Richard Forrester died gracefully in Charlottetown, P.E.I., on Thursday, January 17, 2013.
He was born in East Herrington, England, to the late John and Leanora Forrester. After graduating from Durham University, he taught for six years, becoming head of physics at Seaham Grammar school. In 1969 Richard emigrated to Saint John, New Brunswick, where he was head of physics at Simonds High School and later, principal of Rothesay Junior High School and Rothesay High School.
He was the cherished husband of Brenda (Milligan) and the beloved father of Michael (Julie Baker), Mark (Maggie) and Joanne (Denys McDonald) from his previous marriage to Pat Beyea (nee Baker). Richard (Avo) was also recently blessed with three grandchildren, Ruthie, Kayleigh, and Jacob; of whom he was very proud. Richard is also survived by his brother Jack, (Rosalin); his sister Nora, (Mark Holmes);and his mother-in-law, Pauline Milligan; brothers-in-law, Charles Noonan (Carol), Rodney Milligan (Dana Titian); sisters-in-law, Paula White (the late Bruce), and Andrea Milligan (Arnie Johnston); as well as several nieces and nephews in Canada and in England who will remember him lovingly.
Richard lived his life with passion, energy and integrity. His talents were numerous and his interests were diverse; teaching, cooking, gardening, carpentry, wine-making, coaching and refereeing, golf, racquetball and soccer were all part of his dynamic life.
His devotion to soccer was life-long. As a youth he was a skilled and accomplished player and his contribution to the growth of the sport in New Brunswick in particular was significant. With his soccer buddy and friend Derek Wisdom, he conducted coaching and refereeing clinics throughout the Atlantic Provinces. Richard was instrumental in setting up the present day N.B. coaching system as well as coaching Men's Summer Games Teams. He initiated the Atlantic Soccer Training Centre in Saint John, N.B., and became a highly respected coach figure at the National level, receiving Honourable Life Membership from Soccer N.B. and the Canadian Soccer Association; as well as the President's Award by the Canadian Soccer Association for his services to soccer in Canada. He was a true lover of the sport and the values it taught young people and faithfully followed the Premier League games, especially his beloved Manchester United and Sunderland.
Richard retired from education in 1998 and he and Brenda moved to P.E.I. where he enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow golfers at Crowbush Cove, the beauty of Lakeside Beach, and his cottage garden. A gentleman always, he loved people and socializing; helping neighbours and friends; and making a positive contribution to each community to which he belonged.
His memory will be cherished.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 20, 2 to 5 p.m. at the Belvedere Funeral Home. A private celebration of life will be held at Belvedere Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Monday with a reception to follow.
Family flowers only please. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Prince Edward Home Palliative Care Unit would be appreciated.
What we have enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. - Helen Keller

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