Farley , Erik Bruce
Erik Bruce Farley departed this life August 11, 2019 in Jupiter, Florida. Born in Indianola, Iowa on April 5, 1939, he was a Clinton High School graduate, class of 1957. Erik graduated from State College of Iowa (now University of Northern Iowa) with a degree in history, where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Epsilon National Fraternity. During his attendance, he was president of the student body and earned Purple Key Recognition for his outstanding scholarship, leadership, and extra-curricular activities.
Erik taught for a year before being hired by World Book in 1964 where he was an accomplished sales leader with the strong ability to hire, train and motivate a sales organization. He was always very upbeat, full of energy, and had a strong passion for selling World Book products. His warm and engaging personality allowed him to build strong relationships with customers and fellow employees alike. Throughout his 54-year career, Erik won numerous national awards, the most recent being a Lifetime Achievement Award before his retirement last year.
He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. A strong believer in exercising the right to vote, he was an avid supporter and volunteer for political parties in past elections who shared his ideologies. Living life to the fullest, he enjoyed traveling, the great outdoors, hiking, history, politics, cooking, singing and reading to his grandchildren. Erik had a love for all people, appreciated their differences, and consistently lived his life by example, teaching his children and grandchildren to love with an open heart. This great man touched many lives and his love continues through his family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of over 23 years, Jacquie Farley, son Shawn Farley (Joanne), daughter Kim Colwell (Chris), son Kent Farley (Stephanie), son Todd Farley, son Seth Farley, son Brandon Farley (Lisa), daughter Alicia O'Mary (Dereck), daughter Elizabeth Barnes (Miguel), son Ron Barnes (Andrea), brother Michael Farley (Kathy), sister Annalisa Benner (Greg), 21 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. His loving parents Bruce and Betty Farley of Clinton, Iowa preceded him in death.
A private service was held at sunset Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019. A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

Published by The Palm Beach Post from Aug. 19 to Aug. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Erik Farley

Sponsored by Avatar Cremation Service.

13 Entries

Eleanor Brahler

April 10, 2020

My dearest Jacquie & Family,

You did not have a chance to say goodbye which makes the pain even deeper. It is especially hard because Erik's leaving was so sudden and unexpected.

Erik was my manager when I worked with him at World Book & Delaney.He always led by example and encouragement, and always went out of his way to uplift the people he was leading. I never saw Erik depressed, even though, I knew at times, all was not fine. His big smile and positive attitude was always so contagious. He worked so hard all the time and never counted the cost to help driving long distances. He always went over and above the call of duty. I loved working with him and loved going to conferences with him and sharing so many meals and good times. I have sooooo many fond memories!

My deepest heartfelt sympathy, great love and prayers go out to you, Jacquie. I am so saddened by his passing.

Fondly,
Eleanor Brahler

Lisa Hughes

March 29, 2020

Erik was one of a kind. I met Erik when I first joined World Book years ago. His big smile and positive attitude always made him stand out from the crowd. No matter what the challenge or situation he always looked on the bright side and encouraged others. I was fortunate enough to share many conference meals and laughs with him over the years. He always had the best stories! He made a huge impact on so many people throughout his life, and I am glad I got to know him. To quote something my mama used to say, "He's good people". I will miss you sweet friend. I know you are dancing with the angels.

Anne Leon

September 5, 2019

Dear Jacquelyn and family,

I wanted to express our condolences from the Public Library Services staff members who worked with Erik.
Meagan Albright (Youth Services librarian) and I were talking about Erik today. He was such a fine gentleman and a great asset to the company. His personal touch and thoroughness in researching what we needed, made him an extraordinary partner in bringing the highest quality materials to our youngsters. I learned to put faith in his insights and recommendations over the years, and we had a great professional rapport.

Beyond that, it was a pleasure for us to know him for who he was upbeat, deeply sincere, unfailingly kind and courteous. My assistant Sheree recalled him as cheerful, kind, someone who really remembered that last conversation we had, asked us How are you doing?-- and really meant it.

