Forrest A. McKinstry

CHARLTON – Forrest A. “Woody” McKinstry, 88, of Sampson Road, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday, June 28, 2024, at Harrington Memorial Hospital in Southbridge. after a short battle with cancer.

He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Elizabeth E. (Boudreau) McKinstry of Charlton, who died in 2003. He is survived by three children, Beth Taylor and her fiancé Peter Lataille of Charlton, Sharon M. Carlson of Charlton, and Forrest Paul McKinstry and his wife Jennifer of Charlton; six grandchildren, Misty Sutton and her husband Jamie of Melrose, Jacob Taylor and his wife Andrea of Charlton, Matthew Carlson of Charlton, Heather Carlson and her husband Jewin Mendoza Fournier of Webster, Brianna McKinstry of Charlton, and Cole McKinstry of Charlton; a great-grandson, Jacob Taylor Jr. of Charlton; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, William J. McKinstry who died in 1978; a brother, Albert McKinstry; and two sisters, Cynthia Rotando and Ruth Davidson.

He was born in Southbridge, son of the late John Percy and Olive G. (Marcy) McKinstry, and was a lifelong resident of Charlton. He graduated from Charlton High School and was a U.S. Navy veteran.

Mr. McKinstry was a truck driver for UPS in Shrewsbury for many years, retiring in 1997. He was a proud member of the Teamsters for 32 years. Farming was his passion and he farmed throughout his life, raising dairy cows and haying fields. Farming meant everything to him.

Mr. McKinstry was a member of the Charlton Grange and the Farmers Co-Op. He could be found around town scrapping and picking up junk to recycle. He was a square-dancing caller in Woodstock, CT, and enjoyed bowling and slow-pitch softball in his younger years. His daily routine included visits to the local coffee shops to spend time with friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and his cat, Lucky.

A private graveside service will be held at West Ridge Cemetery in Charlton. Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.