JOHN MALCOLM "JOCK" FORBES

FORBES, John Malcolm, "Jock" Lifelong activist for world peace and justice. Forbes, John Malcolm, "Jock," at home with family in Cambridge, age 89, on July 19 of cancer. Jock predeceased his wife of 67 years, Ariadne, by one month. Family and friends cannot imagine one without the other. Their life experiences and love of music, education, family and home gave them a steadfastness and grace which will ever resonate in all whom they have left behind. Educated at Exeter and Harvard, and receiving his M.A. in History from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Jock was a teacher of American, European and Russian history at high schools including Choate and Buckingham Browne and Nichols. He developed a Global Education curriculum and sought in his teaching to address the many contradictions and omissions inherent in recorded history. At age nine he lost his father who drowned at sea and was never found. At age eighteen he survived a near fatal mountain climbing accident which resulted in brain injury. These events contributed to a heightened awareness and acceptance of loss and ambiguity as the human condition. Other formative experiences included working with mentors and youth groups in Mexico and in East London. He rarely spoke of himself and led a life of reflection, generosity and self discipline, encouraging by example these qualities in others. Jock was a lifelong activist for world peace and justice. He was deeply involved in the nuclear freeze movement and was recognized for his work as an advocate for world federalism, leading or prominently associated with the United Nations Association of Greater Boston and the Foundation for a World Democratic Federation. He also worked with members of UNESCO and locally with the Sustainable Cambridge Coalition and Mass Peace Action and was a founding member of Walden Earthnet, which brought together in dialogue those with conflicting views. Along with his colleague of 47 years, Dr. Winston Langley, and others, he also formed a World Citizens Party in the hope of inspiring a better understanding of and voice for human rights, resources and the environment. He posted at home the quote, "Let us plant dates, even though those who plant them may never eat them!" A spiritual center of gravity informing his daily life was the Cambridge Friends Meeting. Jock's mother had been a leading elder; he and Ariadne first met, fell in love and were married there; for much of his life he attended Meeting and participated in its outreach activities. As a father, friend, conscientious objector, activist and teacher, he embodied the call to 'walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.' Jock is also remembered for his love of music and beautiful voice as he sang with his guitar a special repertoire of family and folk songs; for his skill in sailing, rowing, tying (and untying) knots, and by many for his patient and kind teaching of these; and for his shining eyes, welcoming manner, appreciation of others, perseverance, strength and restraint. Although in his later years he experienced cognitive decline, he never lost these essential aspects of his character. He was a gentleman, a gentle man. Jock is survived by his loving children Cynthia, Anne, Rebecca, Malcolm and Lydia and their spouses and partners; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister Joan and brother Charles; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father John Malcolm Forbes, mother Ethel Cummings (Forbes) Amory, and sisters Holly Forbes Leon and Beryl Forbes Eddy. The family warmly thanks the doctors who gave advice and care, and the hospice nurses and home aides who came to the house (learning and singing songs Jock sang to them) and who helped make it possible for him to remain in his beloved home. Donations may be made in Jock's memory to the peace or environmental organization of your choice. A memorial gathering in the spring and details of a scholarship to be established will be announced at a later date.