Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1952
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Roger Farwell Obituary
Born on August 22, 1952 to Albert and Dorothy Farwell, Roger was the brother of Joyce (Jim Hause), Doug, Sandi, Bernie (Marianne) and Jim (Lynn) Farwell. Roger also had a large extended family.
Roger and Cathy's love story began over 53 years ago in a high school gym. Married in 1976, they were true partners in every sense. They grew together and shared life's great joys, adventures, challenges and sorrows with devotion, trust and a deep love - best friends always.
To those who called him Husband, Dad, Father-in-Law, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Brother-in-Law and Friend, he always had time to listen, advise, encourage and offer the hand we all loved and needed to hold. Generous and kind, he always put others' needs first.
Family was his pride and joy and he was there for every important moment - often the only suit in the room. Proud and loving 'girl dad', he never missed cheering at a dance recital or baseball game. He was famous for his 'dipper eggs' and gourmet cooking over a campfire. Roger loved to laugh, have fun, and get goofy with friends and family. He was thrilled and honoured to be a Grandpa and loved any time he could spend playing, teasing and tickling Norah and Cole.
His passions included time with family and friends, his cottage on Lake Huron, travel, golf, canoeing in Algonquin Park, cycling, music, and meticulously fixing and organizing things.
Roger cared deeply about his community. He had a special place in his heart for young people and a great sense of responsibility for their future. Always leading by example, he was an inspiration, mentor and father figure to many.
As an Architect, Senior Partner and Project Manager with WalterFedy since 1978, he gave every project the same attention and care, from renovations for a small Southampton church to the Ottawa Air Traffic Control Tower. Projects that provided the opportunity to help people were the most meaningful and satisfying work for Roger, including children's facilities, police services, churches, hospitals, schools and community centres.
Those who knew him reflected on Roger as a tireless community builder and true 'Barnraiser', someone who had a higher sense of purpose and made you want to be a better person. He was a visionary who led authentically, humbly and without ego. Every person received the same consideration, kindness and respect.
In recognition of his professional work and community building, Roger received numerous awards including the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award, induction into the Grand Valley Construction Association's Hall of Fame, Waterloo Region Record Barnraiser Award, and the Greater K-W Chamber of Commerce Michael R. Follett Community Leader Award, among other civic honours.
Roger has left a great legacy and touched many.
We will miss you forever - seeing the excited twinkle in your eye, your zest for life, beautiful soul, unconditional friendship and love.
At Roger's request a private family Funeral Mass took place at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
As expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations to Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation - Farwell4Hire https://www.kwcf.ca/donate in support of Cystic Fibrosis, House of Friendship https://www.houseoffriendship.org/how-you-help/donate/ or The Working Centre https://donate.theworkingcentre.org/ in honour of Roger would be appreciated by the family.
Cards may be placed through the funeral home website (www.henrywalser.com), or by calling the funeral home 519-749-8467.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Farwell
Sponsored by Henry Walser Funeral Home.
9 Entries
Robert Lilly & Jane Ann Smith
August 14, 2021
Dearest Cathy, Sarah, Jessica and familyit is with deep sadness and incredulity, we send you our condolences and our prayers. We will miss Roger much more than words can express. Never an unkind word spoken, always a quick smile, a kind, caring, humble friendthat is how we will always remember Roger. God bless you, Jane Ann and Rob Lilly
Russell Wong
August 13, 2021
Roger hired me out of university in 2002, and I'm grateful to have spent over a decade learning from him.
I saw first-hand how much he cared about building the Waterloo Region Museum--not just as an architect but as a community member--and the interest he took in everyone he met (young and not-so-young). For a period of time, I got to help in his efforts to promote arts and culture and even drafted some of his speeches. He liked them to be printed in a particular way so that he could add his own notes in the margins.
As I got more involved in the community on my own, I would proudly tell people, "I work for Roger Farwell". I'll always be proud of that.
Years later, when the light-rail transit system was being debated, I remember him telling me how embarrassed he was that people in his age group were more concerned about short-term inconvenience than the long-term health of the community. This was a brief side moment in our time together, but it says everything about Roger. It was never about what he needed, but what others needed from him.
I'm not who I am because of Roger, but thanks to him I'm better at being me. And I'm pretty sure that's what he wanted.
Vi Horton
August 13, 2021
Remembering Roger
Always a warm and welcoming smile to greet you.
Always ready to help in any way.
Always concerned for your welfare.
Always a kind and quiet response.
Always supporting those in need.
Always loved and remembered--that's Roger,
Susan Kretz (nee Leppek)
August 12, 2021
Cathy & family, Joyce, Doug, Sandi, Bernie & Jim - I was stunned to hear the sad news. Being neighbours growing up in the 50’s, Roger and I were the best of friends. So many wonderful childhood memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Denise Green
August 12, 2021
Jim, Lynn and Family. I'm so sorry to hear about Roger. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Denise & Troy
Dave Mansell
August 11, 2021
Roger was one of greatest inspirations in my life about stepping up in the arts community and fighting for a better region. I will miss him tremendously and so will many of us who were guided by him. Much love and condolensces to the family.
Dan Brown
August 11, 2021
Hi Joyce, Doug Sandy.
Roger was the first Farwell I met. He wrestled on the St. Jeromes high school team in 1970/ 71. He was in grade 13 and I in grade 12. For whatever reason I would spend time in conversation with Roger more than other team members in between matches. Perhaps it was because we both knew we were from the Sacred Heart parish.
I played golf with him at the Catholic Schools fundraising event one year and we had a great time. At large Farwell gatherings like Doug's 75th birthday I had the chance to converse a fair bit with him. I know you will miss him greatly.
My prayers will be for your whole family, especially Roger's nuclear family.
Kim and Don Brenner
August 11, 2021
Cathy you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Roger. He was loved by many and will be truly missed.
DANIEL MURAWSKY
August 11, 2021
My condolences to Cathy and all of Roger’s family. I’m saddened by his passing and although I’ve known Roger for a relatively short time I feel blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him. He was kind, considerate and appreciative in every way. May the Angels smile on him.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results