Mr. John Forsythe

IT was with great sadness, and indeed shock, that the community of Downpatrick, Dundrum and beyond learned of the death of Mr. John Forsythe, of Ballydugan Road, Downpatrick, on July 18 in Downe Hospital following a relatively short illness. He was 75.

John had strong connections with the Downpatrick and Dundrum areas. He was born in Moneylane, Dundrum, in 1939. On completion of his education, he was employed by King’s Drapers of Newcastle, before progressing to a very successful career in insurance management with Prudential Assurance Co. Ltd.

Following his retirement he focused his energies on running a successful award-winning B&B with his wife, Patricia.

A devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather to ten grandchildren, brother and loyal friend, John also found time to indulge his passions for international travel, military history and sport.

A skilled Gaelic footballer, John had been part of the Down minor panel in his youth and in his later years enjoyed playing badminton, table tennis, bowls, snooker and golf, both competitively and for relaxation.

He was passionate about music and played a number of instruments as well as being an accomplished singer. His skills were many, including house design and planning, gardening, decorating and DIY.

These skills enabled him to generously give of his time and assistance in helping his family and friends.

John was also to be seen regularly walking the promenade in Newcastle with his wife Patricia.

John was a happy, humorous, good-natured and unpretentious individual. These qualities enabled him to cope with his illness which was diagnosed in September 2013 and which he bore so courageously and admirably.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, sons Jeremy, Shane, Brian and Donall, daughters-in-law Suzanne, Maria and Katrina, his ten grandchildren, his sister Theresa, brothers Jimmy, Patsy, Hugh, Tommy and Liam and the wider family circle.

Described as one of nature’s true gentlemen, John will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.

Indeed he was a popular and widely admired person who was highly respected by all who knew him.

John’s largely attended Requiem Mass bore testament to the fine man he truly was and took place on Monday, July 21, in St Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick.

The celebrants were Fr. Brendan Mulhall, Canon Sean Rogan and Fr. Anthony Owens. John’s eldest son, the Rev. Jeremy Forsythe, gave the eulogy.

May his gentle soul rest in everlasting peace. John’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place in St Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick at 7.30pm on Friday, August 15.