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BORN
1923
DIED
2017
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Francis Farr Obituary
September 16, 1923
March 25, 2017
Francis William "Bill" Farr passed away peacefully at the Veteran's Hospital in Reno NV on March 25th 2017. He was 93 years old.
Francis William "Bill" Farr was born September 16th 1923 in Salt Lake City, Utah. At the age of six Bill and his parents moved to Ogden, Utah where he lived until 1938. In 1938 Bill family moved to Sparks, NV and made it their home.
Bill joined the Army in 1942 at the age of 18 and fought in WWII and was a decorated combat veteran. During the war, he served in the US Army's 28th Infantry Division and saw action in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. He was awarded the Silver Star and 3 Purple Hearts, among other honors. He returned from the war in 1945 after being wounded.
Bill became a Sparks volunteer firefighter in 1946, and went on to a paid position in the latter part of 1947. After four years of service and two promotions the Mayor of Sparks appointed Bill to Sparks Fire Chief. He took over as Chief in 1951 and served the Sparks Fire Department as Fire Chief from 1951-1976 the longest running Fire Chief in City of Sparks history. He was also a member of the Nevada State Fireman's Association and the Nevada State Fire Chiefs Association. Bill was also a 32nd Degree Mason and many other local organizations.
Bill developed an interest in politics and ran for state senate and was elected as the first Republican State Senator from Sparks where he served from 1966-1970. During his time as a state senator he was proud to be able to pass 35 pieces of fire related legislation.
After retirement from the Fire Department Bill was elected to the Washoe County Commission and served from 1976-1983.
When Bill wasn't working he enjoyed time with his family. He spent many summers with his wife, children and grandchildren at his trailer in Graeagle CA. Graeagle became their summer home.
After his wife Grace passed away in 2002 Bill enjoyed a full life with friends and family. He continued to attend many Sparks Fire Department events as well as City, County and State functions. He was often asked to speak at these events which he loved.
Bill went to war before graduating high school but was proud to earn his honorary high school diploma from Sparks High School in 2004.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Anna Farr; brothers Larry and Deray, sister Nadine and wife Grace Farr.
He is survived by his three children, sons Ken and Larry Farr and daughter Frances Wedmore as well as seven grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Bill Farr will be held Friday April 14th 2017 ay 11am at Mountain View Mortuary 425 Stoker Ave, Reno NV 89503 with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Sparks Firefighter Association funds will be allocated to the Benevolent/Bereavement Fund. Donations can be sent to Sparks Fire Department Station One, 1605 Victorian Ave. Sparks NV 89431. Donations can also be made to the Veteran's Guest House in Reno NV. Donations can be sent to 880 Locust Street, Reno NV 89502.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Farr
Sponsored by Mountain View Mortuary - Reno.
Frances DiPietro
April 20, 2017
Rest In Peace and please give my Grandmother "Nonnie" a BIG HUG & KISS for me. Thank you❤❤❤
Greg Pisani DDS
April 18, 2017
Growing up in Sparks everyone knew Chief Farr. Bill was always very easy going and always had a keen interest in others. I feel lucky to have had a special bond with Bill since my grandfather was fire Chief in Elko. I will hold fond memories of my conversations with Chief Farr.
Mark Pascus
April 18, 2017
Chief Farr, it was you that gave me the opportunity to become a National Ski Patrol man at the age of 15 by giving me all my medical training back in 1975. I have hold you in the highest regard and with the upmost respect in the years on going. You were the man that stepped in when the weathers would , thank you for that.
" Rest in Peace Chief "
Mark Pascus
Frances Trigero
April 17, 2017
Chief Farr, as my bother's and sister's knew him growing up was and is a great man and a true friend to my family (The DiPietro's), your father will truly be missed.
Frances Trigero (DiPietro)
Sharon Markley
April 16, 2017
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thought and prayers are with you. Chief Farr was a very special man. He was always there for my whole family (my dad Geno DiPietro and my brother Marvin DiPietro). May he Rest In Peace!
Annette Young
April 12, 2017
You will always be Uncle Bill to me. Thank you for your kindness.
Fran Butler
April 11, 2017
My first comment I wrote Bill's name wrong in error. I apologize to his family and repeat the line..
"THE WORLD WAS A BETTER PLACE WITH FRANCIS WILLIAM FARR IN IT!"and
April 11, 2017
I send my sincere condolences during this very difficult time. May you all find comfort from the encouraging words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14.
Fran Butler
April 10, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Farr Family.
Bill was a hero and an honorable man with compassion and love for family, friends and even strangers if they needed help.
The world war a better place with William Francis Farr in it.
Rest In Peace Bill.."A job well done!"
Vivian Bria
April 9, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Farr family. I got to know Bill when I worked at Nevada National bank. He was always a very soft spoken person and kind person. He will truly be missed.
Bob Marquart
April 9, 2017
Bill Farr, what a special man. I've had the pleasure of knowing Bill since the early 1970's when my sister was blessed by becoming Bill's next door neighbor.. A kinder man you will never find and what a wealth of knowledge. The stories and knowledge Bill had and shared are endless. As are the jokes and good times! When my wife and I were married Bill was the only non family member there, a cherished memory. Always looked forward to and will miss seeing you this summer my friend.
Rest in peace Bill
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