Obituary of John Paul Forest

April 13, 1962 - October 8, 2025

It is with deep sadness that the family of John Paul Forest announces his unexpected passing on October 8, 2025 at his home in Toronto. 

 He was born on April 13, 1962 in Saint John, NB, to the late John and Elizabeth (Doherty) Forest.

As a young man, John Paul enjoyed playing lacrosse and working as a cook in local restaurants. Setting his sights on moving out West, he found himself working in Calgary as a one-on-one carer for a gentleman who was quadriplegic and with whom he formed a strong bond over a 10-year period. When this gentleman passed away, John Paul mentioned that it would be too difficult to take on another client in that role. Instead, he turned to construction, working both in Calgary and then in Toronto.

He will be remembered as having an independent spirit, and living life on his own terms, valuing his privacy. He was passionate about his personal hobbies particularly music, singing and playing guitar, mostly folk songs.

John Paul will be dearly missed by his brother, William Forest; sisters, Cathy (Paul) Mifflin, Marilyn Sood, and Elisa (Corey) Dickinson; nephews, Liam Dickinson, Nigel Sood, John Mifflin and Samuel Forest; his nieces, Sarah Hedar, Nadia (Mwalu) Hedar; Jenna (Tom) Dickinson, Audrey Forest, Emily Mifflin, Alicia and Maya Sood; and great nephews, Zakaria and Jad Peeters; and great niece, Amalya Peeters; as well as many cousins in the Forest and Doherty families.

In addition to his parents, John Paul was predeceased by his sister, Bernadette (Forest) Hedar and longtime friend, Glendon McLellan. 

A private family burial will take place at a later date. Rest easy, dear brother. 

Through memories, the ones we love, live in our hearts forever.