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Jeffrey R. "Jeff" Farnam
Jeffrey R. "Jeff" Farnam
Obituary
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Jeffrey Farnam Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Terry Lang
February 9, 2013
Laurie,
I had a dream about helping your brother Jeff; I was his PCA in the late 70's during the time of your Mom's passing. My condolence on your loss. After my dream I googled his name and read that he had passed. He taught me a lot in the two and a half years that I cared for him. Thank you for welcoming me as a member of your family those many years ago. Peace and love.
Terry Lang
Jeff 'focusing' on Block E 'night life'
Laurie Farnam
May 29, 2012
Faces and Facades Exhibit Mpls Govt Center 1988
Laurie Farnam
May 29, 2012
FStop Member - Mpls Photo Center
May 23, 2012
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'89 Governor's Commendation for Outstanding Work for Disabled Minnesotans
May 20, 2012
Portrait of John Beech 2011 by Jeff ~ State Fair
Laurie Farnam
May 18, 2012
A very good brother...
Laurie Farnam
May 18, 2012
Jeff and his 'Cardinal'
Laurie Farnam
May 18, 2012
Josh Abrams
May 17, 2012
I also had the great opportunity to know you Jeff. All the hours spent hanging out in your living room, kitchen, down at the lake, famous daves, going out to to the airport to maintain and fly your plane, eating breakfast at bryant lake bowl. You were and are a wonder and I will always admire your patience, wisdom, the delightful way you could hold a conversation on any topic any day. Will miss your laugh and your opinions and everything about you. Missing you and keeping you always in my heart,
Josh Abrams
Eunice Opare
May 16, 2012
It was an honor to be a part of your life for the past 10 years. You are the kindest person I have ever known. You have always being a source of inspiration and a motivator in my life since I met you. You touched my life in so many ways and became a positive influence in my life. It is hard knowing that my advisor is no longer around but as you promised, I know you are with me in spirit and will continue to guide me as you have always done.
I miss you so much. You will forever remain in my heart. I know you are in a better place so you take very good care of yourself.
I love you!
Jeff & Reggie
Steve Uppman
May 14, 2012
Mercy Muhuyi
May 13, 2012
Jeff, I miss you so much. It was a pleasure having you as my boss and my friend. You helped me out a lot in difficult times, and I am glad to have been your helper. I miss talking with you and laughing at your jokes. Your facial expression to things was priceless. I am so glad to have been in your life and I know from our conversations that you are in a much better place. My your soul rest in peace.
May 11, 2012
Dear Laurie
My sister called to tell me about Jeff's death and she also sent me a copy of the obit. He became so accomplished! You are lucky to have had such a brother. I hope you're okay and I'm so sorry for your loss!
Love Cook Baltuff in Santa Fe(via Gretchen)
Susan Mainzer
May 6, 2012
I miss you, Jeff. Often, in the 31 years I rented my apt. from you, you'd leave your back door open and we'd talk. You'd say something and about five seconds later I'd realize it was hilarious. Your face stayed deadpan although your eyes twinkled and your eyebrows wiggled. So many conversations. I remember your prodding me to join the technology age, your not wanting a dog owning renter and then your even getting a service dog, your laughing at politicians and business as usual. You're my hero and I miss you. Love to your family and the amazing community of friends who got to let you know how much you matter.
Mary (Anderson Drelbow)) Joppru
April 29, 2012
Dear Laurie and Jay
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Your cousin,
Mary Anderson (Dreblow) Joppru
Anne Wallman
April 29, 2012
Jeff,
I am so glad Todd and I recently ran in you in Uptown. In the time I spent working for you, I experienced your strength, courage, wit, and love of the Rolling Stones & Stevie Ray Vaughn. You were, and remain, a remarkable man.
Anne Hayden Wallman
Bob Dillard
April 28, 2012
Jeff,
You will be greatly missed by all whose lives you have touched and will be remembered for your many achievements. Many of your friends will most remember your indomitable will to overcome any and all obstacles which you encountered in pursuit of your goals. Coupled with your determination was your creativity which led you to alternative ways to achieve the desired outcome.
Since we first met in a torrential rain in September, 1968, you have been a significant and positive influence in my life. You will always be in our most cherished memories.
Bob, Annette, Colin and Nicole Dillard
Nancy Przymus
April 26, 2012
Jeff and I had coffee many times over the years when we worked at the City of Minneapolis. I will miss his keen insights and wicked sense of humor.
Jeff in the 4WD wheelchair he invented.
Douglas Beasley
April 24, 2012
Douglas Beasley
April 24, 2012
Jeff, You are an inspiration to us all and we in the photo and art community will really miss your beautiful presence.
