THOMAS FORSYTHE

FORSYTHE, THOMAS, 89, life-long resident of Warwick, passed away on December 6. He was born in Scotland in 1920. He graduated from Aldrich High School with top honors and was class president. He went on to Brown University, graduating summa cum laude in 1942 and completed Tufts Medical School in 1945.

He served his country as a Flight Surgeon from 1946-1949 in Bangor, Maine. After completing a residency in Radiology at Rhode Island Hospital in 1953, and a Fellowship with the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Medicine in 1955, he then organized and directed the first radioisotope laboratory in the state of Rhode Island.

Dr. Forsythe had a lifelong passion and gift for teaching others. To that end, he founded the School of X-ray Technology in 1955, and served as an inspector of regional training programs for the ACR from 1960-1965. As part of the faculty at Brown University Medical School, he was a beloved professor known for his engaging, astute, and humorous lectures.

He was a founder of Ray Medical Services (now RI Medical Imaging), the state's first and largest radiological group. He was acting director of the Department of Radiology at the Rhode Island Hospital for three years. He served as president of the RI Radiological Society and was also a member of the Radiological Society of North America. He was awarded a Fellowship in the American College of Radiology for his outstanding contributions to and service in the field of radiology in 1976.

Two experiences in his career affected him deeply, shaping the course of his service work and teaching. In 1962, Dr. Forsythe served in an Algerian Relief Mission under the sponsorship of CARE-MEDICO. He also attended to one of the first Nuclear Plant incidents' and resulting cases of nuclear radiation sickness, in 1964.

Tom Forsythe was an active hobbyist, although the word 'hobby' in no way describes his masterful craftsmanship and artistry. He was a highly respected authority on antiques, especially clocks. As a member of the Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, he gained recognition throughout New England as a lecturer.

His interests included antique collection, restoration, and reproduction, metalwork, including spinning and casting brass and pewter, the construction of reproduction antique cannons, rug braiding. He learned the art of Nantucket Lightship basket making, made his own molds, and wove literally hundreds of baskets. He crafted Shaker boxes as well. He baked, was an avid gardener, kite-maker, and self-taught pianist. His jokes, humor, and endless and voluminous knowledge bank of trivia were infamous. Dr. Tom was the proverbial jack-of-all-trades.

He served as the examining physician for the Troop 1 Gaspee, Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America for many years. He was an active sailor and Rear Commodore of the Edgewood Yacht Club, and a member of the Warwick Country Club. As a Friend of Bill W., Doc founded the RI chapter of Impaired Physicians. He served on the Board of Edgehill Newport for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Filomena (Caputi) Forsythe, three children, Nancy Forsythe of Hanover, N.H., Thomas Forsythe of East Greenwich, RI, Patricia Donnelly, of Jamestown, RI, and six grandchildren, Hannah Sachs, Jamie Sachs, Kathryn Donnelly, Michael Donnelly, Heather Forsythe, and Jaclyn Forsythe, as well as many friends and family. He was beloved and respected by all who knew him.

Calling hours will be held at Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home at 1328 Warwick Avenue, Warwick on Thursday, 2-4 and 6-8. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Please omit flowers. Donations may be made to St. Elizabeth's Home, 1 St. Elizabeth's Way, East Greenwich, RI.