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Richard Farris Obituary
Dick grew up in Fairbanks, a city he deeply loved. From grade school through high school he excelled in baseball and basketball. He pitched the winning game in Pony League in the mid-1950's. In 1959 he led Lathrop to a State Basketball Championship.
After a near death auto accident in 1961, his interests turned serious. In 1964 he protested the Vietnam War. In the 1965 he joined the Peace Corps and worked with disenfranchised people in the Caracas barrios. In 1967 he returned to Fairbanks, met Nilo Koponen and began an enduring friendship and political collaboration.
Wanting to support the value of working men and women he started a long career in public service. He served as Director of Hope Industries and the Literacy Council. He worked as an employment counselor at the Fairbanks employment agency and after retirement worked as a grant writer for Tanana Chiefs. He started the Fairbanks Bread Line with Jim and Sharon Hunter and served on the Executive Board of the Fairbanks Senior Center. He helped start the Alaska Peace Center in 2005 and Fairbanks Open Radio in 2016. He started the annual Peace Feast.
He worked to help fledgling community groups organize financially as independent nonprofits, working behind the scenes, actively fundraising and proposing strategies to develop collaborations. Dick defined generosity. When he had a dime he gave away a quarter.
Like his parents, Dick was a lifelong progressive. He was a humanitarian, a dreamer and schemer. He dreamed with his friend, Elstun Lauesen, to develop a non-profit, Children of the World, with hopes to save inner city children with camps at Sourdough. Even as he was dying he schemed ways to defeat Trump.
Dick is survived by his daughter, Amy Shaw; sisters, Suzanne Christensen, Carolyn Sabin and Martha Farris; nieces, Lisa McKibben and Carrie Christensen; Lora Sabin, Julia Sabin and Susan Sabin; grandchildren, Dylan Shaw, Logan Putnam and Ethan Putnam. He also is survived by a family of friends in Fairbanks.
After a lifetime of helping other people and never accepting help in return, he graciously accepted help from special friends in Fairbanks: Jade Green who saved his life after a fall in 2020, Darlene Supplee whose kindness and support after another devastating fall in 2024 helped him land in the Anchorage Pioneer Home, Trish Werner and Heather Kopenen whose frequent calls were a lifeline during his time in Anchorage. Many thanks to the staff at the Anchorage Pioneer Home and to Ancora Hospice. Their kindness and care were exemplary.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Farris
Dirk Nelson
Yesterday
I knew Dick through a variety of contacts and acquaintances, including Niilo Koponen.
Dick walked his talk. Becoming a rarity these days, it seems.
Another tried and true 'good one' gone.
Laurie Lizotte
February 27, 2026
I am saddened by the passing of my good friend Dick. I had the pleasure of working with him at the Fairbanks Senior Center for many years. He was so smart, full of trivia and facts that just amazed me. I had so many intellectual conversations with this man. I will remember him forever. He was a great man. Rest in peace my beloved friend.
Fred Pratt
February 19, 2026
Dick was one of the people who made living in Fairbanks a priceless experience.
Sarah Thompson
February 17, 2026
I met you late in your life but your impact will stay with me for a long time. I enjoyed every interaction and thought provoking question. Whenever I´m feeling ungrateful or upset I´ll try to think about your story of the black beans tasting amazing after a change in mindset. Rest in peace.
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Harvey (Pud) Marlin III
February 14, 2026
Wow, what a shock! I dearly miss Dick. A dear friend for over 63 years. As stated by Larry Meath, who informed me of Dick's passing, I too was blessed to be part of the Farris-coached baseball teams. Dick, along side his good friend Phil Ramos, guided us kids with skill, knowledge, dedication, humor and love. Dick, I miss you greatly buddy, you were a mentor, a great baseball coach, protector, jokester, dear friend and and the best damned pick-up basketball player I ever encountered in the Fairbanks area. You have my vote for first team all time Malamute all-star team. Even after his near fatal car accident, Dick could still school me on the court, dropping amazing long distance fade away bombs from all over with only one eye and complex fractures throughout his body he somehow always mustered the will to overcome. An ability he carried with him throughout all his life endeavors. He never complained, he just brought his best and supported everyone who had the good fortune to know him along the way. I looked up to Dick then and feel so tremendously blessed to have had a friendship and counsel from such a great guy during critical formative years. Dick, a man who's life is truly exemplary of the best of Fairbanks. Please accept my deepest condolences for Dick's family and friends. You will always be remembered with fondness and a smile Dick.
Shirley A. Schneider
February 13, 2026
To those who mourn the passing of Dick, a great human being. You mourn one of the best!
I took the time to read through the many responses to Dick´s death. In doing so I discovered there were nineteen acclamations. Here they are: wonderful, selfless, rooter for the underdog, important member of society, humble, kind, grounded, awesome, generous of spirit, friend, caring, generous, just, tolerant, fun, pure love. If ever there were individuals in our society who lived their life for others, it was Dick Farris. When we were down and out, we begrudged every moment. We hoped, we wished, we made every effort in hope that tomorrow would be better. Then, when least expected, we were introduced to Dick Farris. He met us where we were, didn´t probe for answers that we hadn´t received ourselves. Most importantly, he didn´t judge. It was at such a time in my life that fate introduced me to Dick. To me, and many others I am certain. I wonder if he knew how important that moment was for me? I certainly did. I will close with one more compliment to a man among men. To a life well lived. Dick was the amplification of decency.
