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Derek Forsyth

Image by Nick Andréka

DEREK “DIGS/DIGGY” BRYAN FORSYTH

July 25, 1991 – February 5, 2024

With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of an amazing son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. 


Derek Bryan (AKA Diggy) leaves to mourn his passing, his mother, Maureen Forsyth and her partner Dean McLarnon; grandmother Rosemary Murphy; uncle David Forsyth; uncle Bruce Forsyth (Tara); uncle Ian Forsyth (Apple); his aunt Viki van Sabben (Henry); aunt Susan Murphy; and many great-aunts and great-uncles, cousins and friends. 


He was preceded in death by his brother Matthew Forsyth; stillborn sister Leslie; maternal grandfather Frank Murphy; his partner Amanda Pidgeon; father Bryan Forsyth, paternal grandparents Yolanda and Vic Forsyth; uncle Mark Murphy; uncle Keith Forsyth; and aunt Nicole Forsyth. 


Derek was born on July 25, 1991 and was raised in Transcona and spent many happy years there. He loved traveling and together with his mother and grandparents, enjoyed many family vacations traveling to exciting locales. He had a great love of all sports, especially hockey and in his youth, could often be found at the local rink with hockey stick and skates in hand. As he grew older, he enjoyed riding his quad and snowmobile. While he found enjoyment in these, his greatest joy was fishing, especially with his cousins. Derek spent long hours, day and night, summer and winter, fishing. It was a time of peace and reflection, and time that he shared with those closest to him, especially his brother Matt. Although he caught many memorable fish he was just as happy to come home with an empty net; the time shared with someone special was far more important. Derek’s other love was video gaming. Several times a week he would meet his cousins Jarrid and Brooke, and friend Kris online and they would play into the wee hours of the morning competing against each other. A special time that they all looked forward to.   


Derek was a natural-born salesman. His most notable job was selling vehicles, boats, and trailers to northern communities. He started this successful career through making cold calls, which then turned into his own business. He was very proud of his work.


Like so many, Derek faced challenges in life. The passing of his brother and a few weeks later his grandfather, were almost unsurmountable. Derek was prescribed opioid medication from a surgery and had been struggling with substance use disorder. The losses pushed him further into addiction. He recognized the impact that this had on his life and those he loved, and he went to British Columbia where he entered an intensive yearlong addictions program. He worked hard to gain sobriety. Derek returned to Manitoba as the pandemic was raging in the province. Shortly after his return, Derek became ill and was hospitalized for several months. He was diagnosed with transverse myelitis and this left him paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors were not confident that he would regain the use of his legs, but Derek spent tireless hours in physiotherapy and regained his mobility. This was a difficult challenge for a young man to face, especially with the added restrictions and social isolation of COVID and trying to maintain his sobriety. His family was very proud of how he mounted the challenge and fought on. 


This past year, Derek spent his life with someone special, Amanda Pidgeon. They shared many happy moments, especially on trips to British Columbia to visit with family. Unfortunately, Amanda passed away last fall. When Matt passed Derek lovingly cared for Matt’s dog Duke. Duke was Derek’s trusted companion and supported Derek through many difficult moments. Sadly, within weeks of Amanda’s passing Duke passed of cancer. Although devastated by so much recent loss, Derek remained positive about the future. Derek treasured time spent at the Forsyth Family Christmas gatherings, a time for fun and laughter. Since the passing of his paternal grandparents, the gatherings had been left behind. This year, Derek insisted that the family get together, and because of his efforts, several of the cousins were able to get together for one last special gathering.


Derek was very close to his mother and often referred to her a “Momma Bear”. He knew that she loved him deeply and was the one he could trust and count on for support. She raised her sons as a single parent and instilled in Derek the characteristics of hard work, compassion and a deep love of family. 


Derek’s struggles here are done now. Those left behind know that he cared about us, and we will never forget the joy he brought to our lives. Rest easy Diggy, your job is done here.  


The family would like to thank Dr. Ryan Thompson and Dr. Gerald Hoy for their care and compassion and dedication to helping Derek on his journey. We will be forever grateful.


Friends and family are invited to attend a service of remembrance and friendship which will be celebrated by Father Gerry Warde at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy (Unitarian Church).


In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Derek, to the Bruce Oake Memorial Foundation C/O Bruce Oake Memorial Foundation B101-11 Evergreen Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2T9. 


Derek's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

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530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 1:45 PM

My precious cousin,Dean,Mrs Murphy, & family,  Praying for God's comfort for  your aching hearts❣🙏🏻 Derek,(& Matt), will always be with you,as a love like you have for them,& they have for you,doesn't stop, with them in Heaven, it's just not possible. If anything, your love for them,& theirs for you,is even greater❣ Your precious, beautiful, so loved,boys,are living their happiest, healthiest, most peaceful life, ever,now,& free from all the evils of this world❣🙏🏻 It is you,( their loved ones), who are "left behind",who suffer,& who need love, our prayers,for comfort, & support🙏🏻❣🙏🏻 Father Gerry Ward did an absolutely beautiful,perfect,job too! I just love him! I just love you,so much,too!❣ I'm here for you,& anything you need,from me❣

Aunt Elsie, Sherilyn & Mark

May 9, 2024 at 11:18 AM

Dear Maureen and family,

We are so sorry to hear of Derek passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Michael Thomas

May 9, 2024 at 11:15 AM

May you rest in peace. I will for ever miss you. Love you always buddy.

