JOHN R. FORSYTH OBITUARY

Traverse City - John R. Forsyth, 78, of Traverse City and formerly of Ypsilanti, passed away in Denver, Colorado on August 3, 2015.

John was born on April 1, 1937 to Russell and Eda Forsyth. His father was the Ypsilanti Fire Chief during John's childhood, and John carried on this tradition himself as a Fire Commissioner of Ypsilanti for 33 years. John's career was in education; he received his Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University, and went on to teach in middle school, retiring as principal after thirty-three years at Belleville Middle School North in the Van Buren School District. His love of education continues with the legacy of a scholarship fund established to aid a graduating Van Buren School District senior in attending EMU.

Those who knew him know that John was a sociable, civic-oriented man who never passed up an opportunity to be of service to others. He was past president of the Ypsilanti Jaycee's, and of the Washtenaw 100 Club. He also participated in many other community activities and organizations. John's love of sports was a life-long passion. An accomplished athlete, he played football during his school years, and coached middle school sports during his teaching career.

John married his wife, Bonnie, in October 2007. They both had a love of Northern Michigan, and decided to make their primary home in Traverse City, a place where John had vacationed since he was a young boy. They spent winters in Sun City Center, Florida. John greatly enjoyed traveling, and by the time of his death, John had visited 35 countries and 48 of the United States. He also liked nothing better than socializing with friends, entertaining visitors to Traverse City, and exploring new restaurants and cultural events.

John is survived by his wife, Bonnie, cousins, Carol Draveling of Blue Springs, MO; and Shirley Gurley of St. Louis, MO; aunt, Pauline Gabrielson; stepdaughter Mary Elizabeth (Beau Weaver) Jurgensen, stepson Tye (Jayne Ayers) Jurgensen, stepdaughter-in-law Michele Jurgensen, and five stepgrandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Thomas.

A service of remembrance celebrating John's life will be held on Friday, August 14, 2015 at 1:00 pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Pastor Melissa Lopez from the Presbyterian Church will lead the service. A luncheon will be held following the service at The Top of the Park at the Park Place Hotel in downtown Traverse City. John will be interred at the Highland Cemetery in Ypsilanti at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Washtenaw 100 Club in Ypsilanti. Please visit their website for more information.

You are invited to visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to sign John's online guestbook.