Harold Edward Farren

Harold Edward Farren
Husband, Horseman, Father, Friend.
Harold was Born Sept 18, 1923 in Bakersfield, CA to parents Edward and Stella Farren. He entered into rest June 21, 2012 in Santa Ynez, CA. Harold was a respected horseman who shared his knowledge with all who were willing to learn. He learned his craft as a child traveling with his family on the circus. As a child he raced chariots and rode elephants at the circus. He joined the Marine Corps in 1942 and fought in major campaigns including Guadalcanal and Tarawa where he was awarded the Purple Heart. He spoke often of the Marines as 'family'. After the war, he returned to the circus as a trick rider, roper, and trainer. With the birth of son Brad, he left the circus and settled down. He worked as a stuntman in movies and TV but was drawn to a career as a horseman. Harold was an accomplished trick rider and roper; Harold understood horses and trained all disciplines from race horses to hunter jumpers but specialized in stock horses; eventually moving to cutting horses. He was a respected member of the equestrian community with many friends. He was a U.S Marine and an accomplished horseman, but he was at his best as a Husband, Father, and Friend. He lived his life fully and leaves a legacy each of us should aspire to.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents and first wife Janice "Skeeter" Farren. Harold is Survived by loving wife, Sally, children, Ted (Leslie), Alison (Mark), and son Brad (Janelle). Grandchildren Amanda, Aubrey, Wes, Kaylyn, Devin and Justin; step mother Judy Smith, sister Yrata and half-brother Richard.
A 'Celebration of Life' is Scheduled for Saturday, July 21st at the Montenero Farm in Los Olivos. Arrival at 11:30 am. Services will begin at NOON with a reception following.
In Lieu of Flowers, Donations can be made to the "Wounded Warrior Project" in Harold's name.

Loper Funeral Chapel, Directors.

This obituary was originally published in the Santa Ynez Valley News.