Obituaries

FORBES, Elsa

FORBES: Elsa passed away suddenly on November 13, 2018 in Kelowna at the age of 85. She is survived by her children; Sherilyn Fritz, Carolyn Saxby, Lynn Davis, Jan Forbes and Steve Forbes, and her grandchildren; Chris Robinson, James Saxby, Rick Saxby, Kyle Davis, Kordell Davis, Katie Forsstrom, Adam Forbes, Michael Casey, Trinity Forbes and Emily Forbes. Elsa is predeceased by her husband, Don, her brother, Bob Nyffeler, and her parents, Pauline and Robert Nyffeler. Elsa was a pioneer in her field of Education and was the first female vice-principal, principal and administrator in British Columbia. She was active for many years in the A.N.A.F. and had many fond memories of her numerous adventures. She was loved and respected by her colleagues, family and friends and will be missed by many. Elsa's memorial will be held at the Kelowna Army Navy located at 270 Dougall Rd N, Kelowna, BC on November 23, 2018 at 3 pm . Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299

Link: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Condolence Messages

Nov 22, 2018
Elsa was an inspirational woman!

Anne Mackay
Nov 20, 2018
So sorry to hear of the passing of Elsa. She was the principal at Black Mountain where I secured my first teaching position. Elsa encouraged and helped me in my beginning years. She set the bar high and I learned a lot from her. My thoughts and prayers are extended to her family and friends at this difficult time.

Sharon (Arcuri) O'Brien
Nov 20, 2018
Mrs. Fritz was my favourite teacher, I will always have good memories of her.

Grant
Nov 20, 2018
I have known Elsa for many years at the Kelowna Golf Club and welcoming her at Sunrise Village. Condolences to her family.

Mary Welder
Nov 20, 2018
Your mother was a good friend of mine, we played golf for many years. I will miss her cheerfulness. Since I moved to Vancouver we have chatted on the phone often. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Vi Bloomfield (West Vancouver)
Nov 19, 2018
I knew Elsa in the 8th grade in Rutland High, when she and other students traveled by school bus from Winfield and Oyama to Rutland High. She was a go getter, and made a great contribution to students when she became a teacher & later on as an administrator. She and my furure wife were great pals. I will always remember her. Alfred Hanet.
Nov 19, 2018
To Mrs. Forbes family, my sincere condolences. I was a student at Black Mountain Elementary in the 70s. Mrs. Fritz and later Forbes was my principal. She was a wonderful woman. That's quite amazing that she was an educational trailblazer. May she Rest In Peace.

Jennifer Simms
Nov 19, 2018
So sorry to hear of Elsa's passing. I did my final teaching practicum in Elsa's classroom at Bankhead Elementary in 1966, then she turned me loose on the school system. Our paths crossed again when she succeeded me as Vice-Principal at Rutland Elementary School in 1972. Elsa was a strong advocate for children, and worked hard to ensure our schools were great places for kids to learn. She also had a killer sense of humour! When we both were retired, we often talked at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club of our experiences in and out of the school system. Elsa truly was a trailblazer in ensuring women had strong leadership roles in District 23. My condolences to her family and friends.

Brian Chamberlain
Nov 19, 2018
Mrs. Fritz was the Librarian and Vice Principal of the first school I worked in, the old Rutland Elementary School. She will be missed by all of the students that she came in contact with, the teachers that she worked with and those that she supervised.

Lorne Buna
Nov 19, 2018
I was so fortunate to have her as my first practicum supervisor. What a tough cookie! I learned so much from her and will never forget how seriously she took the profession. She was a role model for so many.

Carla Temme
Nov 19, 2018
I have not seen nor spoken to Elsa in too many years but remember her for a great time we had when I directed my first full length play 'The Miracle Worker'. She took the part of Annie Sullivan, the teacher of Helen Keller. Often time passes far too quickly but the memories do linger on.

Monty Hughes
Nov 19, 2018
Elsa was a bright and humorous light in our schools and district, and community; a wonderful friend and colleague whose influence lives on and on.

David Worrall
Nov 19, 2018
So sad for the family. I went to Rutland High School with Elsa when we were both living in Oyama.

Regards, Lorna (Taylor) Dewar
Nov 19, 2018
I was a student in grade seven and Mrs. Fritz was our teacher. She was our P.E. teacher at the time they brought in the one piece red and white gym jumpsuits. She was a very serious teacher and expected the best effort put forward at all times. I remember she was so proud of her brown leather school binder because her brother had crafted it for her and it was a beautiful piece that would last forever. I also remember her when her first girl Sherilyn was born and then along came Carolyn. Mrs Fritz was not related to me in anyway but I sure never forgot her.

So rest in peace now and I know you will still be hovering over all your school students.

Judy Fritz