FREDERICK LESLIE FORSYTH

FREDERICK LESLIE FORSYTH passed away peacefully at his home on January 26, 2026. He was predeceased by his mother, Marjorie Forsyth (Anderson), and his father, Alan Forsyth, and his sister, Diane Forsyth, in whose name he established a Glenn Gould School of Music singing scholarship. Fred will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen (née Brown); his son, Scott (Rossana), and his cherished granddaughter, Maia. Fred will be lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law, Gayle Brown; his nephews, Darren Brown, Craig Brown (Gina), and Ben Brown (Amanda); his brother-in-law, Gordon McCall; and his nephews, Sean McCall and Spencer McCall (Karly). He took great delight in his grandnieces, Emma, Kassie, and his grandnephew, Jackson. Fred was called to the Bar in 1972 and began his legal career in Toronto as an Assistant Crown Attorney. In 1975, he continued in this role in Halton. After leaving the Halton Crown Attorney's Office, Fred practiced criminal law in Oakville and Burlington, concluding his legal career with Lakeshore Law Chambers in Burlington. In 1999, Fred was appointed a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice, marking the beginning of a distinguished 15-year judicial career. He continued to serve as a per diem judge until 2019. He authored several reported judicial decisions and was widely respected for his preparation, fairness, and principled advocacy. Outside of his professional and family life, Fred was deeply involved in his community. He enjoyed coaching football and was instrumental in establishing the Burlington Minor Football Association in 1980. A lifelong fan of the Toronto Argonauts, he attended games faithfully with his father. Fred was a strong supporter of legal education and youth advocacy programs in local high schools, encouraging students to develop confidence and skill in public speaking and debate. He received a Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, presented by William Kempling.