Obituary of Hank Arthur Selwyn Hume Forster

Hank Forster, a long time resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away in Rotary Manor on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the age of 94 years. Arthur Selwyn Hulme Forster was born on February 15, 1922 in Leslie, Saskatchewan to Robert and Edith. He was the youngest of three children; his older brother Robert died at age 5, the year Hank was born, and his older sister Dorothy passed away in 2000. Their family moved to Elfros, SK and lived there until Hank's father was killed in a grain elevator accident in 1934. Four years later at the age of 15, the family moved west to Vancouver. In 1940 during World War II, Hank tired to enlist in the Navy, but was turned down because the few ships the Navy had were already fully staffed. He then worked as a welder at the Burrard Dry Docks until he was able to enlist in 1943. He was assigned to the British Aircraft carrier the HMS Puncher as an Able Seaman. After the war, Hank took up the auto body trade. He worked in Nelson from 1950 to 1954 and then returned to the lower mainland. At the age of 40, Hank met Marilyn Elaine Davies and her four year old daughter Susan. they dated for two years and were married on November 23, 1964 in a small ceremony at the West Burnaby United Church. In May of 1967 a work opportunity presented itself, and Hank moved the family to Dawson Creek to begin a new career "teaching" auto body painting at the Dawson Creek Vocational School, which later changed its name to the Northern Lights College. He worked there for 19 years, and retired in June of 1987 at the age of 65. He enjoyed many hobbies and activities during his lifetime, but he especially loved boating. In 1958 he built his very own boat and called it the Wild Goose. Living on the coast, afforded him the opportunity to get out fishing with family and friends as often as time permitted. Hank also loved camping; be it in their tent, camper or fifth wheel trailer. He and Marilyn spent summers camping around the province visiting friends near and far. One of his favorite camping spots was Mara Lake in the Okanagan. There, the Wild Goose was constantly in use, whether for sight-seeing cruises around the lake, or for towing water skiers. Hank enjoyed his youth growing up in Saskatchewan, and spent a lot of time at a cousin's farm; he loved being in the country. He always longed to have a farm of his own, and in 1974 he and Marilyn purchased 10 acres and a house just outside of Dawson Creek city limits. At 52 he finally had his "own" little piece of country. Hank always wanted a horse, so even before they owned the acreage, he bought Amigo his "partner" for 23 years. Later he bought Lucky and she had a foal named Duke. Hank joined in whenever possible with his country friends, riding Amigo on local cattle drives. He built a beautiful horse trailer that he was very proud of, just to take Amigo on those trips. He loved all of his horses, but Amigo was certainly his favorite. He started ice curling the year after they moved to Dawson Creek and spent several years enjoying the competition,, but more so he liked times spent with old friends and new. He also floor curled for several years at the Seniors Centre. Golf was another sport Hank liked. Hank missed the acreage when they moved back into town, so he liked going for long daily walks. He put thousands of miles on his truck driving around Dawson Creek and the area "touring". Hank is survived by Marilyn his loving wife of 51 years, his daughter Susan (Randy), his grandchildren: Rodd (Alesia) Keen, Rhyan Keen (Brenda Gwilliam), his great grandson Harrison, and his sister-in-law Joyce (Myron) Moran. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 1:00 PM from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Pauline Haycock officiated. Interment followed in the Dawson Creek City Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Hank to the Dawson Creek Seniors Citizens Hall, 1101 McKellar Avenue, Dawson Creek, B.C., V1G 2S2. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium Funeral Service 1:00 pm Saturday, November 5, 2016 Reynars Funeral Chapel 1300 102nd Avenue Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada V1G 2C6