Kenneth Stephen Forbes of Big River, SK, passed away peacefully on September 28th, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born in Prince Albert, SK, and spent a vibrant lifetime in the Big River, SK, area.

Ken survived polio as a child and a tumultuous early adulthood. These experiences had a profound effect on him and led him toward a life of helping others who were suffering. Ken helped people with addiction for over half his life. This was his primary purpose for many years. Through his experience, strength, and hope, Ken helped many people make better lives for themselves.

He was also involved in cultivating a vibrant senior’s club in Big River. He wanted to be a voice for senior citizens across the province, knowing the importance of advocating for seniors’ needs and ensuring no one got left behind.

Ken loved to fish and camp. He had the biggest potato patch you’ve seen and generously shared the bounty with friends and family. Ken was an avid reader until the day he died. He had an enduring desire to keep expanding his mind and believed you never stopped learning. He encouraged everyone to never stop asking questions.

In his early years of recovery, Ken was searching for a higher power which took him to the church. He became involved in the Big River United Church Board for 4 years and also sat on the United Church Interview Board in Saskatoon for 5 years. It gave him hope and strength.

We will remember Ken for his enthusiastic stories, wholehearted commitment to his family and community, and the depth of his humanity, integrity, and wisdom. We have deep gratitude for the time he was with us and will hold his memory tight to our hearts. He was one of a kind.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Cindy McLean; his daughters and their spouses Loretta (Michael) Forbes and Wolf (Chris) Herdman; his grandchildren and spouses Joshua (Shealynn) Nelson and Jamie (Tessa) Nelson; his great-grandchildren Bexley, Bauer, and Braelyn; his sisters, Gladys Rudolph and Lorraine Forbes; and his stepchildren and their spouses, Ryder McLean and Michelle (Jakkapan) McLean.

He was predeceased by his mother and father, Georgena and James Forbes; his siblings Bud Forbes, Doris Wreford, Grace Cromartie, and Donald Forbes.

In lieu of other tributes, and Ken’s spirit of supporting his community, donations in memory of Ken can be made to the Big River Seniors Club #64 (cheques payable to Big Rivers Seniors Club #64 and mailed to box 577 Big River, SK S0J 0E0).

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, R. Mark Muir Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK 306-747-2828.

• Date : 2025-09-28
• Location : Big River, SK