Claude Gerald Farnsworth

09/22/1936 - 02/16/2011

BORN

09/22/1936

DIED

02/16/2011

Claude Farnsworth Obituary

FARNSWORTH, Claude Gerald "Jerry"
(Age 74)

On February 16th 2011, Claude Gerald "Jerry" Farnsworth took a journey to one of the few places he had not yet visited. Heaven will welcome him with open arms.

Jerry was born on September 22nd 1936 at his home in Springdale, WA to Claude and Marjorie Farnsworth. He grew up on the family farm in Valley, WA.

Jerry was a loving father, son, brother, and a cherished friend of many. He always had a unique ability to not only make friends easily but also sustain these friendships over countless years.

He will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of having him in their lives.

Jerry was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired Lieutenant of the City of Spokane Fire Department, where he was affectionately known as "the Fonz".

He enjoyed many activities such as boating, motorcycle riding, jogging, skiing, snowmobiling and showing off his fabulous garden which he put much time and effort into each summer.

After receiving a heart transplant in 1992, Jerry became the poster child for healthy heart transplant patients. Even in the end his heart beat strong. He seized his opportunity with his second lease on life and became an enthusiastic traveler, hitting all seven continents (yes even Antarctica).

He floated down and swam in the Amazon River despite worries of his low immune system and the many dangers of a jungle environment.

He rented RV's and traveled abroad in many foreign countries along with having many adventures here in North America. (I mean who else drives their motor home to Panama)?

He even put away his ski's and learned how to snowboard in his 60's and loved to go boarding with his grandchildren.

Many summers were spent enjoying family and friends at his home on the Pend Oreille River. In the past few years he chose to become a winter resident of Yuma, AZ.

We will all miss his contagious smile, the twinkle in his eyes and his quiet chuckle.

Dad you will always be a piece of each of us and we will never forget you. We love you!!!

Jerry is survived by his ladylove and companion for ten years, Kay Bachman; his sister, Donna (Larry) Blough - Glendale, AZ; his 6 children and 14 grandchildren. Karen (Felix), Lopaka and Kamalani Aetonu, - Kapolei, HI; Jerri (Doug) Logan, Lacee, Harmonee, Hazen Miller - Colbert, WA; Gary (Debby) Megan Farnsworth - Vista, CA; Steve (Mary) Ashley and Skyler Farnsworth - Spokane, WA; Kelley (Ron) Cody, Cassidy, Catrina Olson - Colbert, WA; Michael (Diana), Derek and Nichole Farnsworth - Spokane, WA.

A memorial service will be held on Friday March 11 at 2:00 PM at
New Creations Church - 1515 East Farwell Rd. Spokane, WA 99208

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review from Mar. 6 to Mar. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Claude Farnsworth

9 Entries

March 11, 2011

Vic and I will truly miss seeing Jerry in
his garden this summer, the get togethers
for coffee or lunch and the wonderful conversations.. He was a great
person and a joy to be around. Please
accept our condolences and warmest wishes
for the family, and most especially Kay.
We care very much for you Kay, and hope
to see you this summer.

Love to you all, Pat & Vic Fiala, Sun City, AZ

Brian Carney

March 10, 2011

Jerry was a person whom our family admired. He was always looking out for us and lending a helping hand and doing it with a smile. This summer at the lake will not be the same. I miss him already and the thought of him not welcoming us as we pull in at the lake saddens me. We feel blessed to have known him and shared laughs with he and Kay. Jerry, I dont know what to say except we love you and will miss you greatly! You will forever live in our hearts and be remembered, especially at the lake. We will watch over and help take care of Kay. Thank you for everything!!!!
Love the Carney's:
Brian, Wendy, Matty Leah and Ryan

Geri White

March 9, 2011

Jerry was an extrodinary individual who lived a life most would envy. He had such an interesting viewpoint of life. He was very loved and will be missed. Michael, please accept my sincere sorrow for your loss.

Geri White

Stephanie Litz (Goeden)

March 8, 2011

Jerry was always so sweet to me as a kid growing up. He made me feel included at any of the Miller/Farnsworth family events where my mom, Diane, and I tagged along. I was always amazed by his adventures, whether by motorcycle or motor home, and his enthusiasm for everything he did. I know his children and grandchildren will miss him but man, the stories they are going to have to share and remember about him each time they get together.
My sympathy goes out to Jerry’s family.

Deanna Wolff

March 6, 2011

To Michael Farnsworth, my dear cousin whom I love... please accept my sincere condolences for the passing of your father Gerry. To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
God bless you,
"Sis"

Roxanne McClellan (McAllister)

March 6, 2011

I was very fortunate to have spent so many years at Jerry's house as a kid and teenager. His daughter Jerri and I have been friends since we were ten. Even at that young age, I was always SO impressed by how immaculately clean and orderly their house was..at all times. He had trained Jerri & Gary so well, that each and every day after school, they would both do their daily chores without hesitation. I was amazed at how Jerry, as a single father, was able to raise two such fine children, by himself for the most part.

Recently I had the pleasure of running into Jerry and we had a nice chat, and of course he made me laugh! I asked him what his secret had been, regarding his kids and the housework. He replied, "I'd make them pay me a quarter if they didn't do their chores!" He went on making me laugh, by telling me about his new heart transplant, and how he ended up with the heart of a young woman..so now he loves to shop for shoes! :)

But, I'd have to say that one of my most special memories of Jerry would be when he put his Fireman's skills into action, on a night when a bad electrical outlet started a fire in my bedroom, at the age of 14. Jerry and his crew showed up with four fire engines and put the fire out, assuring me afterwards that nearly everything I treasured had been saved! They took great care while doing ther job. He was truly my family's hero that night!

And yes, he did have a real twinkle in his smiling blue eyes! I know he will be missed and I pray for peace and comfort for his family at this time.

March 6, 2011

The Ladies and Gentlemen of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Claude G. Farnsworth for your loss, to honor his service to our country and our patriotic hero.

Linda Anne House, Founding Member

March 6, 2011

Jerry was a very "Special" Guy in Our lives both here in Yuma and in Spokane.
We will miss his twinkle in his eyes, his laugh and friendly smile when ever We got together. We have so many great memories and wish We could be there for his Memorial, but We will have him in Our thoughts and Prayers.
Gary and Noreen Brown

Kirk Vitulli

March 6, 2011

Jerry was one of the â€œGood Guysâ€� left in the world. He would offer you anything he had and do it with a smile. He welcomed my family as if they where his own. We will all miss his smile and friendship!

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