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Derek Forsyth

Image by Nick Andréka

DEREK “DIGS/DIGGY” BRYAN FORSYTH

July 25, 1991 – February 5, 2024

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of an amazing son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. 


Derek Bryan (AKA Diggy) leaves to mourn his passing, his mother, Maureen Forsyth and her partner Dean McLarnon; grandmother Rosemary Murphy; uncle David Forsyth; uncle Bruce Forsyth (Tara); uncle Ian Forsyth (Apple); his aunt Viki van Sabben (Henry); aunt Susan Murphy; and many great-aunts and great-uncles, cousins and friends. 


He was preceded in death by his brother Matthew Forsyth; stillborn sister Leslie; maternal grandfather Frank Murphy; his partner Amanda Pidgeon; father Bryan Forsyth, paternal grandparents Yolanda and Vic Forsyth; uncle Mark Murphy; uncle Keith Forsyth; and aunt Nicole Forsyth. 


Derek was born on July 25, 1991 and was raised in Transcona and spent many happy years there. He loved traveling and together with his mother and grandparents, enjoyed many family vacations traveling to exciting locales. He had a great love of all sports, especially hockey and in his youth, could often be found at the local rink with hockey stick and skates in hand. As he grew older, he enjoyed riding his quad and snowmobile. While he found enjoyment in these, his greatest joy was fishing, especially with his cousins. Derek spent long hours, day and night, summer and winter, fishing. It was a time of peace and reflection, and time that he shared with those closest to him, especially his brother Matt. Although he caught many memorable fish he was just as happy to come home with an empty net; the time shared with someone special was far more important. Derek’s other love was video gaming. Several times a week he would meet his cousins Jarrid and Brooke, and friend Kris online and they would play into the wee hours of the morning competing against each other. A special time that they all looked forward to.   


Derek was a natural-born salesman. His most notable job was selling vehicles, boats, and trailers to northern communities. He started this successful career through making cold calls, which then turned into his own business. He was very proud of his work.


Like so many, Derek faced challenges in life. The passing of his brother and a few weeks later his grandfather, were almost unsurmountable. Derek was prescribed opioid medication from a surgery and had been struggling with substance use disorder. The losses pushed him further into addiction. He recognized the impact that this had on his life and those he loved, and he went to British Columbia where he entered an intensive yearlong addictions program. He worked hard to gain sobriety. Derek returned to Manitoba as the pandemic was raging in the province. Shortly after his return, Derek became ill and was hospitalized for several months. He was diagnosed with transverse myelitis and this left him paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors were not confident that he would regain the use of his legs, but Derek spent tireless hours in physiotherapy and regained his mobility. This was a difficult challenge for a young man to face, especially with the added restrictions and social isolation of COVID and trying to maintain his sobriety. His family was very proud of how he mounted the challenge and fought on. 


This past year, Derek spent his life with someone special, Amanda Pidgeon. They shared many happy moments, especially on trips to British Columbia to visit with family. Unfortunately, Amanda passed away last fall. When Matt passed Derek lovingly cared for Matt’s dog Duke. Duke was Derek’s trusted companion and supported Derek through many difficult moments. Sadly, within weeks of Amanda’s passing Duke passed of cancer. Although devastated by so much recent loss, Derek remained positive about the future. Derek treasured time spent at the Forsyth Family Christmas gatherings, a time for fun and laughter. Since the passing of his paternal grandparents, the gatherings had been left behind. This year, Derek insisted that the family get together, and because of his efforts, several of the cousins were able to get together for one last special gathering.


Derek was very close to his mother and often referred to her a “Momma Bear”. He knew that she loved him deeply and was the one he could trust and count on for support. She raised her sons as a single parent and instilled in Derek the characteristics of hard work, compassion and a deep love of family. 


Derek’s struggles here are done now. Those left behind know that he cared about us, and we will never forget the joy he brought to our lives. Rest easy Diggy, your job is done here.  


The family would like to thank Dr. Ryan Thompson and Dr. Gerald Hoy for their care and compassion and dedication to helping Derek on his journey. We will be forever grateful.


Friends and family are invited to attend a service of remembrance and friendship which will be celebrated by Father Gerry Warde at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy (Unitarian Church).


In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Derek, to the Bruce Oake Memorial Foundation C/O Bruce Oake Memorial Foundation B101-11 Evergreen Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2T9. 


Derek's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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