The family and friends of Dr. Malcolm Denis Forsyth sadly announce his passing on July 5, 2011 after an heroic battle with cancer.
Dr. Forsyth was formidable in many regards. As a trombonist, he had all the brashness of a brass player. He was a stickler for getting things right and would settle for nothing less than a class one performance. As a composer, he pushed all the instruments of the orchestra to their limits. He was unique in blending rhythms of his homeland, South Africa, with the more conventional rhythms of classical music. As a teacher, he would accept no second class work. His students could slip nothing past him. Many students described him as the most influential on their musical career. As a friend, he was often a challenge, never letting go a casual statement that was ill-thought out. He loved to debate and loved to win. He loved a crowd, and he loved the stage, and when he walked into a room, the room became full. He loved to tell stories and make people laugh.
Malcolm loved the people in his life, above all, his daughter, Amanda, his wife Valerie, and his poodle, Keats. He wrote several works for Amanda, an internationally acclaimed cellist, and they often appeared on stage together.
Apart from his music, Malcolm’s list of interests was endless: poetry, history, religion, politics, woodworking, water colours, languages, and travel. He was a voracious reader – in his areas of knowledge, he was encyclopedic.
He was a Professor of Music at the University of Alberta for 34 years and was Composer-In-Residence at the time of his retirement in 2002. Among his many awards were three Junos for his compositions, Canadian Composer of the Year in 1989 and was awarded the Order of Canada in 2003.
Malcolm was diagnosed with cancer last September and underwent several chemotherapy treatments. Although severely weakened, he was able to attend the premiere of his latest work, A Ballad of Canada, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa in early June.
Malcolm leaves to mourn his wife, Valerie, his daughter Amanda, son-in-law Pinchas Zukerman–semicolon– his brother Donald and sister-in-law Rhona in South Africa and their children.
A memorial celebration of Malcolm Forsyth’s life will take place on August 26, 2:00 pm, in Convocation Hall on the University of Alberta campus. All are welcome. Donations honouring Malcolm may be sent to the Department of Music Fund, Development Office, University of Alberta, 3rd Floor, 10230 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 4P6, Attention: M Diakiw. Please make cheques payable to the University of Alberta, and indicate that the funds are to be deposited to the Department of Music Fund in Memory of Malcolm Forsyth.
Galen Noland says
I just wanted to say how much I loved my private composition lessons with Malcolm over the last three and a half years. He was absolutely the best teacher I have ever had and I already miss him so much. Our lessons were incredibly profound yet completely relaxing because we laughed through most of our sessions, truly enjoying ourselves while we talked about music. I have never met such a gracious teacher in my whole life. He was patient with my missteps in composition and was very eager to explain what was good or lacking in my work. He made the art of composition achievable for me and that was no small miracle. He was so generous with his time too, often letting our hour long sessions stretch for another hour or even more! He gave everything he had right up till the end and I am ever grateful to Malcolm. I will never forget this wonderful man and gifted composer.
Ted Kardash says
Malcolm often referred to himself as \”just a dour old Scot\” for whom emotional expression, such as showing love, was a challenge. Well, I say, \”Bosh, Malcolm\”. As I loved you deeply, I felt deeply loved in return.
I first met Malcolm when he joined the faculty of music at the U of A in 1968. Though I was his student we quickly became friends, mainly through his reaching out, inviting me into his home, willingly and openly sharing ideas, opinions, and – dare I say it? – feelings. He was the open one! We also shared certain adventures and developed an emotional closeness which lasted over 40 years in spite of the several thousand miles that separated us most of that time.
Sweet, kind, open, vulnerable, and caring are some of the key words I would use to describe Malcolm. Loving of others and loving of life. Just listen to his music. (I had the honor of conducting two of his pieces, one with the U of A symphony – probably his first performance in Canada – and the other with the Edmonton Symphony for CBC Radio.)
Malcolm, you are a beautiful soul. I, along with many others, miss you, will miss you. Thank you for your teachings, thank you for your friendship, thank you for your love. Your music remains – a great gift. And the kind love of your spirit remains as well.
Glynis Middleton says
My most sincere thoughts are with you both. I attended the memorial today and I just had to tell you \”thank you\” for sharing the remembrance of Malcolm with us all.
Amanda, I can only imagine how difficult it was to play but your playing communicated so much to us who listened. No one can take away the pain of your father\’s passing but please know that you are carried in the hearts and minds of those of us who cared for your father.
Valerie, I admire your faithfulness and loving care of Malcolm. He cherished you deeply – that is evident. As a former student, please know that Malcolm has had an enduring impact on me and his memory will live on through me and many others.
My sincere condolences to you both – may you continue in grace and strength.
Glynis Middleton (nee Alleyne)
Barbara Tompkins says
My thoughts are with you in this sad time of loss of Dr.Forsyth.I have enjoyed listening to many of his compositions over the years-an opportunity to hear contemporary composers has been a great time in my musical journey.As an amateur cellist ,His compositions for you Amanda ,has been a special experience for me.His legacy of music will live on and be shared with many more musical lovers.
Shauna Finlay says
Valerie,
I am so sorry. I have thought of you many times over the past number of months, knowing that you were caring for Malcom. While I was so happy to hear of your marriage, I was very saddened to hear about the diagnosis.
I hope to see you soon, I\’m hoping you are coping ok (bad grammer I know),
Shauna Finlay