Dr. David James Beatty

Dr. David James Beatty passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, at age 87. Born in Cornwall, New York, David was a devoted LGBTQ+ advocate and friend, educator, psychotherapist, and esteemed naturalist.

Family and Friends

David was preceded in death by his parents James Hunt and Marion Flynn Beatty, siblings Paul Beatty and Virginia Beatty Bopp. He is survived by brother-in-law Richard Bopp, niece Barbara Bopp Brabetz (Stephen), nephew Timothy Bopp (Vickie), and four grand-nieces and nephews: Alexandra Bopp Davies (Ian), Jacob Bopp (Valentina), Taneesha McDonald, and Eshawn McDonald. He considered his many close friends as family, most notably Howard Leonard (Bob), father to his godchildren, Sara Leonard (Jeremy) and Csea Leonard.

The family is eternally grateful for David’s outstanding friends who enriched his life daily and supported him to the end.

Life and Career

David was the first in his family to finish high school, graduating from Monroe Woodbury in New York in 1956. He worked to afford college, earning degrees from the University of Maryland (BA Psychology, 1960), Indiana University (MSW, 1965), and UC Berkeley (Doctorate in Social Welfare, 1971). He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1960. While stationed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he met his beloved partner, Harvey Rosenthal, now deceased. David was honorably discharged in 1962.

David's distinguished career included working as a psychiatric social worker in California in the 1960’s, professor at the University of Washington's School of Social Work (1971-1980), private practice psychotherapist in Seattle (1979-1991), and practitioner then Executive Director of the Olympic Area Agency on Aging (1992-2003).  In retirement he lived in Silver City, NM, Port Townsend and Seattle, WA.

Passions and Legacy

An avid birder with a life list of 605 North American species, his records are now permanently chronicled in the Audobon Society’s research archive. He led birding trips throughout the West and completed a Big Year in 2010. David was extremely proud of coming out as a gay man in the early 1960’s. He loved his dogs, playing hearts or bridge, listening to classical music, moderating book club discussions, delving into who we are as humans, and supporting his community of friends.

David will be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, professional dedication, and caring nature. His proudest achievements included hitchhiking solo across the country at 22 and his remarkable capacity for feeling and showing love.

A scattering of ashes and a gathering of friends will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Carkeek Park Beach, 1400 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177.  Contact gatheringfordavid@gmail.com if you’d like more information.

Donations in David’s memory may be made to Seattle Prime Timers PO Box 75651, Seattle, WA 98175 or Bird Alliance of Southwestern New Mexico PO Box 1473, Silver City, NM 88062 birdallianceswnm.org.