Bob Zuppke
April 24, 2012
Laurie, Even though it's been such a long time since I last saw Jeff my memories of him are very clear. It seems all those who knew him are on the same page. He was an exceptional person. His disability paled next to his engaging personality and upbeat demeanor. I have always considered him to be an inspiration. Take care.
April 24, 2012
Laurie:
Jeff worked with me for a while in Minneapolis. His courage and grace were an inspiration, and his work ethic a model for others. He shared ideas for better customer service that we implemented, and our corner of Public Works was a better place for his contributions. Thank you for sharing your brother with us.
Susan Young
April 23, 2012
Laurie,
Jeff has always been in our thoughts and prayers. We have many memories of Jeff. Never a dull moment! He truly was an amazing person!! He had to put up with me all four years in helping him with his daily needs. He took us in like family. Patient and Kind Always...He will be missed! God Bless Peace and Love Julie and Calvin Havercamp
Mike Patrick
April 22, 2012
Jeff,
It's still hard for me to believe we will never again meet for lunch or to just hang out. I know other people knew you longer, but we had a pretty good 37-year run.
Uptown won't be the same without Reggie and you perusing the neighborhood.
I am honored you asked me to speak at your memorial, but I'll tell you right now, I won't keep it to 300 words, as you requested.
I have two blog posts about you and people have made some nice comments. But then, you probably already knew that.
Until we meet again, my friend.
Later,
Mike
sKIP hAMMARGREN
April 22, 2012
Jeff You are whole again and sufer no more. You met challenges in this world that I could not comprehend and you did it with such style and class. About your life I can only say JOB WELL DONE.
August Johnston
April 20, 2012
RIP Jeff, at last you don't need your chair.
Soar with the birds and planes,
with the wind in your hair.
Cathey Cordes
April 20, 2012
My dear friend Jeff,
There is a big tear in the fabric of the universe and you have sailed right on through….
When we were kids, we (you, Laurie and me) thought we were cousins! Because we spent so many vacations, days at your Grandma's house, holidays etc. together. Turns out that in spite of not being related, you became one of my most significant relations. A bond of implicit trust; I always knew I could (and often did) turn to you in times of trouble, my island of safety.
And how much fun we had!
You remain an amazing, life-changing role model. The power and the results of your tenacity always and still gleam in the world. So many of us are the witnesses of your example and what you accomplished. I for one will proudly carry this influence and all the memories for all my days. But I sure as heck miss you.
Love, Cathey
Laurie Farnam
April 19, 2012
Thank you all so much for your heartfelt condolences as well as the personal messages that are so appreciated. Please know that a follow up announcement will be published toward the end of May in the Star & Tribune regarding Jeff's memorial service that will be held on June 10th, 3:00 p.m. at the 1st Universalist Church, 3400 Dupont Avenue South, Mpls. A catered celebration of Jeff's amazing life will follow at 5:30 p.m. at the Minneapolis Photo Center, 2400 2nd Ave. North, Mpls.
Laurie Farnam
April 19, 2012
Laurie, It's been such a long time but I remember both you and Jeff. I remember Jeff's accident vividly. Was surprised when I saw his obit in the paper. Sounds like he had a very fulling life. I grew up next door to you on Girard. My condolences and thoughts are with you and your family. Jennifer (Peterson) Sullivan
Lester Hughes-Seamans
April 18, 2012
I knew Jeff the past few years as a fellow fstop group member at the Minneapolis Center for Photography. I was always so impressed with Jeff's thoughtful and heartfelt comments and suggestions to those showing their photo work. I loved his sense of humor and the interesting perspective he achieved in his photos due to his disability. He and Reggie were an inspiration to all! R.I.P.
Hans and Barb Halvorson
April 17, 2012
Our sincere condolences and sympathy to the Farnam family. We have know Jeff since the 1970s and always thought of him as a wonderful person and have many fond memories of him.
Jeffery "The MagentDude" Gauss
April 17, 2012
Jeff was always a fixture in the Uptown area. I met Jeff after our mutual friend John Kihslinger passed away a couple years ago.
I loved talking to him about his rich knowledge of the neighborhood and his amazing photos. He and Reggie will be missed by all! Godspeed Jeff!
Linda Dietz Fredlund
April 17, 2012
I met Jeff in Uptown in the mid-1980's when I was volunteering for the East Calhoun News. I was impressed immediately with his creativity, perseverance, and optimism. He will most definitely be remembered by many.
April 16, 2012
Laurie,
I met you in San Francisco when I accompanied Jeff and LeAnn, as Jeff's PCA. Remember, we saw Etta James in that historic theater. We went to Castro... Well, I was at school today helping a student write a news story, we where looking through the paper and when I turned the newspaper page I saw Jeff's photo. I was stunned.
