Forrest, Keith

Keith Montague Forrest was born in Bunbury on 4th November 1929. His father, Matthew Forrest, was born in Donnybrook in 1885. Keith’s grandfather, James Forrest, settled at Seaview, Ludlow, in 1884-85.

Keith is a descendant of Sir John Forrest. His mother Clarence (nee Scott) was from Boyanup. Keith was the youngest in the family, with seven older sisters and a brother who died in World War II. His sisters assisted with his upbringing when their mother died when Keith was five years old.

Keith’s Uncle Willy and Uncle Bruce farmed on nearby properties. Keith attended school at Ludlow and Narrogin Agricultural College. He worked with his father on the farm when he left school.

Keith’s father remarried and moved to Busselton to live. Keith married Delys Hutton in 1956 and they have four children.

Keith gives an interesting account of early life in Ludlow and mentions local identities, farming, fishing, duck shooting, bird life and the Forest Department Settlement at Ludlow. He talks at some length of Sir James Mitchell fishing and duck shooting with the Forrest family. Along with Delys who has worked hard assisting Keith with farming operations, they purchased more land and successfully developed their property.

They have now retired to Busselton and their son John is farming on the property.