Angel Whispers is a weekly
inspirational message from your angels by Russell Forsyth.
Week of November 15, 2009:
In Memoriam
This week's Angel Whisper is
dedicated to my father Russell L. Forsyth Jr., who passed
away this week on 11/11. Russ, as his friends called him,
had a special relationship with numbers as evidenced by
the two elevens which represent the gateway to
manifestation.
With the challenges that came from
the effort of being an advocate and caretaker for my beloved
father, I found a space that was previously undiscovered. In
this space I became a witness to the transition of both my
father and myself in this life event. My personal observance
illuminated how far I have come with my faith and
simultaneously fills me with gratitude to the Angels that
whispered throughout the process.
Inside the depths of my own
knowledge regarding the other side of the veil, there was
place of comfort that felt like being held in the arms of
spirit. I don't want to build illusions around how the 'old
me' might have responded, yet there is a knowing that the
'new' me had the tools, experiences and the energy that
comes from building faith. That, along with my family and
friends, carried me through to the place I am today.
Words cannot describe the feelings
and emotions that flowed like a river through my core, but
one thing is clear. I followed my guidance and instincts
down new paths of mystery and uncertainty, which ultimately
served me well. I would not imply that it was easy, only
that I feel resolved and without regrets having stood in my
own light of integrity, love and commitment. If you
re-visited the last several Angel Whispers, I am sure you
would notice the words and how they relate to situations
around life and death that we will all face.
Thank you for reading and inspiring
me to follow that thread of connection between you, me and
the highest power. With that connection came a willingness
to face difficulties with hope, while allowing me the
freedom to experience the depths of my own reality. May you
hear the whispers of your guardian angels as we journey
together.
I will post his Obituary below to
give you a feel for the man and the loss if you are
interested, but I mainly wanted to deliver a short message
of hope and faith. Thanks to all of you for your Prayers and
blessings.
Russell L Forsyth
November 9, 1929-November 11, 2009
Russell L. Forsyth Jr. made a
peaceful transition as he passed away in the early hours of
November 11, 2009, just a few days after reaching his 80th
birthday. Russ, as his friends called him, spent his final
days in the Hillcrest Hospital of Waco after a brief
struggle with illness. Russ made his permanent home and
business in the city of Groesbeck.
Russ was born on November 9, 1929 in Altoona, Pennsylvania
to his parents Russell L. Forsyth Sr. and Bessie Rittenhouse
Forsyth, who owned a candy factory and soda bottling
operation. As a child, Russ loved licorice despite his
father’s claims that the flavor was made from the sweepings
of the candy factory floor. His family lost those businesses
during the Great Depression and moved to Elmira, New York in
search of work, where Russ and his four siblings were
raised. Russ attended school at Southside High School in
Elmira before joining the service at the age of seventeen.
Russ joined the Navy in 1947 and fought in the Korean War
where he served as a Petty Officer on the USS Leyte. Russ
had a few close calls and on one occasion, a propeller from
a crashing plane came through the deck of his aircraft
carrier inches from where he was standing. Russ served his
country in the conflict before returning from duty with an
education in electronics and he worked in that field,
furthering his career with classes at Syracuse University.
Russ married Glenna Beryl Lewis in August of ‘48 and they
made their home in New York before loading the station wagon
to move to Texas on Independence Day of ‘57. They soon
settled in Garland, Texas to raise their four children
together in the suburb of Dallas. Russ was a loving father
who traveled in a sales position with different electronic
firms. He moved into an entrepreneurial role as his children
grew older, and remained self-employed for the remainder of
his life of service.
Russ moved to Groesbeck Texas in 1982 with his business, the
R. L. Forsyth Company, a tax preparation and accounting
firm, as a vehicle to serve the community and interact with
people, which he truly loved. He opened a second office in
Bellmead, Texas and hired his daughter Donna, to help with
the expanding role in both communities. Russ was President
of the Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce in 1986 as he took an
active role in the area. He became an Enrolled Agent with
the IRS in order to serve the farming community with a
deeper knowledge and understanding of the tax laws. Russ
turned down different job offers and could have easily used
his gifts in other areas, yet he chose to serve the people
of Groesbeck and Bellmead.
Russ’s thirst for knowledge fed his passion for
spirituality, and that led him into many areas of service
for the Lord. He was a member of the Victory Baptist Church
in Groesbeck, led by Billy Anderson where he sometimes
delivered the message and taught Sunday school. In addition,
Russ was active with American Legion, the Lions Club and
then late in life, he joined the Gideon organization where
he founded the Limestone County Camp for the group. His
devotion to Jesus inspired him to spread the word in area
churches, schools, institutions and prisons as Russ handed
out Bibles, counseled those in need and spread the joy that
he found in those experiences. Russ truly loved this aspect
of life as it filled him with purpose of serving the Lord.
Russ had his daughter Donna design a logo with the Christian
symbol of the fish and the three letters “MPG” which he
explained meant “Mission to Please God”. This, along with
many other representations of his Christian faith were
displayed prominently in his office. These were often
conversation starters to share his experiences and faith
with others.
Russ had his own brand of humor which always brought a
lightness to any situation. He could make you believe almost
anything and used that to further his playfulness and
positive outlook on life. Russ was known for his trademark
smile and relaxed demeanor, which he openly displayed with
his business and social dealings.
His close friends that survive him are too many to list, but
we would like to acknowledge his longtime friend and
confidant Judge Pete Lee and his loyal helpers Wilma Lee and
Carla Allison.
Russ is preceded in death by his siblings Helen, Betty, and
Francis, while being survived by his brother Bill. Russ is
survived by his ex-wife Glenna, who lives in Waco. They
remained friends and were active in their childrens' and
grandchildrens' lives. Russ is also survived by his four
children Doloris Lajoie, Mary Forsyth, Russell Forsyth and
Donna Forsyth, eight grandchildren Josh Forsyth, Lee
Kitchens, Bobby Lajoie, Danny Lajoie, Kirsten Graeber,
Lauren Forsyth, Matthew Forsyth, and Stewart Carroll IV and
his four grandchildren, Marcus Kitchens, Alyssa Forsyth,
Taylor Forsyth and Trinity Kitchens.
Russell L. Forsyth will be laid to rest at the Fort Parker
Cemetery after a service at the Groesbeck Funeral Home on
Saturday November 14 starting at 2pm. Upon his request the
pallbearers will be his grandsons. Dale McDaniel will be
leading the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Gideon’s
International organization so that they may distribute
Bibles to the needy, less fortunate and all who ask. The
family wishes to thank the loving support given by all the
friends, the community of Groesbeck and the surrounding
area. We would also like to thank the staff at Hillcrest
Hospital and the Hospice team that supported Russ in his
final days.
Bring joy, ease suffering
and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
Angel Readings by Russell
Forsyth
