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BRIAN FARNON Obituary

Brian Farnon, musician, arranger, band leader, brother of Robert Farnon, renowned composer, arranger, conductor of light classical music. In the mid 1940's, his then wife, Rita Oehmen (entertainer in Chicago), was named loveliest mother of Chicago.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Jun. 2, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for BRIAN FARNON

25 Entries

Dennis McCarthy

October 20, 2023

My wife and I have such fond memories of Brian at Harrah's Tahoe back in the 60's and 70's in my Glen Campbell days; truly one of the kindest people on earth. And talented! He made my life easy during my early learning curve - may he rest in peace - Dennis and Patty McCarthy

John Reilly

May 27, 2023

I had a tremendous time working with him and he taught a lot!
RIP Maestro!

Scott Young

May 27, 2023

I played in orchestras in northern Nevada in the late 70's into the 80's , and the one I was close to but never played in was Harrah's Tahoe. BUT Brian was a legend. He had world wide respect, not local, and the musicians in his orchestra were learned, hand picked, great teachers, etc. (John Reilly, for instance) I sincerely regret not performing for him, but God's will is to teach us.

Kendra Campbell

March 17, 2011

My dearest Brian, I have missed you terribly since the Community Orchestra days, and I'm very sad to hear of your passing. I am planning on picking up the bass clarinet again this year, and part of the reason for continuing was your passion and inspiration. Love Kendra

Don Hanson

November 17, 2010

Brian, we will miss you terribly. Much love, Don, Peggy & Buddy

Scott Allan Young

September 7, 2010

Brian was a legend among conductors and musicians in Northern Nevada. Some of my fondest memories are the Harrah's Tahoe Orchestra, with Skeets Herfurt on Alto, and the many other great musicians that worked with Brian. God bless he and his family.
Sincerely,
Scott Allan Young
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

T Thomas

August 24, 2010

I came across this while researching my neighborhood and discovered that I live in the home of Brian Farnon on Peoria Street in Chicago. I have a renewed sense of history and sadness that he has passed.

Carolyn Triano

August 14, 2010

Brian was a personal friend and a mentor to my daughter, Sarah, who played young Scrooge under his tutelage. He was gentle and always a professional. He is the reason so many young people during the 1970's and 1980's in South Lake Tahoe went on to become famous and have productive lives. My prayers to the family. Carolyn Triano (Nun in Scrooge for 9 years).

Jon Allasia

August 14, 2010

Dear Brian was a very kind sincere soul and a true talent, he was on top of his game in showbiz at the lake. Just loved his sense of humor and kindness through out the years. Brian thank you so much for all the back adjustments after all the long hours back stage. It was an honor for me to make you sound as good as you deserved in the Harrah's world reknown "South Shore Room". Rest peacefully my friend, you had work hard for so many years making other people feel happy.
JA

Jo Wiedman

August 14, 2010

My son was in "Scrooge" for 6 years. Working with Brian was wonderfully inspiring for Jim. He was a true professional and imparted his knowledge in a gentle, positive way. We'll never forget him.

David Kurtzman

August 14, 2010

I moved to Tahoe in 1972. I was introduced to Brian and from that day on every time our paths crossed he greeted me as if I were a long lost friend. His infectious smile, voice, courtesy and talent will be missed.

Joe Cummings

July 22, 2010

I was just telling my cousin Tony back in New York about Brian. His sense of humor, agility, physical strength, and, "Oh yeah." all of this at an age many people would consider to be elderly.
He was the most remarkable person I've ever met. I'll miss him.

June 20, 2010

Sharon, Charmaine and Darlene,

My most sincere condolences. My memories of your Dad always were of him sitting at the piano working on scores, but he always had time to say hello to me and acknowledge my presence. Please know how very sorry I am.....after reading the guest book it would seem he had a great many good friends. Be well.
Cousin Patty

Sue Story

June 17, 2010

Brain was the most awesome inspiration to any musician. He was patient, positive, charming, and funny. His blue eyes were the most amazing, full of life, smiling eyes I have ever seen. I have thought of Brian often over the last few years, fond thoughts of orchestra practice, his laughter, and that wonderful back crack he would offer. A remarkable human being and not many like him.

Noah Arzio

June 14, 2010

Brian was a great mentor to those interested in music and theater. I was glad to be a part of his generous heart while performing each Christmas time with him in Scrooge as Tiny Tim for years through to the end of its run in 2002. He always had a secret final word for me at the end of each performance. I will never forget him.

