David Forbes, a reverend and leatherman, dies

ebar.com:

The Reverend Canon David R. Forbes, a leatherman, outdoorsman, and Episcopal priest loved as much for his compassion as his intellect, died at his home in Palm Springs, April 26, three days short of his 97th birthday.Born April 29, 1926, in Palo Alto, Reverend Forbes would "live a life of extraordinary service to the Episcopal Church, Episcopal schools, and their communities," stated an obituary issued April 28 by Grace Cathedral, where he served on and off in numerous capacities for several decades."Remembered as the first Canon Precentor of the modern era, David was instrumental in the transformation of our liturgy, and the completion and consecration of Grace Cathedral in 1964," according to the obituary. "He served as our vice dean from 1966 to 1972.

David was the founding headmaster of the Cathedral School for Boys, a lifetime trustee of the school, as well as the founding headmaster of St.

Paul's Episcopal School, Oakland. We remember fondly his wisdom and generous presence, and willing participation in tasks great and small."Reverend Forbes, who had been married and had children with his wife, came out later in life.

But it was in coming out, and finding like-minded men who shared his interest in spirituality and leather, where he was able to practice a spirituality that brought those two aspects of his life together in a deeply meaningful way.In the late 1990s, Reverend Forbes joined the Defenders Leather Levi Club, an affiliate of the Catholic affinity group, Integrity, geared toward men who wanted to bring their sexual and spiritual lives together.