Forestell: Patrick Gerard,
It is with sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Patrick Forestell on March 19, 2026, in St. Albert, Alberta, at the age of 93.
He will be greatly missed by his sister, Theresa Hewittson; his children, Mary Wood (Mike), Nancy Forestell (Peter), and Gerry Forestell (Anne); his grandchildren, Alex (Nikki), Cait (Ben), Kieran, Ben (Palma), and Nathan (Samantha); his great-grandchildren, Owen and Emmy; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Alice (nee O’Leary).
Pat was born the 9th of 11 children to Helena and Daniel Forestell in Coniston, Ontario. His strong work ethic was established early on. As a teenager, and while still in school, he worked a succession of jobs as a cook’s assistant on a railway maintenance gang, delivering milk, and driving a taxi. After graduating from high school, he began a 40-year career with the Canadian National Railway, starting out as an operator in stations across northern and southern Ontario, and ending as a train control officer in Toronto. Throughout the 60 years he lived in Tottenham after his marriage to Alice, he was involved in the local community as a volunteer firefighter, Public Utilities Commissioner, and treasurer of the St. Francis Xavier church parish council. He was also an avid sports enthusiast, playing hockey, golf, curling, and cross-country skiing. As a golfer, he was proud of both his 3 holes-in-one and being able to still walk the fairway well into his 80s.
One of Pat’s most notable accomplishments was his role as a caregiver to Alice who had progressive MS. Over numerous years, his care made it possible for her to live as fully as possible and to remain at home. He was beloved among the personal care workers who came to their home because of his devotion to Alice and the respect and appreciation he consistently showed to them.
At the age of 85, Pat made the difficult decision to leave Tottenham to live near his eldest daughter, Mary, in St. Albert, Alberta. In the years which followed, he experienced relatively good health and enjoyed opportunities to spend time with family from near and far. Although he expressed exasperation with Alberta politics from time to time, he was willing to appreciate the talents of the Edmonton Oilers despite his unwavering loyalty to the Montreal Canadiens. He also continued to regularly skunk his children at Cribbage.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of Mission Hill Village, to his home care workers, and to his family physician, Dr. Hamza Alqesar.
Memorial donations may be made in the name of Patrick Forestell to a charity of your choice.
Cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be held in St. James Church Colgan 2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Tottenham at 11:30am on Monday May 4, 2026, with Interment in St. James Cemetery. A reception will follow at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham, in the Cliffside Hall. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Mass of Christian Burial
St. James Church
2118 Adjala Tecumseth Townline, Colgan Ontario L0G1W0
Monday May 4, 2026
11:30am
Ann Emmett says
So sorry to hear this please accept my condolences.
Linda McCullough says
Condolences to your family. Sorry to hear about his passing.
Linda McCullough
Nancy Eagan says
Mary , Nancy and Gerry and families,
Many memories of your dad and mom when growing up .
Condolences to you all.
Nancy ( Bailey ) Eagan
Betty (Miller) Cadeau says
To Pat’s family
I grew up in Coldwater but visited Tottenham to see my grandmother Kay Waddling. Your place was one that we always went to. Pat and Alice were names in my mind that weren’t separated. Arla and Doug Miller were my parents. I am a little older than you kids but what I remember most about Pat was he was an absolute tease. Alice would roll her eyes and say to leave the kid alone and he would grin and shrug, then go about his business. You must have many memories that you can pull out on rough days. This will help.
The dynamic duo is together again with no pain or hardships just laughter.
Barbara Hakner says
When I think of Pat and Alice, I smile from wonderful memories of shared adventures and laughter. I was privileged to have them both in my life.
Barbara
Carol Fraser says
When I moved to Tottenham in 1970, I signed up for Alice’s art class held in her home for many years. There were about 10 of us women who took the class and had a great time and learned a lot… Pat would be running around stripping paint from the beautiful wood door frames and scraping it off. At this time they were both in great health and I remember the dinners in June when art class finished for the summer, the great recipes that Alice had for Caesar Salad and spaghetti dishes… What a great couple, perfectly suited. I miss them both. Hugs to Nancy Mary and Gerry…Precious in the site of the Lord is the death of His saints”. Carol and Pete Fraser
Norma Jean Stephenson says
Condolences to all of you on the pasting of Pat. He was a wonderful man and I enjoyed visiting Pat and Alice. Norma Jean Stephenson
Marilyn Kamstra says
So sorry to read of the passing of Pat. Alice and Pat were the heart of Tottenham and community was so very important to them. Their input made our town a better place to live. I think of Alice often now as I remember a conversation we were having about World politics. I was naming various countries that could potentially be a concern and to my surprise Alice said , No Marilyn our concern should be with the United States! She was so very wise ! Condolences to Mary! Nancy and Gerry and their families.
