William Forbes Ph.D.

Forbes, William Frederick, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Died on the 28 December 1999 at the Ottawa General Hospital after a year-long illness. Beloved husband of Margaret, dear father of Helena (at home), as well as Christine (and David Burden) and Alain (and Catherine Forbes), all in England. Proud grandfather of Ian, Amy and Keri Forbes. Younger brother of Susan Jackson in St. John's, Newfoundland, and uncle of Peter and Tom Jackson, Jeanette Hill, and Sandra DeKonig. Adored and devoted master of Daisy. After completing his studies at Imperial College University of London, he began his university career at the University of Nottingham followed by a productive and exciting six years teaching and doing research at Memorial University in Newfoundland where he was proud to have been made a professor before he was 30. He looked on his years there with much fondness. Opportunities to further his research career took him to Australia for 3 years. He returned to Canada in 1962 to the University of Waterloo, taking up the position of Professor. Research into Aging and Statistics relating to health and aging were areas in which he was intensely interested and in which he made numerous contributions, but he also enjoyed the teaching part of his job and was able to help many young people on to distinguished careers. While at the University of Waterloo, he also served as Dean of Mathematics from 1972-1980 and as Director of the Program in Gerontology from 1982 until his retirement from the University o f Waterloo in 1993. Working life did not stop then. He moved to Ottawa to become a Research Fellow at Statistics Canada and a member of the Ontario Advocacy Commission. Following that, he joined the Research Department at Elizabeth Bruyère Hospital and continued with his usual zest for work. He was still actively involved in research when he was hospitalized earlier this year. Some areas in which he made valuable contribution were smoking and health, dementia and its relation to aluminum, longitudinal studies in aging, and the use of assistive devices. Some posts which he was honored to have held were Founding President of the Canadian Association of Gerontology, Founding President of the Ontario Gerontological Association, and Member of the Board of Directors of Freeport Hospital. His dynamism, vitality, and enthusiasm won him many friends. He will be greatly missed. Cremation has already occurred. At his wish, there will be no service. A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at the family residence in Ottawa on Thursday 30 December 1999 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to join us.