James Dennis Forbes

James Dennis Forbes obituary

James Dennis Forbes

James Forbes Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Feb. 13, 2016.
James Dennis Forbes December 19, 1932 - January 28, 2016 Passed away on January 28, 2016 after a short battle with lymphoma. Born on December 19th, 1932 in Balboa Heights, US Canal Zone/Panama, he became the youngest person in Panama to receive a pilot's licence at age 13. He earned a Harvard MBA ('59) and a PhD from UCLA ('67), leading to his tenure at UBC Commerce from 1967-1997. He thought himself extremely lucky to have had two lovely wives, Laura Fisher (1935-1961) and Nancy Penman, along with four great kids, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Love of travel took him to almost every continent (especially places with a wine industry), and he is remembered by friends wherever he went. His interest in wine led him to a partnership in Forbes Fraser Wines as well to being president of the Australian Wine Appreciation Society for years. After learning to skate at age 40 and playing ice hockey, he transitioned into an avid golfer in later years. He survives in the memory of many friends and family and will be celebrated at the University Golf Club from 1pm - 4pm on Friday, February 19th. In lieu of flowers, donations to PBS, The Knowledge Network, or the BC Cancer Agency would be appreciated.

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February 19, 2016

Ron & Virginia Greene posted to the memorial.

February 15, 2016

Cliff Laurendeau posted to the memorial.

February 14, 2016

Suzanne Sweeney posted to the memorial.

8 Entries

Ron & Virginia Greene

February 19, 2016

My wife, Virginia, and I first became friends with Jim Forbes and Nancy Penman 54 to 55 years ago when Jim was hired as a Marketing Rep for a small instrument company in Silicon Valley. Nancy, a talented RN, gave significant support to Virginia during the postbirth period with our second daughter, whom we named Nancy. Our friendship was put on Christmas letter standby until it blossomed again when we both started to winter in the Palm Springs area about 2002. Since then we have spent many delightful evenings together enjoying great conversation, camaraderie and Jim's penchant for gourmet food and fine wine. I have encountered other people with Jim's intellectual brilliance, but not also with his broad-based competency, his infectious personality and his outstanding virtue of being a sincere, caring person for family and friends. We were praying that Jim's lymphoma was of the treatable variety, but that was not to be, Virginia and I have lost a long time, special friend and contemporary. We send our condolences on his loss to Nancy, the Forbes family, Jim's long list of friends, and all members of a civilized society.

Cliff Laurendeau

February 15, 2016

Laurie and I were saddened to hear of Jim's passing and wish Nancy and family our heartfelt thoughts. A great guy with a big voice that shared his fun and enjoyment of good wine but never in a stuffy way. Laurie and I will miss his celebration at the club as we will be on a wine buying trip in Portugal. I think Jim would approve.

Suzanne Sweeney

February 14, 2016

Don and I were so shocked to hear of Jim's passing. Jim and Nancy were our Palm Spring's neighbours and we loved our get togethers.... lots of great food, conversation and not to mention wine. Jim, we will so miss your brilliant mind... even if we didn't agree with you. It was always a treat to host or be hosted by you and Nancy. RIP

February 14, 2016

Don and I were so saddened to hear of Jim's sudden passing. Jim and Nancy were our fabulous next door neighbours in Palm Springs... We enjoyed great conversation, food and, of course, wine from the expert!!! Our love to Nancy and the family.

Dave Butler

February 13, 2016

You are now beside God.
Rest in peace Jim

Dave Butler

February 13, 2016

It was with great sadness to hear of Jim's passing.
I have known the Forbes family for over forty years.
To me Jim Forbes was a man of great intelligence and a zest for life. More importantly he was a man who loved his family very much.
For those of us who knew him he will always be in our minds and hearts.

February 13, 2016

Sorry to hear about your dad, Heather. My love goes out to your mom and the rest of the family. love always, Becky

Michele & Terrence Veeman

February 13, 2016

We are very sad to hear of Jim's passing. We knew Jim from the days when he coordinated a study on Canada's agricultural marketing boards and always appreciated his collegiality and good spirits.
Our sincere sympathy to Jim's family for their loss.

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Sign James Forbes's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 19, 2016

Ron & Virginia Greene posted to the memorial.

February 15, 2016

Cliff Laurendeau posted to the memorial.

February 14, 2016

Suzanne Sweeney posted to the memorial.