Anne (Carney) and Mike Sledz says
Condolences to the Forestell family from the Carney family. Memories of Pat go way back. He was always a true gentleman, and seemed to always have a smile on his face. Alice and Pat were a great pair! Thinking of you Mary, Nancy and Gerry as you say good-bye to your dear dad. He left you with lots of great memories. R.I.P. Pat!
Ken and Brenda Parkes says
Ken and Brenda Parkes
We were neighbours of Pats for close to 40 years. We regularly enjoyed many afternoon conversations on his back deck. After an ale or two we had most of the world’s problems were solved. I am sure in today’s world Pat would have had a sign up on the patio wall – this is a Trump free zone!
Pat loved to play golf, but even more he loved the company of his core group of friends that he played with weekly. Winning was important and held bragging rights, but that was not as important as the sharing and teasing of all the antics that were experienced during each round.
As his wife Alice’s MS progressed over the years Pat’s dedication to her care was unprecedented and is to be remembered and praised. He raised the bar for all of us in the marriage vow ” through sickness and in health ”
Pat was a wonderful man, with a wonderful family, and he left us with wonderful memories.
Maureen Payne , Mark, Dan and family says
Mary, Gerry and Nancy, my sincere condolences on the death of your dad at the great age of 93. Pat was always a quiet, thoughtful man who had something to say when he spoke. The last good visit with your dad and mother might have been the time when we visited and Pat served his lemon pie which amazed us as he cared for Alice. Your father‘s true colors showed as he cared for Alice. Thankfully he had his golf game and love of sport to offset some of the strain. I know you all have many positive memories.
Debbie Ellison says
I have fond memories of spending time in the Forestell home. Whether I was taking art lessons from Alice, participating in a play wearing a costume provided there, or eating spaghetti on Christmas Eve, life was always loud, boisterous and interesting in the Forestell household.
I can now appreciate the patient acceptance Pat displayed when so many children often invaded his home.
He was always kind and welcoming to everyone. It can’t have been easy at times.
Mary, Nancy and Gerry I’m sorry for your loss. ❤️
Linda Kealey says
Wonderful that he lived such a full life and reached the age of 93. Our sympathies to you, Nancy, and your whole family.
Linda Bullock says
My condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of Pat especially when he rescued when cross country skiing.
Jayne Breedon says
My Mom, Heather Breedon became good friends with Alice through the Schomberg Figure Skating club. We would visit back and forth. I remember Pat on our many visits. Please accept my condolences. May he rest in peace.
Madelyn & Hal Rutledge says
Dear Forestell Family
So sorry for your loss. Pat was a true gentleman and always a pleasure to chat with. He certainly was a most dedicated husband and caregiver to Alice. They were a remarkable couple now reunited. ❤️
Lori Porter says
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Forestell, but in reading through this, I sure wish I had. His character and loving soul shines beautifully through your words. RIP Mr. Forestell.
Joan Kwiatkowski says
My sincerest condolences to the Forestell Family. Pat was a beautiful person. He was always at Alice’s side, helping her in whatever she needed help in. God Bless You Pat. May you rest in peace. You are now with Alice again.
Barbara, David and the Bricknell Family says
Please accept our deepest condolences on your Father’s passing.
Ivor & Ginny Cathcart says
We offer our sincere condolences to the entire family. We shared many happy times with Alice & Pat have many treasured memories of them both. Holding you all in our hearts and prayers at this very sad time.
Nancy Larkin says
Heartfelt condolences to the family.
Laurie(Wilcox)Milmine says
Pat.I remember your support each Saturday as we invaded your living room with our easels and canvases attending Alice’s art classes.You were a man with wisdom ahead of his time explaining to me the importance of electrical conservation and how us young ones had better stop washing 1 pair of blue jeans wasting all the water and electricity. My favourite memory of you is when you and Alice drove your bug down Mill St. and stopped to greet my parents, myself and my Aunt and Uncle.Poor you as all present decided to pile into your bug “ to see they could fit” and made you drive them to your house.Alice laughed the entire time and you were just silent and shocked.LOL. RIP
Kymm Graham & Dave Leslie says
Deepest condolences to the Forestall family on the loss of your dad. Our parents (Sandra & Karl Graham) were great friends and I remember them fondly.
ian witherspoon says
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Pat was one of the most well respected and kind gentleman that I had the pleasure of knowing.
Rest in Peace Pat.
Amanda Ranby. PSW says
My condolences to the Forestell Family I knew Patrick I used to take care of his wife Alice Forestell for many years when he resided in Tottenham RIP Patrick
Vernon Burnie says
Condolence to the family, a community leader.
Vern & Julie Burnie