Noah Arzio
(aka Tiny Tim 1997-2002)

Brian and Noah - Scrooge 2000

Noah Arzio

June 14, 2010

Bill Theurer

June 10, 2010

A feeling of warmth and sadness came over me when I heard of Brian's passing. Many of us thought of him like a Dorian Grey in that he never seemed to age. His healthy appearence and boundless energy seemed to defy age. He would write a 2 hour dance show for his then wife Dorothy' dance school every year for more than I can remember.
Brian gave me the opportunity to take over the lead trumpet chair from the legendary lead player,George Graham,(with George's blessing)when he left for LA. Brian placed that responsibility in the hands of an untested 22 year-old trumpet player. For that faith I must be eternally grateful to Brian. It gave me a great leg up on what has been a blessed career doing what I most love.
Brian had a quick sense of humor that at times could be ascerbic if you found yourself on opposite ends with him as I found out while serving as a union steward at Harrah's Lake Tahoe while working for him for 6 years. We would butt heads as only one can with a cocky and idealistic youth. But it was always respectful and the lessons learned have served me well throughout my career.

Roberta Benvenuto

June 6, 2010

I will never forget the smiles that Brian put on my children's faces everytime I took them backstage. He was warm, friendly and hilarious!
We will miss you...
Rest in peace Brian. We will always remember you and love you, and smile when thinking of you!
Roberta, Courtney and Jared Benvenuto

Norm Hankoff

June 5, 2010

From 1966 until well into the 1980s, our families were neighbors at Lake Tahoe. Early on, we became friends. Brian had everything going; the leading man looks, the win-you-over-in-a-second charm and personality, the omnifaceted musical chops and what I most fondly remember, the exquisite sense of humor he always had at the ready.

One of my most cherished possessions is a photo taken at Harrah’s South Shore Room of Brian on alto sax, Al Sutton on piano and way over my head, my unworthy self sitting in on drums.

To have known and been a friend of the inimitable Brian Farnon was a rare treat indeed.

Rick Diaz

June 4, 2010

I had the pleasure of meeting Brian over thirty years ago when he was the band leader at harrahs Tahoe. Brian was nothing short of an angel to me. I recall him letting me use his recording studio, free of charge to demo a few of my original songs. He was always offering me good advive regarding my career and life as well. My great love of orchestras and beautiful arrangements can be traced back to the Brian Farnon Orchestra. I will always remember visiting backstage with him before a show. He always encouraged me to get into films as well. I sadly lost contact with him when he moved from Tahoe. I recently did a radio interview last Christmas in Tahoe. I did mention Brian and Bob McClure my late Mgr. , who was once Brians boss. He reached out to a scared young man and offered his frienship and advice. Now that I'm on the verge of realizing so many many of my dreams. I look back at the beautifil people God has sent my way. I know we can't live here for ever. Brian, you will always live in my heart. Thank you my friend for everything. Say hello to my mother and Bob and all the angels. Save me a gig when I see you next. I will always be the Captain of my ship thanks to you!

Love and Peace!

Rick Diaz
tahoecitymusic.com

Nicole Grant

June 4, 2010

Brian was by far one of the wisest musicians I've ever had the pleasure of being mentored by, his words and guidance are with me daily in my now professional musical career. I hold on very tightly to the journal, knowledge, and musical skills I've gained because of his talented musicianship. I hope to reach others as he did with his music, art and laughter. You will be dearly missed!

Mark Williams

June 3, 2010

I always enjoyed playing Jacob Marley to Brian's Scrooge every Christmas season for 11 years or so. Wish you could have met my wife and little girl. When it's my turn let me know if your Big Band in the Sky could use a vocalist. Would look forward to making music with you again anytime.

susane tagayev

June 3, 2010

My Husband Lev worked at Harrah's when Brian was doing Scrooge and later I met him he was always so funny. We produced The Sound of Music in 2004 and Brian said I should ask Charmy his daughter to come out and be special guest.(she was the original Liesl) He wrote an original piece for himself and Charmian to do that I still have and will cherrish! I pray the Lord give confort to his family and Brian will live on in our hearts and memories.

RIP Brian

Lev and Suzie Tagayev

Frank Benvenuto

June 2, 2010

Brian Farnon was a very positive influence in my life. He was the conductor of Harrah's Tahoe Orchestra for 25+ years. Performed for 21 years every Christmas holiday in the comedic version of Scrooge,which he co-wrote. He was not only my employer for many years but a good friend. A very funny,quick witted man. In his early years he performed with Spike Jones and traveled and conducted for Nat King Cole. Brian conducted for many headliners at Harrah's showroom. All the fond memories we had with Brian will live on forever. R.I.P. Brian. Condolences to Gloria, Brian Jr.,Mike and all of the rest of the family. I will always remember Brian's humor and friendship.

John Reilly

June 2, 2010

I had the pleasure of working with Brian Farnon at Harrah's Tahoe for many years. He was my Mentor and treated me like a Son. I learned much about being a professional Musician that I still use today. Rest In Peace

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