustice to our superiors with his famous written clarity memo. Bob was a man of justice and fairness. During the phone call Bob reminded me of the infamous appendectomy case with our greasy spoon midnight meal and fateful drive to Regina hospital. We talked of many events, but I left my telephone call thinking how lucky of a man I was to have worked, played and enjoyed Bob Forster. He was a man for all seasons and I am a better person for having Bob as a colleague and friend. My condolences to the Forster family. Al Aleksich, Surrey, BC
So very sorry for you loss. Robert was such a special man to everyone . I remember him so well from all family gatherings and from how much fun he and mom (Marguerite Forster) would have . How much fun he always would have.
Wonderful service and great eulogy
Chantel
My sincere sympathy to all of Bob’s family and to his sister, Vicki. I knew Bob and Vicki when they lived in Virden and I was so sorry to read that Bob had passed away. Thinking of you all.
Susan Ivey (nee Hales)
Miss you dad
me to. he had the best hugs we miss him so much. xoxo
Miss you tons Gramps. Till then, with lots of love
Begster