Thank you so much for including the obituary in your email this morning. I was happy to see that he had a large, loving familyin addition to the lady he obviously adored.

We are so sorry for your loss, and wish you every blessing.

Anne Leon, Executive Director/Public Library Services
Alvin Sherman Library, NSU
(954) 262-4639

September 2, 2019

Erik was loved, not only by family, but the many lives he touched in the education world. It was a privilege to be touched by his positive spirit and goodness. Blessing and prayers to the family.

Carol Graczyk

August 28, 2019

Erik was always positive and upbeat. He loved a challenge and accomplished great things. What I admired most about him was his love for teaching and spreading knowledge. No matter who he spoke with, he was always teaching us about something. I will always remember his smile. Jacquie, you are in my prayers every night. God Bless. Carol

Defrida Thompson

August 28, 2019

I've been thinking about you all day Erik. I can hear your deep soothing voice and see your radiant smile! I miss you but we will meet again in Heaven my friend!

Jacquie: Mourning is rough and your heart is broken but remember, 'LOVE NEVER DIES!' The overflowing love Erik gave you, NOTHING can ever take that away!

I'm a call away if you need an ear!

Andrea Buro

August 27, 2019

Erik was a wonderful man. He was always so upbeat, happy and smiling! He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.

SHARON PASSMORE

August 24, 2019

Jacquie, I'm in shock. I am so very sorry. Erik was a wonderful person.

Davd Dunn

August 22, 2019

Jacqui

I had sent a note before but don't know if you received.
I first met Erik when we both won trips as division managers to the Playboy Club Resort in Wisconsin. He and I went horseback riding together and a friendship was formed. Little did I know that I would later train managers in his branch. These were always good experiences because of the branch mgr. (Erik). He even remained a friend after I was gone from World Book. He was a good person and will always be remembered as such.

Talking of remembrances, I have them of working with you, too. I remember working with you in Columbia and a workshop where the sweat was running down my back. I guess there was no ac or it was not working in the hotel. I also remember riding from a late close to another town late at night. I think we arrived at about 1:00 AM.

Extend my sympathy to you.

Dave Dunn

Paul Hexom

August 22, 2019

I was with WB 46 years so I have been around
Erik and watched his energy and wonderful smile. I will always be thankful to him and Judy Stancil for helping me get our "Spotlight" newsletter going.
His brother Michael sold World Book with me one summer when I lived in Dubuque,IA

Judy Stancil

August 22, 2019

I remember seeing Erik for the first time at a big convention and he was on the dance floor with several of his children. He was a master at lifting spirits. I can see him now, saying that just the thought of calling on homes and families "make my toes curl". He never said no and wasn't shy about wanting only the best for his customers. They loved him and we loved him! He would call while making those long drives and talk about his love of Jacquie and his children and World Book. He was a true family man and friend. Erik proved that: Once a World Booker, always a World Booker. He said he would never retire (and he never really did). Prayers for Jacquie and that great big beautiful family. I already miss him. Thanks for sharing that great big smile and his life with us.

Cheryl Kaufman

August 21, 2019

I am so glad to have such a great picture of Eric posted as this is how always saw Eric-with a great big smile on his face. He is one of the most gracious and kindest person I have ever known. He was an outstanding World Booker and I was fortunate to know him through out my career. The Farley family can be very proud of him as he was a very special person.

Barb Hussmann Long

August 21, 2019

I first joined World Book in 1972 and recall Erik being a highly successful manager already. I left World Book in 1982 to have a family but returned in 2006. Erik was there to offer encouragement, suggestions, even praise during my eight years. It was a delight to see both Eric and Jacquie at yearly conferences,they were always upbeat. We also talked about our admiration and respect for Unitarian Universalist principles. May the peace that surpasses all understanding be with him, Jacquie, and all those that admired him.

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