Dr. Paul Richard Forrest

May 3, 1941 - May 4, 2025

Dr. Paul Richard Forrest (aka Woody) passed away peacefully on May 4, 2025, at the age of 84. He was surrounded by family.

Paul is survived by his two children Val (Ken) Friesen and Steve (Deanna) Forrest and 6 grandchildren, Courtney, Cam, Carson, Jerusha, Alivia and Luke. Paul is predeceased by his wife Rennie, parents William and Jean, and brothers Bill and Dave.

Paul was born in Toronto, Ontario on May 3, 1941, to William and Jean Forrest.

Paul attended school in Toronto, and graduated from high school in 1960. Paul was a proud member of the cross-country team. Paul went on to attend medical school at the University of Toronto and graduated in 1966. Paul met Rennie at a church event and they were married June 5, 1965. They welcomed daughter, Val, in 1967 and son, Steve, in 1969. Paul wanted to be a medical missionary and in 1971 he had the opportunity to go to the Congo. With the whole family in tow, over the next two years, Paul ran the local hospital. After returning to Canada, the family settled in Kingston, Ontario and Paul studied anesthesiology, passing the exam in 1977. Paul accepted a position in Abbotsford, BC as the first full time anesthesiologist at MSA Hospital in the fall of 1977. Paul practiced until 2008. Following his retirement from anesthesiology he continued to work as a surgical assistant until 2018.

Paul was an avid gardener; roses were his specialty. Paul also loved birding and was able to travel to Costa Rica and Galapagos Islands. Paul's love for the Maple Leafs was undeniable! Go Leafs!

Paul loved to tell jokes, his smile and laugh was infectious.

Paul had the ability to bring people together with his sense of humor and also making fun of himself. Paul was a very generous man, whether it was giving to his church, charities, or helping his kids and grandkids. He also enjoyed buying his coworkers' treats, and the annual Valentine's breakfast with his work ladies was a highlight for him.

We will miss him and his laughter and humour.

The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 1:30pm at Sevenoaks Alliance Chapel, 2575 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford, BC.

In lieu of flowers, please give to: Sevenoaks Alliance Church - Missions fund or the Care Fund.

We will be live streaming Paul's Celebration of Life - www.sevenoaks.org/pages/memorials

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