Obituary of Bill Forsythe

William Norman “Bill” “Scottie” Forsythe, 77, Thorburn, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late James Jardine and Marjorie Louise (Robson) Forsythe. At the age of 16, Bill began his mechanic apprenticeship with Basil MacDonald at “The Beavers”, where he earned the nickname “Scottie”. Following, he became a mechanic with C. MacLean’s Auto Sales Ltd. and Shell Station on Marsh Street in 1970 where he was employed for over 30 years. He enjoyed softball and played with the Pictou Landing team for many years. Bill was an avid Blue Jay’s fan, and in 2018, he was able to attend two baseball games at the Rogers Centre with his son, Mark and grandson, Colin, a memory he cherished.  Bill was a humble man, who possessed a quiet demeanour. His greatest joys in life were spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Patricia Ann (MacDonald); daughter, Sherri (Roy) O’Hara, McLellan’s Brook; son, Mark (Lindsay) Forsythe, McLellan’s Brook; grandchildren, Brett (Dustin), Kaileb, Colin and Chael; sisters, Kay Gratto, Thorburn; Margaret Ann Guerin, Mississauga, Ont.; mother-in-law, Irene MacDonald, Thorburn; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Jim) Swain, Trenton; brothers-in-law, Dan MacDonald, Linacy; Ken MacDonald, Edmonton, Alta.; Stephen (Kirsten) MacDonald, Dartmouth; many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Marjorie Campbell and Mary Isabell “Mary Bell” MacDonald; father-in-law, Walter Dan MacDonald; brothers-in-law, Charles Campbell, Merle Gratto, Arthur Guerin, Tom Mattie and Colin “Collie” MacDonald.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, May 15 in Thorburn Cemetery with Rev. Gail Johnson Murdock officiating. 

Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Pictou County Palliative Care Society.