Dr. Jack E. Farnham

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Harvard University University of Vermont

Jack Farnham Obituary

MOUNT DORA, Fla. -- Dr. Jack Edwin Farnham, 75, of Mount Dora, a retired college professor who had practiced medicine in Chelmsford and started an allergy-immunology firm in that town, died Wednesday, Jan. 3. He was the husband of Anne (Lyman) Farnham, to whom he was married for 50 years.

He was born in Rutland, Vt., on Sept. 26, 1931, son of the late Irma (Kinney) Farnham and Edwin Farnham. He spent his youth in Bennington, Vt., and graduated from Bennington High School in 1949. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont in 1953 and his medical degree in 1957, also from the University of Vermont.

As part of his medical training, Dr. Farnham served his internship and residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. His internal medicine fellowships were completed at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass., and at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt.

Dr. Farnham proudly served his country as a captain in the U.S. Air Force's Medical Corps from 1957 to 1962. He was the chief of medicine 3565 at U.S. Air Force Hospital from 1960 to 1963.

Dr. Farnham practiced internal medicine at Chelmsford Medical Associates from 196 to 1969. He founded Allergy Immunology Associates in 1969 in Chelmsford, which developed into a four-physician practice with additional offices in Nashua and Andover. He did extensive research in airborne pollen and mold in New England and was the author of many articles in national medical journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine.

In 1990, Dr. Farnham retired from practice to attend the Harvard School of Public Health, specializing in occupational medicine. In 1992, he earned a master's degree in Public Health from Harvard University, where he was named class orator.

In 1994, he accepted a position at the University of Texas Health Center in Tyler, Texas, where he cared for patients and taught medical students and residents. Dr. Farnham retired from the university in 2000 as professor of Occupational Medicine and Allergy. He then served as medical consultant in environmental cases for engineering, legal and transportation firms.

Dr. Farnham was board-certified in allergy-immunology and occupational medicine. His fellowships include the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He was president of the Massachusetts Allergy Society, vice president of the New England Allergy Society, and was an active member of the Texas Society of Allergy, and the Florida Society of Allergy.

At the time of his retirement, Dr. Farnham had active medical licenses in Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Texas. He and his wife Anne had a winter home in Mount Dora, Fla., and a summer home on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee near Laconia, N.H.

For several years, Dr. Farnham was a deacon at Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford. He was co-chairman of the Evangelism Committee at Marvin Methodist Church in Tyler, Texas. Most recently, he was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Mount Dora.

Dr. Farnham was a member of Kiwanis, the Lawn Bowling Club of Mount Dora, and the Mount Dora Yacht Club.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Jean F. Cleary and Carol F. and Aaron Ferraris; a son, James Farnham and his wife Amy; and five grandchildren, Caitlin, Shannon, Michael, John, and Maxfield.

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

Published by Lowell Sun on Jan. 10, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Farnham

7 Entries

Anonymous

January 18, 2007

Me Mum just emailed me about Dr. Farnham's passing, probably because she knows he's always meant a lot to me - and maybe because he meant a lot to her too. Maybe because we both know - without having spoken about it much - that in 1969, I was one of his patients in Chelmsford who had just developed a very real and severe allergy to certain tree pollens, who was then a senior in high school - though not ready for college - while at the same time I was seriously disillusioned by many of the policies of our country, especially regarding the war in Vietnam. Shortly after the doctor's diagnosis, my number came up 36 in the first year of the military draft lottery, when I had no student or other kind of deferment, as the Selective Service enlisted everyone without one up to number 128. The next thing I knew, before I probably would have otherwise gone to jail or fled to Canada, I was awarded an exemption. Looking back, I figure Dr. Farnham must have had a hand in it by notifying the draft board. I don't mean to imply here that his politics - whatever they were - had anything to do with it. I have no idea about that. And to this day, I debate with myself whether or not the right thing for me to have done would have been to go to Vietnam anyway. My point is: Dr. Farnham may have saved my life back then. So I'll miss him more that I may ever know whether he did or did not. Either way: Thanks Doc. And my sincere condolences to your family.

Ruby Ratcliffe

January 16, 2007

I have just learned of Jack's passing. He was the most unassuming and gentle person I knew. He was always kind to his patients and friends. I had the pleasure of working at Medical Associates when he was there. I, also, knew him through the First Untied Baptist Church. I have many memories of he and Anne. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Valerie Barbour

January 16, 2007

I had the wonderful pleasure of knowing Dr. Farnham through his daughter Carol. Carol and I were friends from elementary school on, and I spent much of my childhood at their house. The Farhams welcomed me into their home, and made me part of the family. In all the years that I knew Dr. Farnham, I never heard him raise his voice, or say an unkind word about anyone. He was a wonderful role model/mentor to all who knew him. I will miss his dry sense of humor and kindness. I am privileged to have been an honorary member of their family, and to have worked for Dr. Farnham at his office.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Valerie

Maura Doherty

January 15, 2007

I was very saddened to learn of Dr. Farnham’s passing. My sincere condolences to his family, especially his wife. My father, Jim Doherty, played tennis and was in Rotary with Dr. Farnham many years ago. I was a patient of his from 1979 until his retirement, during which he diagnosed and treated my severe allergies for which I have been hospitalized on several occasions. I have no doubt in my mind that I am still alive because of his efforts. Dr. Farnham went beyond his required duties and helped to educate me to manage my severe food allergies and learn how to respond to anaphylaxis with little time to spare. His gentle manner, sense of humor, and respect for my quality of life and my intelligence made a profound difference to me that continues to influence me as I live with my debilitating illness. I hope that his family can take some comfort during your mourning in knowing that he didn’t just have a successful career, he helped his patients in so many ways and literally saved many of our lives. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Maura Doherty
Embrach, Switzerland

Bill Halling

January 11, 2007

I first met Jack when we were both pre-med students at UVM probably in one of Lyman Rowell's classes. We became good friends and when Jack said he was applying to UVM Medical School that also became my first choice. We sat together in most classes and I always knew that if I missed anything in one of the professors' lectures it would be neatly captured in Jack's very legible notes which were a combination of print and cursive. Jack had a marvelous and very imaginative, droll sense of humor. We both thought that a country, family practice together somewhere in rural Vermont would be ideal but other obligations sent us off in different directions. I always looked forward to seeing Jack and Anne at medical school reunions. Jack never seemed to age and it is therefore even more surprising that he should die so young. Esther and I were very happy that we got to be with him and Anne again at last summer's 50th wedding anniversary. I was honored that Jack chose me as his best man fifty years ago and that we could maintain our friendship, even at a distance, for more than a half century. We will miss him and send our best wishes to Anne and the children.
Bill and Esther Halling

Walt Dunham

January 9, 2007

I am shocked and saddened to learn of Jack's passing! My brother Rusty and I grew up with Jack on Elm St in Bennington and he was a good friend. We were in the high school band together and went to the All State Festivals back when. He will be remembered fondly by many old friends and acquaintances. My deepest sympathy to the family

Anita Viau Robitaille

January 7, 2007

Dr. Jack Farnham will truly be missed. He was my doctor, friend, mentor and truly one of the most kind,gentle and generous people I have had the privilege to know.

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