I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff was a special man, intelligent, creative, handsome, witty, and genuine. He was great to talk to over dinner about things like the design for a four wheel wheel chair, he could describe things and I could imagine them. Minneapolis is not going to be the same without him.
-Susan Gerard (I didn't use the expert condolence advice-Jeff would have loved that!)
Gretchen Baltuff
April 16, 2012
Dear Laurie
It's been a bajillion years, but I remember as a 7 yr old how HANSOME Jeff was! He still is! So sorry to read about his death but glad to read he had a happy & productive life after his accident. I will let Christine know (she lives in Santa Fe, NM). My condolences!
Laura Frykman
April 16, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. I met him in a photography class years ago, and he impressed me as a classy guy, smart and sensitive. I'm not surprised he was a part of the ADA act; he exuded an easy confidence and dignity, and I'm sure he wanted all people to understand that we are not defined by our disabilities.
Kirby Johnson
April 16, 2012
Laurie,
I first met Jeff in 1987 at the Minnapolis College of Art and Design where we were both enrolled in Continuing Education photo classes. From day one, whenever I would see Jeff, a smile was on my face within moments. His wit, candor and "cut-to-the-chase" approach to everyday challenges was fun to be around. I will miss our exchanges regarding the state of local photography and his ability to intelligently mock some of life's absurdities. His observations always left me laughing out loud. I admired his humor and will miss his approach to life.
john schatzlein
April 16, 2012
Laurie---From the day Jeff & I shared the same room at the U of M hospital in 1963, we have run into each other and shared old times and what each other had been doing. I will miss running into him on the corner of Lake and Hennepin and he shared you were in CA. Know I am thinking of you. A friend to me and an example to many, Jeff will be remembered and admired. Hugs to you.
Alan Peters
April 16, 2012
Laurie,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Jeff was a great guy and really loved Reggie. I think they always traveled together.
I bumped into the two of them last summer, photographing a car show and they looked very happy.
All of us at Can Do Canines are pleased to know that Jeff's life was a little better because of Reggie's presence.
Layne Nelson
April 16, 2012
Another sad loss to the disability community. Jeff was someone I truly respected. His camera's I noticed first when we met back in the 80's after my crash. We talked photography, gimp issues and music as concerts are where we often saw each other. Jeff helped me understand a lot about being disabled when I was a newbie and doubt he ever knew how much I really appreciated the time he spent talking with me. Jeff was a bright guy, very funny and I know we got along because of his quick wit & his dry humor at times bordering sardonic. We weren't close as friend go and in recent years I've not been active in town, but I always got kind words from Jeff and I will miss him. Certainly he will be missed by all that knew him. To his family, I'm sorry for your loss. PEACE - Layne (The Token Gimp)
Michael Bjerkesett
April 16, 2012
A remarkable and dignified man the world will miss. Jeff always made me smile, and I will miss that too.
Abby Ekman
April 16, 2012
You will be missed, love you Jeff.
Allison Herrera
April 16, 2012
I'm so honored to have called Jeff my friend. I loved working for Jeff and will always remember his quick wit and excellent sense of humor! Love to all his friends and family.
Allison Herrera, Minneapolis
April 16, 2012
Laurie: I remember both you and Jeff, and want to express my condolences. That he has left a lasting history of achievement with his photography is exemplary.
Dick Sherman, League City, TX
Jeff Bangsberg
April 16, 2012
I've known Jeff ever since I worked in Mayor Don Fraser's office in 1985. He was a great photographer, always willing to offer assistance and has been a longtime friend I would see on occasion over the years. He will be missed, especially in the disability community.
Carol Bell
April 16, 2012
Laurie, My sincere expression of sympathy to you on the loss of your brother. Although my name may not be familiar to you, I have fond memories of you and Jeff from many years ago.
Bernice Cuciz Tresemer
April 16, 2012
Rest in peace cousin Jeff. Despite physical limitations, you accomplished more in your lifetime than many people. You were a true inspiration. My condolences, Laurie. (Jack and Bee Teter's granddaughter)
Valerie (Dilger) Gryniewicz
April 15, 2012
Laurie and friends,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jeff is one of the people I've admired most in life...his courage and determination in "keeping on keeping on" over many years of physical limitations, his creativity, and his smile. May we all be comforted in knowing that Jeff's pain is gone now and he's at rest.
With love from your cousin,
Val Gryniewicz
Celeste Jouanet
April 15, 2012
Laurie,
With love and prayers. This is a note of prayer for you. My mom, Zana, doesn't do the online thing, but wishes to express her sincere condolences. She will contact Lonnie and would love to speak to you at your earliest convenience.
With warmest and heartfelt regards,
Celeste Hegnauer
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