September 10th, 2021

Erskine Josephus Forde Sr. of Kamloops, BC passed away peacefully on September 10th, 2021 at 86 years of age.

He was born and raised in Barbados and was a model pupil at school who was admired for his sartorial style. Erskine and his family moved from Barbados to Saskatoon in 1968 before relocating to Prince George and finally settling in Kamloops in 1980.

As a journeyman sheet metal worker, Erskine was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 280 and held the title of Honorary Member upon retirement.

Erskine was masterful at his craft and was proud to have worked on many significant buildings around the province such as retail stores, schools and hospitals including the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops and the Expo Centre for Vancouver Expo ‘86.

Erskine’s calm, quiet demeanor was in contrast to the lively music he enjoyed listening to. He played in bands in Barbados and Prince George where he excelled at the guitar, trumpet and saxophone.

Erskine also enjoyed working with his hands and was talented at repairing instruments as well as shaping copper and wood into beautiful creations.

In retirement Erskine remained active, turning his attention to the martial arts of Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. He proudly achieved his first black belt at the age of 63 eventually becoming a 3rd degree black belt and opened his own club where he devoted his time to teaching kids and adults.

Erskine is survived by his children Nantley Forde and Scheley Forde in Kamloops, Yvette (Paul) Forde Inett, Juanita (Sam) Forde McDermott , Erskine Jr. (Seanna) Forde in Toronto and Ian Holford in Barbados.

Gramps will be missed by his grandchildren: Zuri, Nia, Preston, and Darius in Canada and Rico, Leann, Jalissa and Leigh in Barbados.

Also left to cherish Erskine’s memory are his brother, Llewellyn Forde and other relatives in Barbados, as well as his nieces, and nephews in Canada, Barbados and the U.S. Erskine is predeceased by his wife, Daisy Forde and his parents, Alleyne and Clarissa.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Erskine at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the RIH Foundation, 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T1.

You may express a message of condolence at Alternatives Funeral & Cremation.

• Date : 2021-09-10
• Location : Kamloops