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David Forbes Obituary
April 29, 1926 - April 26, 2022
The Rev. Canon David Forbes, a renowned champion for Episcopal education and founding headmaster of Cathedral School for Boys, San Francisco, and St. Paul's Episcopal School, Oakland, died on April 26 in Palm Springs, California, age 95.
Canon Forbes had an indelible impact on the Episcopal Diocese of California, independent and Episcopal schools across the country, and many parishes in the Bay Area. He was an active leader in both the National Association of Independent Schools and the National Association of Episcopal Schools.
Born April 29, 1926, in Palo Alto, California, he served in the Army and went on to earn his B.S. and M.S. in geology from Stanford University and his M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary. He served as Canon at Grace Cathedral for nearly 70 years. He is survived by three daughters and their husbands, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Cathedral on May 25, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Forbes Endowed Teaching Chair at Cathedral School for Boys.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Forbes
3 Entries
Stefan Stent
April 8, 2025
I went to grade school at Saint Pauls Elementary School in Oakland, CA from 1977 to 1980. Cannon David Forbes was the headmaster. He was no nonsense yet compassionate and everyone completely respected him. I realize that I am submitting this message about three years after his passing but I just recently learned of it. I hope that David Forbes will live on in our hearts forever.
Press Clewe, Class of 1961
March 7, 2023
I am saddened by the passing of The Reverend Cannon David Forbes having read the eulogy delivered by Headmaster Burns Jones, published in the Red and Gold, Winter 2023. Conon Forbes had a definite and positive influence in my young life as a student at Cathedral School for Boys, Class of 1961. I was lucky to be one of the first classes offered a chance to hike and camp in Yosemite NP. We summited Mt Conness to find beautiful views then ended the week packing out to Virginia Lakes. I still visit the southern Sierra with memories of those days of early trekking Additionally, Canon Forbes cemented my future schooling in natural resources from which I graduated in the forestry curriculum at the University of Nevada, Reno. I will always remember my years at Cathedral School as the redirected step in my formal education. May the good Lord bless and keep you forever.
I am sad I missed the opportunity to attend the memorial service at Grace Cathedral. A gift to the Forbes Endowed Teaching Chair will be made.
Sarah Forbes
May 26, 2022
My deepest condolences to his daughters Mary, Margaret and Elizabeth. Great Uncle David was such a wonderful man and friend. I always enjoyed my conversations with him. I've attached a photo of us with him the last time he came to visit us in Oregon. He will be missed dearly!
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