Jay DeForrest

Jay Robert DeForrest, age 72, of Stratford passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 2, 2017. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI, son of the late H. Stanley and June A. DeForrest. Loving father of Lisa Metivier (Allan), Donald DeForrest (Christina) and Douglas DeForrest. Grandfather (Papa) of Noelle and Liam Metivier, Julia and Megan St.Pierre. Special Papa of Abby, Simone (Josh), Raven (Dylan) and Serina. Also survived by his siblings David DeForrest of Florida, Betty Birdsall of Michigan and Carol Bonselaar (Dave). Uncle and Great Uncle to Laureen Birdsall, Kathleen Cekola, Michael Birdsall (Bonnie), Amy Birdsall, David DeForrest and daughter Eveah, Lynne (Nick) and children Shelby and Daniel and Kristine Landis (Chris) and children Kaleb and Trenton. Predeceased by his wife Betty DeForrest, sister Barbara Coleman and nephew Randall Birdsall. Jay delivered newspapers for the Kalamazoo Gazette as one of his early jobs. He went on to graduate from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1963. He then joined the U.S. Air Force Academy out of Colorado Springs as a Dental Technician. After moving with his family to Canada, he later worked as a custodian for the Avon Maitland District School Board and was the Stage Door manager for the world renowned Stratford Festival Theatre for many years. A celebration of Jay's life will be held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St. Stratford Ontario, Canada on Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 7-9pm. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Gideon Bible Society through the funeral home.