Frank’s long and greatly valued ministry was spent in the United Diocese. From Rathdowney he moved to Mothel (1941-51) and from there to Aghade where they spent a further ten years before moving to Carnew with Kilrush where they were to stay until retirement. In the meantime Basil, Clive and Douglas were born, one in each parish. He was appointed Rural Dean of Wexford in 1968, Prebendary of Kilrush and Tombe in 1971, Treasurer in 1980, Chancellor the following year and Precentor in 1985, the position he held until his retirement in 1991.
But even in retirement Frank remained active and continued to conduct services until June 2000. He was of course very involved in many Diocesan committees and was Hon. Sec. of the Diocesan Board of Education and Hon. Sec. and Treasurer of the Diocesan Board of Mission and for many years one of the Diocesan representatives on the General Synod.
Frank was essentially a pastor, a carer who regularly set off after lunch to visit his parishioners and to support them through all their ups and downs. His wonderful sense of humour and his mischievous wit endeared him to many people. He had other interests too, enjoyed woodwork, attending auctions and traveling up and down the country. Frank Forbes recounts that he bought a Honda 50 motorbike at the age of 65 and it gave him a whole new lease of life. He could be found anywhere in the country complete with helmet and goggles and yellow weather-proof garb meeting up with the family who traveled by car on main roads while he found all the hidden side roads.
Frank’s almost 65 years saw enormous changes in the church. He adapted
readily to them all while still remaining his traditional self. We thank God
for his wonderful life and ministry and offer sympathy to Ina, Basil, Clive
and Douglas and their families and all the wider family circle.