Final tribute to Don Forbes

The funeral was one of the largest ever seen in Yarrawonga.Mr Forbes 77, passed away on12 July after a short illness.

Parliamentarians, Councillors, police and hundreds of people representing organisations for which the deceased assisted and promoted, attended the funeral.

Among the mourners was Inspector Sid Wright of police No. 1 Division Wangaratta. Speaking to pressmen after the funeral, Inspector Wright paid great tribute to the work of Don Forbes as a J.P. over 24 years, deputy coroner and as a probation officer over a period of 31 years during which he helped to rehabilitate youths on the right path of life.

Also among the mourners was the Grand Secretary and treasurer of the Hibernian Society of Victoria, who travelled from Melbourne for the funeral. Mr Forbes was local branch secretary of the Society for over 30 years.

The Sacred Heart Church, where the deceased worshipped all his life, was packed to capacity for a concelebrated Requiem Mass at which five priests officiated, the main celebrant being Rev. Fr. B. Thomas parish priest of Yarrawonga.

A guard of honour was formed at the church by children from the Sacred Heart High School. The large cortege of mourners, followed the funeral to Yarrawonga cemetery. A guard of honour was formed at the cemetery by members of Rotary and the ambulance service to which Mr Forbes devoted 37 years of his life as an untiring worker.

Coffin bearers were Messrs Vin Schneider, Des O’Meara, Kevin Forrester and Don Presley. The pall was supported by members of the Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary club of which deceased was the last surviving charter member – Messrs L Mitchell, N Loughnan W Tuttle, G Oakley, J Grant, H Hogg, F Haebich, R Prescott, L Bown and K Godden (Shepparton).

A final tribute was made to well-known Yarrawonga resident Donald Couche Forbes by a huge attendance of mourners at his funeral on Friday 14 July 1978.

Tribute

Extracts from the eulogy delivered by Fr, Thomas

In the panegyric of the Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Fr Thomas paid great tribute to the life of Don Forbes. Fr. Thomas said this great assemblage of people is surely a wonderful tribute to a fine and noble man.

Don Forbes, as he was affectionately known to all of us, has been a vital part – a very active part of this community for over half a century.

He has helped to make this community what it is today, he has helped to shape it – to mould it, and he has left his indelible mark upon it. There will always be something in this town to remind us of Don Forbes.

A legend

The words of our Blessed Lord Himself were surely the motivation and inspiration of Don’s Life.

His service to this community and to his fellow man is something of a legend that will be remembered and spoken of for many days to come. It will certainly be an example and an inspiration to all who knew him.

His service to his Church – to his Parish was outstanding. Don Forbes was a man of strong faith – a faith to which he was loyal to the very end.

There was no parish activity in which Don did not take an active part – in fact a leading part, and this parish as well as this whole community has a special debt of gratitude to him.

He has left behind him a memory which we will all respect and honour.

Don Forbes was buried with his wife Emily May (Mac) Forbes who predeceased him on 24th March 1972.