Obituary of Robert Daniel Forsyth

Robert Daniel “Chip” Forsyth, 80, Blue Mountain, formerly of New Waterford, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, with his family by his side.

Born in New Waterford, the son of the late Robert and Catherine (MacLellan) Forsyth, Chip (as he was known to those closest to him), was a giant of a man, though he stood only 5’6”.  He worked as an Industrial Mechanic with Michelin Tire, Granton for 33 years, but he lived to spend time in the country, surrounded by nature and most importantly, his beloved wife, Isabel, his three children, and any number of extended family and friends. 

Chip kept life simple; he worked hard, he loved his family immeasurably, and he was a kind, generous and thoughtful soul. But his quiet confidence and iron will belied a sharp wit and inquisitive mind which led him through a lifetime of learning. Anything that piqued his interest or needed doing could always be found in a book, which he could then adeptly put into practice.  If a job was worth doing, it was worth doing well. He was as likely to spend an afternoon repairing his tractor, working on the house, or planting a garden as he was to spend hours reading, learning Gaelic or tuning up his fiddle.

Chip was a red seal millwright by trade but as he neared retirement, he began attending St. F.X. University and obtained a B.A. in English and Celtic Studies.  He was member of the Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia for many years and remained active in the Gaelic speaking community. He had the opportunity to travel widely over the years but his favourite place in the world was Gillisdale, Cape Breton, where he and Isabel met as teenagers, later built a cottage, and returned to as often as possible.

Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Isabel (Gillis) Forsyth; daughter, Rachel Forsyth (Patrick Lahey), Algiers, Algeria; sons, Sandy (Shauna) Forsyth, Falmouth; Rob Forsyth (Angela Nabuurs), Dartmouth; grandchildren, Lina Rose Forsyth and Archie Robert Forsyth; sister, Beth (Bernie) Boudreau, New Waterford; several sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Chuck Forsyth.

The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow.  Interment will be in St. Mary’s and MacDougall Cemetery, Gillisdale in Spring 2026.

Donations may be made in memory of Robert to the Aberdeen Health Foundation Palliative Care Fund.

Lovingly submitted by family.