Editor’s Note: Renowned Nova Scotia artist died Nov. 15 after a brief illness. He was a great friend of Dartmouth General Hospital, where hospital foundation CEO Stephen Harding recalls his generosity, and has written the following memorial.
By Steve Harding
Like many of you, we were heartbroken to learn of Tom Forrestall’s passing earlier this week. Tom was an incredible friend and a beloved member of our Dartmouth General Foundation family. Blessed with a generous heart and amazing talent, Tom’s kindness touched so many of us, and we are honoured to have had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
Steve Harding of Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation, left, with Tom Forrestall, and Dartmouth General’s Carolyn Marshall. Forrestall painted the late publisher Neville Gilfoy Contributed
Tom’s talent and generosity are evident in the stunning portrait of Neville J. Gilfoy that hangs in our atrium here at the hospital, a piece that continues to inspire us and reflect the depth of his work.
His donations of art were highlights each year at our annual Lobster Dinner and Golf Classic. When we asked donors to write love letters to our front line health care teams, he delivered his message of love through art.
Tom Forrestall, left, with Al MacPhee, two generous supporters of Dartmouth General Hospital. Contributed
Tom’s legacy will live on through his art, his friendships, and the countless lives he touched. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His contribution to our community and to the arts will never be forgotten.
Steve Harding of Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation with artist Tom Forrestall. Contributed
Dartmouth General Hospital’s flag will be lowered to half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, today, the day of Tom’s funeral, to honour his extraordinary support for the hospital and community he so loved.
Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be greatly missed.
The above is a statement from Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation’s CEO Steve Harding.
Funeral mass for Tom Forrestall at 11 a.m. today will be live streamed on YouTube click here.
Here is the obituary for Thomas ‘Tom’ DeVany Forrestall
March 11, 1936 – Nov.15, 2024
The Forrestall family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of their beloved father and one of Canada’s most celebrated artists, Thomas DeVany Forrestall. On Nov. 15, 2024, Forrestall passed away peacefully at Dartmouth General Hospital with loved ones near, after a brief illness.
Born on March 11, 1936, in Middleton, Tom Forrestall devoted his extraordinary life to making art.
Shaped by his studies at Mount Allison University under the mentorship of Lawren P. Harris and Alex Colville, Forrestall’s art blossomed into a lifetime exploration of the intimate details of Maritime landscapes. His light-filled works, characterized by a precision that caught his astonishment of the mystical energy of the everyday world, earned him national and international recognition. Forrestall met his wife at Mount Allison University, and married Natalie LeBlanc in September 1958, and together they embarked on one of the first Canada Council grants to travel to Europe.
Forrestall’s practice included masterful watercolors and egg tempera paintings of Nova Scotian landscapes in a magic realism mode. This beloved “mystical plough boy who made a portrait of every blade of grass” per poet Alden Nowlan, devoted his life to paying homage to simple observed moments overlooked by most, but lifted up and celebrated in a masterful style by this famously humble and kind man.
Natalie, known for her astute business acumen in the art world, managed his career, and together they had six children. Natalie ensured that there was always time for story telling, fun and poetry around the dinner table.
Over his prolific career, Forrestall’s works were exhibited in galleries and museums nationally and internationally. A recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Canada, Forrestall’s legacy extends far beyond his art, and his accomplishments and accolades are too numerous to list. He with Natalie were well known for their volunteerism and charitable work in both faith and art-based organizations.
Tom’s love of life, humor, and creativity touched everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a memorable body of work and a family who will forever remember his warmth, wisdom, and love.
Forrestall is survived by his beloved companion Mary O’Regan, children, William (Anne), Monica (Kerry), Renee (Nick), Curphey, Frank, grandchildren Marie Webb, Bess Forrestall, Rachel Forrestall, Millie Webb, Gwenhwyfar Forrestall, Jessica Forrestall, Jamie Blake, Jasmine Forrestall, Maxwell Schuss, Elizabeth Moysey, and great grandchild Sarah Moffat and his sister Katherine Forrestall.
He was preceded in death by Natalie LeBlanc Forrestall, John DeVany Forrestall (son), Colin Forrestall (son), Thomas Patrick Forrestall (father), Esther Forrestall (mother), Patricia DeVries (sister), Michael Forrestall (brother)
“My god, my family, my friends, my art held me on high for life.”—Tom Forrestall 2024
Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish (formerly St. Peter’s Catholic Church) in Dartmouth.
