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Written by Jerry L. Van Marter, Presbyterian News Service
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Tuesday, 30 June 2009 22:09 |
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LOUISVILLE — William Ross Forbes, who served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in a variety of capacities for 37 years — including leadership at every PC(USA) General Assembly during that time — died June 30 at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore. He was 62.
Forbes, a native of Jersey City, N.J., was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer five years ago and his gallant battle with the disease was an inspiration to all who knew him.
In a joint statement, Board of Pensions President Rob Maggs and General Assembly Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons said Forbes’ battle with cancer was “yet one more example of his approach to his life and to his spirited faith and ministry.”
For five years up until his death, Forbes was vice-president for church relations and corporate secretary for the PC(USA) Board of Pensions. Previously, he served pastorates at Nassau Church in Princeton, N.J.; First Church of Atlanta; St. Philip Church in Houston; and Westfield (N.J.) Church.
In addition to the Board of Pensions, Forbes’ service at the national level of the church included stints as associate manager for interpretation for children and youth for the former United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and as associate for youth ministry for the former Presbyterian Church in the United States.
He was best known to many Presbyterians as the consummate platform manager for many General Assemblies. Said former General Assembly Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick: “Bill was a very dear friend and a tremendous source of support in my life, as well as being one of the ‘great saints of the Church.’ He was an outstanding pastor, a great leader throughout the church, and a wonderfully sweet man.”
Forbes’ extensive work for the denomination included a term as chair of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly and leadership on the planning teams for the National Pastors’ Sabbaths.
He is survived by his wife, Patty; children Ross, Kristy, and Philip; and grandchildren Nathan, Will, and Lily. Services are pending.
The full text of the statement issued by Maggs and Parsons:
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, says the Spirit. They will rest from their labors, and their deeds follow them” (Rev. 14:13).
It is with a tremendous sense of loss and sadness that we learned of the death of William Ross (Bill) Forbes this morning.
Bill’s valiant battle with cancer was an inspiration to us all and yet one more example of his approach to his life and to his spirited faith and ministry.
He was a rare combination of being a very capable and beloved pastor who cared deeply for our Presbyterian theology and worship, which he expressed with a youth minister’s enthusiasm. He was a mentor, friend, and leader to generations of Presbyterians. His contagious love for Christ and the church were evident in everything he did and said.
Whether he was serving as a colleague on the staff of a national agency of the church, or as platform manager for many General Assemblies, or as moderator of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, or as leader of the National Pastors Sabbath planning team, or as Vice President for Church Relations and Corporate Secretary of the Board of Pensions, Bill truly did all of it with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love.
We join with those who experienced his pastoral heart firsthand as associate pastor in Atlanta and as pastor in Houston and Westfield, N.J.
We also remember Bill’s family in our prayers — for his wife Patty; his children Ross, Kristy, and Philip; and his grandchildren Nathan, Will, and Lily.
In a reflection for the General Assembly News at the 218th General Assembly (2008) in San Jose, Calif., last summer, Bill wrote, “None of us knows how many days we will be granted. As you look into the mirror each and every day, take time to marvel that you have been created in the image of God. Count your blessings often. … Share yourself abundantly with those who need encouragement, hope, and care. … Keep that twinkle in your eye and help the world learn to laugh. ... May God continue to bless you and keep you as you claim the gift of life each day!”
May we always remember Bill’s good advice as we give thanks for his remarkable life and ministry.
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