Groovy Weaver Cartwright
February 10, 2026
Words cannot begin to convey the loss of a wonderful human being, but I will say that Dick was a force of good to those who needed a voice or needed help.
For example, in 1988, I met Dick at Job Service for the very first time. I was searching, as all young souls do, searching for a job. He not only found me a job but helped me believe in myself. That was the man I remember. He was generous with his time, resourceful, vigilant and always open to the possibilities. He befriended me during a time when I was seeking guidance, feeling a little homesick for the village life and needed a job to get on with the business of life. He was there at Job Service, like a sentinel when I went back for the second & third time seeking more meaningful work. Well it took me a while, but I figured it out. I found a job that has depth; I am a Medical Surgical Nurse and raising two beautiful daughters. Thank you Dick, for not judging me and embracing the potential.
My deepest condolences to Amy and know that I love you! Sincerest sympathies to the family as well.
ARCHIE MILLER
February 8, 2026
I'd meet Richard on 7th ave in fairbank's , always enjoy'ed speaking with him, i din't know him well, but he had a smile and was kind, so it is sad to me ,to see of his passing,acm in ak,,,,
Roland Castillo
February 8, 2026
I never met Mr Farris , but I used to see him around a lot. Now I wish I could have. He sounds like a great guy
Samuel Colon
February 6, 2026
Unbelievable that Dick passed away I was looking forward to seeing him in Fairbanks next year I haven´t seen him since 2010 so sad,my condolences to his family and friends .
Kate Marshall
February 6, 2026
I worked with Dick at the Fairbanks Job Center, however had team onto him on the community, don't what he did best!! What a wonderful human. Rest in peace
Larry Meath
February 6, 2026
Dick was my baseball coach in Pony League and American Legion baseball as well as a mentor and advisor for many years after. He was always selfless and rooting for the underdog. I will forever picture him with that sly smile on his face under a shock of red hair.
judy
February 6, 2026
Dick is missed. Whenever you went to a giving event he was there. We met at Uaf in the 60's and stayed acquainted from then on....He was an enduring friend of the everyday person.
Marie Angaiak
February 5, 2026
Dick was also an important member of the Fairbanks Library Foundation for several years and worked hard to help make Noel Wien Library the centerpiece of Fairbanks. He was a gentle giant who always had a kind word for everyone and a helping hand for so many organizations. Forever a humble man, this photo is of him receiving a parting gift from FLF. My condolences to Amy and all of his family, including his multitude of friends in Fairbanks.
Flora Roddy
February 5, 2026
I first met Dick at the Employment Agency, I don't remember the year, but I remember his help!! He sent me to the Soup Kitchen and told me to come back when I was finished. He wrote me a personal check for the time I spent there that day. It introduced me to the value of volunteering to help others. I really volunteered on other occasions after that. For a while, when I needed to be grounded and remember that I didn't have it so bad, I would go and volunteer again. When we would see each other at whatever function around town, we would smile & say hi :) Love, hugs, and prayers to the family & friends of Dick {{{ <3 <3 <3}}}
Timothy Gilbert
February 5, 2026
Mr. Farris was an awesome person a great unemployment technician, I remember him helping me file a wage claim against CFTS and I won, it's been 50 years but seeing his face brought me remembrance of something special, I am deeply saddened to see him gone but he won't be forgotten. Condolences to his family God bless you, he was a great Guy and so helpful to many in Fairbanks.
Taber Rehbaum
February 5, 2026
Dick Farris changed my life. The day in March of 1990 when (still as just a visitor), I met him at the Fairbanks employment office, his generosity of spirit, enthusiasm, humor, and can-do attitude gave me the courage and gumption to move here from upstate New York. Within two months of that delightful meeting I arrived in Fairbanks with my dog and as much as I could pack into my Chevy to begin my new life and new career. Every time I saw Dick over the years, it was like getting a shot of positive energy. I am so grateful to have known him and to have counted him as a wonderful friend.
Dick Farris changed thousands of lives - and all for the better. His contributions to the community and beyond were innumerable. He was determined to make our community and our world a better place. Lets honor and continue his legacy by approaching life with a determination to make our world more caring, more generous, more just, more tolerant, and more fun.
Elizabeth Cook
February 5, 2026
50 years on, I am still glad to have convinced Richard that going to work for the State Employment office was a place where he could do a lot of good for many. Grumbling about not going to work for the government, he did so for many years. Several of my other colleagues, more respectable bureaucrats but just as effective, were put off by his unusual methods. What I remember is his pure love of people, whoever they might be and what condition they came in. He was a friend for most of 60 years and I have missed seeing him. His spirit survives.
Mark Boberick
February 5, 2026
I had the good fortune of attending a number events over the decades where Dick spoke. Fairbanks, the State of Alaska and the planet at large have lost a powerful voice for progress and service. Bless you, Dick Farris. My deepest condolences to family and friends.
Darlene Supplee
February 3, 2026
Forever a friend
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