David FARR

FARR, David Morice Leigh
December 19, 1922 - October 3, 2016
With much sadness tinged with relief that his struggles are over, we announce that David Farr passed away at the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre in Ottawa, on October 3, 2016. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 70 years, Joan Villiers- Fisher; his three sons Chris, Tim (Melanie) and Jeremy (Sandy); six grandchildren Marshall (Martine), Kristin (Jeff), Victoria, Shannon (Matt), Julia (Andrew) and Kimberly (Patrick); and four great-grandchildren Tristan, Fiona, Nadine and James.
The son of Arthur Morice Farr and Mary Norah Marlatt, and older brother of Robin (deceased), David was born in Vancouver on December 19, 1922. Raised in loving circumstances, David graduated with a BA from the University of British Columbia (1944); a MA from the University of Toronto (1946); and a PhD from Oxford University (New College and Nuffield College, 1952). His thesis "The Colonial Office and Canada, 1867-1887" became a seminal work in the field, and launched a distinguished career as a Historian, focusing on Canada's changing position in the North Atlantic world from a British colony to a sovereign state. He was a leading authority on two neglected figures of this transformation: Sir John Rose, Canada's Financial Agent in London before the post of High Commissioner was established; and lawyer John S. Ewart, who worked prodigiously for the independence of Canada.
David's professional accomplishments were extraordinary, founded upon a 40-year association with Carleton University in Ottawa. He served as Dean of Arts; Director of Carleton International; General Editor of the Carleton Library series; in addition to being an inspired teacher, who encouraged a love of history and scholarship among scores of appreciative students. He co-wrote two high school textbooks for history students in Ontario; wrote almost fifty years of annual reviews about Canada for both "The World Book Year Book" and "The Britannica Book of the Year" and during his retirement, served as Editor for the Library of Parliament's ambitious project to recreate House of Commons debates before the adoption of official reporting, researching and writing the 1872-74 sessions. His many achievements brought him election to the presidency of the Canadian Historical Association (1977-78); member and chair of the Jury for the Gelber Prize for published work on Canadian foreign policy (1991-93); and an honorary Doctor of Laws from Carleton in 2002.
Throughout his life, David displayed wisdom, fidelity, tolerance and fairness. He was a gifted conversationalist, with wide-ranging interests and insightful opinions on virtually any subject. He was also extremely generous, supporting his church, his university and multiple charities over many years. We have wonderful memories of his Christmas plays, which included starring roles for all of his grandchildren; the 'valiant trencherman' presiding over countless family dinners; his love of adventure and the road less travelled, epitomized by a 2011 trip to James Bay; and his deep and abiding love for Joan, whom he married in 1946 and cherished throughout their wonderful marriage.
The family would like to thank the many readers from the congregation of St. Matthew's Anglican Church in Ottawa, who made sure that literature remained an integral part of David's life long after blindness had robbed him of the ability to read. Ian Glen ensured that first as a couple, and then separately, Joan was able to continue to attend St. Matthew's for which the family is extremely grateful. And finally we wish to sincerely thank the staff of the Perley Rideau, who showed great compassion to David throughout his painful separation from Joan. Those who knew David will remember him as a true gentleman and scholar. His refusal to succumb to the challenges associated with blindness, hearing loss, dementia and decreasing mobility, displayed a remarkable courage and perseverance in the face of relentless adversity.
Although there will be no memorial service, gifts in his memory can be made to the David Farr Travel Award, an endowment to support travel associated with graduate research in History and International Affairs at Carleton University.