🙏

Archie

May 9, 2024 at 11:14 AM

Sending hugs Maureen and Dean ❤️❤️

Vivian Meyer

May 9, 2024 at 11:09 AM

I am so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. My condolences. This is a beautiful tribute. Thinking of you all sending you love ❤️

Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 11:04 AM

Derek was a great guy.  He was hard working, outgoing, funny, and he had a good entrepreneur mindset.  It was nice to see him always helping his friends and family whenever they needed.   My fondest memories are just chilling, listening to music, and watching Shark Tank/Dragons Den with him and others. ❤️

Tanya Minaker

May 9, 2024 at 10:59 AM

Maureen and Dean, I am shocked and saddened to hear of Derek’s passing. I was moved by your beautiful tribute. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. Please know I am always here for you..

Tara Schmitz Forsyth

May 9, 2024 at 10:59 AM

Derek, I will forever remember you as a young teen with the long blond curly hair and a smile that took up most of your face. We spent many moments talking about Matt and through that we shared a bond of care and concern. You were very special to Brooke and Kris and they to you. I know that Jarrid will forever treasure the many hours of fishing and video gaming. You were very special nephew and very loved. Rest easy nephew 


Aunt Tara

Gisèle Okrusko (Nicole Forsyth’s sister)

May 9, 2024 at 10:52 AM

Maureen, sending hugs and prayers to you and your extended families. May the good memories support you during the sad times.

Sue

May 9, 2024 at 10:46 AM

We’ve been thinking about you over these past weeks.. I only knew your boys through pictures and FB glimpses but what I know for sure is how deeply loved both were.


My memory of Diggy goes way back to him and Ainsley playing side by side on a blanket while we were both on mat leave.

Lise Audette

May 9, 2024 at 10:43 AM

My sympathies to the Forsyth family.  My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Dena Torchia

May 9, 2024 at 10:21 AM

No one knows why these kinds of losses happen. This family has endured so many & I have to admit it'd be enough to shake my faith. Supposedly there's a reason for everything. We won't know all the answers until we are with our loved ones again, but for now we have to believe that Derek is at peace & free of all that was weighing him down here on earth.

Love & light to my cousin Maureen & the family. ❤️

RIP Diggy ❤️

Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 10:20 AM

My son was friends with Derek in childhood attending the same school.  He was a delight to have around. He often came to the family farm with us.   I am so sorry for your loss.

Shelly Coté

May 9, 2024 at 10:20 AM

I'm so very sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family. May he rest in paradise.

Nori

May 9, 2024 at 9:28 AM

Maureen, this is such beautiful memories of Derek. Every time we spoke he was so kind and loving. You were, and are a fantastic example of this in your boys. I am so sorry for your heartaches. We love you so much and are always there for you! xo

x/AK

May 9, 2024 at 9:28 AM

Oh Maureen, I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful son - whose spirt shines forth in the beautiful photos of this video. Sending love & prayers to you & Dean

Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 9:28 AM

Beautiful tribute. Deepest condolences to you, Dean and your family. Sending hugs.

Deb in BC

May 9, 2024 at 9:27 AM

Diggy was a great guy.  Always friendly and happy to see you!  Had great fun taking my sons to watch Derek s hockey games, fun times in Birds Hill Park,  and family gatherings.  Have thought of Matt often and now will see both their smiles in my memory.   Love you Mo and thinking of you.

Tracey

May 9, 2024 at 9:26 AM

Maureen there are no words you have been through so much in the last few years and have dealt with it with such strength and dignity. Your boys are together now and they are celebrating you from up above. Love you my friend.

Aunty Helen & Uncle Frank

May 9, 2024 at 9:26 AM

Derek: My Great-Nephew:  Always so kind, so polite & respectful. The love he had for his Mother Maureen was so very evident. I didn't get to visit with Derek much but when I did, it was always pleasant and I walked away knowing he wanted to do better & do good in his life. Maureen: You have our Love & Prayers always.

Rest In Peace Derek. Hug all our loved ones for us.

Cheryl and Bill

May 9, 2024 at 9:26 AM

Our condolence to you and Dean. Diggy was such a kind and caring person. My heart aches for you both. This is such a terrible loss and we are very saddened by his passing. We had many wonderful times with you and the boys that I will always cherish.

Jacqueline, Talen and Jakob Rimmer (Lundy)

May 9, 2024 at 9:25 AM

Such a beautiful tribute for an incredible young man. Our heart is breaking for you. Sending much love, strength, and condolences to Maureen and the whole family.

Valli & Bill.

May 9, 2024 at 9:24 AM

What a wonderful tribute to Derek.   Maureen & Dean our heart aches for you to have been through so much pain and tragedy.  .For those that we truly treasure, the heart never forgets. May all your memories help you through this difficult time.  We are here if you need us.

Greg

May 9, 2024 at 9:24 AM

I’m absolutely broken by this news, Maureen, I spent many an evening out back with Diggy chatting about anything and everything, and did the same with Matt during the years we were neighbours. Your lads hold a very special place in my heart. May they both rest in peace, and may you find comfort knowing that you had two amazing young lads who taught us about friendship while dealing with their own adversities. Sending you our love.

Lindsy and Steve

May 9, 2024 at 9:24 AM

Our hearts ache for you Maureen and Dean, and pray that knowing he is at peace with the family members who have gone before him will comfort you. He was loved and will be missed.❤️

Anonymous

May 9, 2024 at 9:24 AM

Our condolences Maureen to you and Dean. You will be so missed Derek. Aunty Viki and Uncle Henry love you so much♥️

Big hugs filled with our love ♥️

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Ethical Death Care (Death Care Services Inc.) is privately, independently, and locally owned. Shane Neufeld and the original team of Integrity Death Care own and manage this organisation.

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