Condolence: This is a message to Bob Forhan,s family from
Ken Weir who new him so well. We did not know of his passing but widh you & your familys so much god Bless you all

Condolence: Dear Sandra, Nanette and I just heard that Bob has pass away and are saddened by this news.

As you are well aware Bob was one of those larger than life individuals, that always gave his all to any endeavor, in sport, education, government he always left his mark. He did not stand by and watch, he participated in life and made significant contributions to the town of Newmarket, the region of York and to Canada.

I will miss him. I repeat Nick Swirla’s words that he was always a source of sound advice and council.

Thank you Bob, rest in peace.

Sandra and the boys, and grandchildren, you know that he was a unique man, and all who knew him will fondly remember him. He was a great example for so many.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Condolence: Rarely in a lifetime, someone strides through your world and leaves footprints all over your heart and soul. Bob was such a man. And my life, among many, was changed by his presence. With him goes a piece of me and all that I have become in the years since first we met.

Beneath the “jock” exterior was a true sports man; he was the ultimate team player, coach, sports psychologist, captain and leader. Where others talked a good game, Bob “went into the corners” for his teammates and unfailingly shared what could be termed “personal” triumphs.

My history with Bob began when I arrived in Newmarket as a young editor, itching to establish a new newspaper in opposition to a very solid, respected local paper. Bob took me under his wing and never shied away from an interview or a tough question. Clearly the sharpest politician in the chambers, he rarely mocked those who thought they could play games with their duties as councillors or staff. They were quietly “counselled” after the meeting and the foolishness seldom was repeated. Although I had seen and known many politicians from all levels of government, I had never watched anyone who had both a sense of vision and the skills to make those dreams come true.

Later, after I had left Newmarket to assume command of the paper in Markham, Bob asked me to consider becoming the Region’s information officer. It was an offer I couldn’t and didn’t refuse. Immediately, I became a member of his team and, as such, was pat of many adventures in governance. Together we fashioned a communications plan that would position York Region as, not only “Canada’s Fastest Growing Region”, but as a great place to live, work and invest.

When Bob assumed the dual roles of chairman and CAO, he never missed a beat -- despite the knee jerk reactions of pundits who assumed no person could perform both jobs. Bob and his team not only could, but did.

When Bob departed York Region, he left behind a legacy of people, systems and ideas that still function decades later.

With Bob’s passing, we all are diminished. But, in fairness, we all were enriched.

To Sandy and all of Bob’s family, allow me to extend condolences from myself, Sue and our entire family. We regret that we did not become aware of his passing until Sunday -- too late to join with you in celebrating his life.

Thank you all for sharing Bob with us and giving him the opportunity and support to walk gently and purposefully through our hearts and souls. God Bless You all.

Condolence: So sad to lose Bob. I grew up on Gorham St. just two doors up from Bob and Bill. I was closer in age to Bill and played road hockey with him and George Robertson and all the Garrets, and others, virtually every night after school down by the creek on Hamilton St. My brother Jim is Bob's age and so Jim knew him better than me. Bob and Jim didn't have much time for Billy and I because we were three years younger than them. But every now and then they would deign to include us in their activities. What a hockey player Bob was - and, of course, Bill too! Bob left our street at a very young age (14 or 15 I think) to start pursuing his hockey career so we didn't see much of him after that, except in the newspapers Sports pages. Anyway, I have very fond memories of the Gorham St. days and the two talented Forhans who lived just down the street. Just wanted to share these good memories with Bob's family.
Ken (and Pat) Cassavoy

Condolence: Joe and the Forhan family,
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I remember him well from the tennis courts. He was always so friendly and encouraging. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Kelly

Condolence: Sandy and family
My deepest and sincere condolences on the passing of Bob- I am still numb in hearing the sad news- however, I will always remember Bob the CAO and leader of setting the administrative foundation of bringing York Region through the massive growth and leadership role in the GTA.

Importantly Bob emphasized with me the importance of collaboration with the Regional area municipalities which became a lesson well learned for me for years thereafter.

On a personal note I will always be indebted to Bob in hiring a relatively young CFO as he built the management team in York Region in 1990 and beyond. Importantly for me was Bobs openness to talk about Regional Issues- always laying out his opinions but at the same time wanting your ideas to ensure all viewpoints were considered.

Finally I will miss golfing with Bob, relaxing afterwards with a drink ( or 2?!) and solving the Region and Provincial issues of the day!


Bob will always be remembered as the Founding Father of York Region , setting the foundation for long term managed growth in the GTA.

Sandy and family- your husband and father is a legacy to many more than you realize- as a colleague but more importantly as a friend!

With sympathy

Always

JoeP

Condolence: Sandy and Family. We are so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Our sympathy and thoughts are with you all.

Condolence: We were saddened to learn of Bob's passing.
We have many memories of a good friend and neighbour. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John & Marg

Condolence: I had the great pleasure of playing hockey with Bobby on Canada's Olympic team and National team. Bobby's hockey prowess and fiery spirit were a great inspiration to us all. He was such a likable "tell it like it is " person. He will be sadly missed.
Sincere best wishes to Sandy and family. Our thought and prayers are with you.

JoAnne and Paul

Condolence: Sandy
John and I are so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

John and Marion.