Farquhar, M.D., Hal A. H.
Hal A.H. Farquhar, MD passed away peacefully and gracefully at sunset on Sunday, April 20, 2014. He was home, surrounded by his family, while his favorite music softly serenaded the room.
Hal was born in Montreal in 1938. As a small child, he moved with his parents, Allan and Helen Farquhar, to Gross Pointe, Michigan. He was a popular, charismatic young man who thrived in his studies, graduating at the top of his Gross Pointe High School class. Hal went onto University of Michigan, Ann Arbor where he earned his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree, before attending the University of Michigan Medical School as an exceptional candidate in the accelerated program. Upon graduating medical school, Hal moved to New York City where he did a 1-year surgical internship at St. Vincent's Hospital and fell in love with the city.
In 1965, he joined the US Armed Forces, serving as a Captain and Chief Surgeon in the US Air Force, stationed in Izmir, Turkey. Upon discharge, he returned to his cherished New York, where he completed a 4-year residency program at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. Hal quickly became a renowned ophthalmologist. He was one of the first surgeons to perform intraocular lens implantation for cataract surgery and pioneered microscopic-assisted phacoemulsification. He was appointed an official investigator for the FDA, and played a significant role in the approval of groundbreaking, corrective cataract surgery.
Hal later settled with his growing family in Mahopac, New York, where he founded his own practice, which would flourish into one of the largest and most well-respected ophthalmology practices in the tri-state area—Northeast Eye Care. It was then he would also join the surgical staff of Putnam Hospital Center where his career would further expand. Hal performed the very first intraocular lens implant surgery at Putnam Hospital Center in 1983. In 2008, he was proud to retire his practice to his eldest son, Allan Farquhar, MD.
Hal was beloved by his wonderful, gifted, loyal staff, his patients, and his community. He had an incomparable and supreme gift for, not only healing, but truly connecting with people.
In addition to being an exceptional surgeon and doctor, Hal was an amazing father, husband, friend, painter, photographer, musician, and gifted writer. He was a deeply spiritual and loving man and a true gift to all those who were lucky enough to cross his path.
Hal is survived by his wife, Keiren. He is also survived by his son, Allan and his daughter-in-law, Cara; his son Michael and his daughter-in-law, Heidi; his daughter, Alyssa; his daughter-in-law, Katy Lynne; his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Emily, Tessa, Veronica, and Benjamin; and his grand-dog, Sonny. He is also survived by a large and loving extended family, including Kathy (his trusted colleague for over 35 years) and John Curry, Roger Merritt, Joseph McConnell, William and Stacy Clarke, Diane and Mike Whelan, Doug Clarke, Ron and Barbara Greene and many nephews and nieces. Hal is predeceased by his parents and his son, Benjamin Eric (1969-2006).
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm on Thursday, April 24 at Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac, New York. A memorial celebration in Hal's honor will be held at a later date, to be determined by the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Putnam Hospital Foundation, Hal Farquhar, M.D. Continuing Education Fund, Attn: Jeffrey Kellogg, 670 Stoneleigh Ave. Carmel, NY 10512.
Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home
692 US Route 6
Mahopac, NY
Josephjsmithfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Missing your humor, your wisdom and your music everyday!
Jonathan Haklay
Friend
April 22, 2019
Met Dr. Farquhar due to a Eye injury and what I remember was the Doc's great bedside manner and how he was always dressed to the 9s.. Due to the injury I had to see him often and he made a great impression on me in his low spoken voice which added to his great persona. So sad to hear of his passing.. great man with a great talent.
Bill Preston
Acquaintance
January 6, 2017
My heart is heavy after hearing of the loss of Hal. I have never met a more joyful, caring human being. He was always so full of energy, life and love for his family and his passions. May you find comfort in each other to see you through.
Chrissy
May 15, 2014
Dr. Hal was my doctor going back to his days in Mahopac. I will never forget his caring manner and warm personality. My sympathy is extended to his family.
Stephanie Walko
April 29, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the whole family on the passing of Dr. Hal Farquhar. Our family has very special memories of this wonderful doctor...and also happy memories of our times together with our children growing up at the same time and the many soccer games, etc. We were all blessed to know him personally and to have him as our ophthalmologist.
Ottilie Zeiler
April 26, 2014
I was so sorry to read of Dr. Farquhar's passing. He was my Dr. for many years when we lived in Yorktown Heights and was such a caring man. He always reminded me of Bob Newhart! We now live in VA but I remember him with fondness.
Margaret Robinson
Margaret Robinson
April 26, 2014
We truly offer our condolences, words cannot convey our thoughts of a very special, dedicated person such as Hal. Even 39 years ago it was difficult to get an appointment with him. He always had a smile, an hello & how are you. He will surely be missed not only by his family but all who knew him. Prayers are with all of you.
Joe & Judy Occhiogrossi
April 24, 2014
A caring person and skilled surgeon. We moved to Delaware in 1991 and continued to make appointments with Hal until he turned his practice over to his son. He did both of Marty's cataracts. The 2nd one we traveled to NY to have Hal do it. A kind and gentle person who will certainly be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Marty & Carol Horton
April 24, 2014
three generations went to dr. hal.what a beautiful man!rest in peace dr. hal, we miss you already!
margaret vallone
April 24, 2014
three generations were treated by dr.hal.what a beautiful person!rest in peace dr. hal,we miss you already!
April 24, 2014
Dr.Farquhar was my doctor for many many years until his retirement. I am extremely saddened to hear of his passing.He was always cheerful,personable/funny-he never missed a beat,while always remaining professional. He was a true gentleman!! It was a definite honor and privilege to have known him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be missed tremendously but never forgotten :)
Carol Forrest
April 23, 2014
Dr. Farquhar was such a wonderful doctor and a sweet and thoughtful man!! A quick story to share, many years ago, our daughter was hit in the eye with a boot while at school! I took her to Dr F., my young brother in law driving, and complaining all the way that he was hungry! While sitting in the waiting room, continuing to complain, Dr. F. came out to usher our Wendy in to the office,before doing so, brought out a sleeve of Fig Newtons for my complaining young brother in law!! He was AWESOME! Our condolences to his loving family!!! He will be missed!
Deborah Migliaccio
April 23, 2014
We have never found a more caring, professional, compassionate physician like Hal and he will be missed. Our sincere condolences to his family on their profound loss. Judge and Mrs. William Braatz
April 23, 2014
Dr. Farquhar was such a wonderful doctor to us. He will always be remembered for his kind and personable nature. We are very honored to have known him and have the privilege of being his patients. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends who will surely miss him dearly.
Maureen & Warren Erickson
April 23, 2014
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