[LS] Fr. David Tarbet: R.I.P.

[Louie Crew <lcrew@ANDROMEDA.RUTGERS.EDU>]

David attended the first Integrity convention, at the Cathedral of St. 
James in Chicago.  He long held a 'life membership' of Integrity, and most 
generously supported all work of Integrity, not only with his money but 
with his time and his efforts.

David never sought the limelight.  Most often he was the assistant or the 
associate, not the rector.  He seemed comfortable with that arrangement. 
He was the one to whom those in the limelight could comfortably entrust 
hard tasks knowing they would be done faithfully and well, as unto God.

David often gave me important counsel.  I am most blessed to have had him 
as my friend.

David was extraordinarily fond of General Seminary, and of his teacher 
theologian Norman Pittenger, the keynoter at the first Integrity 
convention.

In spite of crippling chronic health problems, in spite of living as 
openly gay in a diocese among the most hostile to lgbt people, David never 
lost sight of God's love for absolutely everybody, especially for those 
who were not very loving towards him.

David's funnybone never got the arthritis that recentlessly attacked many 
of his other bones.  I loved the way David's mouth would widen into a 
straight line for a smile and his face would light up before he came to a 
punch line.  His muted giggle would ripple for several seconds after he 
saw that you got the joke.

David has been a close friend for over 36 years, and because we believe in 
the Communion of Saints he will remain a close friend forever.

Today is David's birthday.  He would have turned 69.  

Pray that light perpetual will shine upon David, that he will rest in 
peace, and that we who remain here will not rest until God's realm comes 
on earth, not just in heaven.

Louie

Louie Crew, 377 S. Harrison St., 12D, East Orange, NJ 07018 973-395-1068
http://queereye4lectionary.blogspot.com/  Queer Eye for the Lectionary


          -- Frederick William Faber
----- Original Message ----- 
To: lcrew@andromeda.rutgers.edu 
Sent: Saturday, March 06, 2010 11:59 AM
Subject: Fw: Passing of Fr. David Tarbet


  -----Forwarded Message----- 
  From: Integrity/Houston 
  Sent: Mar 5, 2010 10:14 AM 
  To: Dwight Anthony 
  Subject: Passing of Fr. David Tarbet 

    Integrity/Houston 

              E-Newsletter

              With much sadness we let you know of the death of our good 
friend

              Fr. David Tarbet on Thursday, March 4.

Funeral details are pending and will be sent as soon as they are known.