Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Farris Obituary
John Kelly Farris was born at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on August 18, 1967 to Else Patrong and Kelly Farris. In 1969 the family moved to Spokane, Washington, where John attended Franklin Grade School and St. Georges School. He graduated in 1989 from the University of Washington with a degree in Information Systems. John worked at Microsoft following his college graduation until 2000, gravitating towards a focus in marketing within the company.
He was one of the early investors/founders of ZAAZ in Seattle, working with Shane Atchison, a close friend of younger brother, Paul. John continued his work with Shane at Possible, a global advertising firm. During this phase of his life, he worked and traveled the world, and also became a beloved uncle to Karsten and Anderson.
At the time of his death on February 9, 2014, John was in the process of moving to London to begin a new chapter in his working life, utilizing his Danish passport.
John was very active in life, growing up with swimming, soccer and golf, later testing himself with marathons, triathlons and skiing.
He is survived by his parents, brother Paul and sister-in-law Mara, nephews Karsten and Anderson, all based in Seattle; uncles and cousins in Denmark; and partner Jason Fuller in Sydney, Australia.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Farris
Sponsored by The Family.
Allan Rees
February 10, 2021
John was like a piece of fresh air, he would often pop up when not expected,very charming,with a great sense of humour, he loved to travel the globe,he loved his friends as we loved him. Never forgotten xx
Gone but never forgotten
Chris
September 30, 2018
Gone but never forgotten
September 30, 2018
chris d
September 30, 2018
RIP FARRIS J KELLY
Matt Meko
March 21, 2014
I had the honor and pleasure of spending time with John in Seattle and most recently in Hawai'i. John's sense of wonder and curiosity was inspiring to me; he was so open to experiencing / living life. I'm sure I'll catch a glimpse of him around one of the resort pools. Much Aloha
Michael Zillinger
February 21, 2014
I was so saddened to hear of John's passing. I met John through business dealings and our shared love and passion for BMW cars. My many years at BMW Seattle gave me many opportunities to visit with John and just get to know what a kind man he was. Always so nice, always sincere and a wonderful sense of his place in this world. My fondest memory of John was a time when he and I had dinner at a new bistro that had just opened. Of course, he knew the owners and had the invite to the opening. It took us 15 minutes to get to our table as John had to greet, catch up and visit with so many people he knew that obviously adored him. That fact was clear to me in those moments as I witnessed his charm, and it only confirmed my held belief that John was indeed a very nice man. My sincerest condolences to Jason and John's family. A wonderful light extinguished far too soon.
Katerina Kuznetsova
February 20, 2014
John was amazing; always kind, patient and funny. We were so fortunate to have him around.
Matt Neely
February 20, 2014
I was very honored to know John just a bit. Watching him take such pride in his nephews was a treasure to behold. My sincerest condolences.
Matt Neely
Michael Price
February 18, 2014
Dear Kelly, Else and Paul,
We are so very sorry for your loss. John was an amazing man who touched many lives for the better.
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Michael and Claire Price
Tom Hunden
February 18, 2014
As one of the most fully alive people I ever knew, John brought joy into our lives with his ever positive, upbeat, and fun-loving attitude. People gravitated towards him because he was so smart and engaging and he always made everyone smile and laugh. All of us who were lucky enough to know him will miss him always.
Bruce Moon
February 18, 2014
After working together in '88 we saw less and less of each other, going somewhat separate ways, but still somehow kept in touch. Each time we met was memorable and full of laughs, enlightenment, and a kind of caring that was always held dear.
February 18, 2014
I knew John through a mutual friend way back when he had just started at Microsoft. I was still in college. He had just gotten a very nice car and I think a place in the east side. I looked up to him a little bit as a guy who understood the world. I never kept in touch and in fact found out about his passing quite by accident. I am very sad to hear that he is gone. I am comforted to realize and have confirmed that he was true and sincere. Everything people are saying about him now matches the person I knew in another lifetime. My condolences to his family.
February 18, 2014
Kelly, Else, Paul, and Family - So sorry to hear of John's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
John and Lynne Marshall
Galen Holmes
February 18, 2014
John was truly the nicest person I've ever met. His smile was infectious. I'm deeply saddened that he is no longer here. My sincerest condolences to all of his family and friends.
Allan Rees
February 18, 2014
John your amazing spirit will always be around us. My thoughts and love go out to Jason your loving partner and your family. RIP my friend .
- Allan Rees
Margie Heller
February 18, 2014
Dear Kelly, Else and family, So saddened to hear of John's passing. Losing one's child has got to be one of the hardest things to bear. My thoughts are with you.
Steve Nick
February 17, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
One of the kindest people I've had the pleasure to have known.
You may not be with us in person, but your smile and presence will never fade.
J.D. Fugate
February 17, 2014
John inspired all who met him with his willingness to take on big challenges with a smile. We will miss him.
Jeff Davies
February 17, 2014
The world is a little less happy. John always had a smile and something nice and inspiring to say about everyone. He was a great friend and loved life, which makes his loss even harder to accept. You will be missed, always. The party has lost the best guest.
10K road race Cologne, Germany 2010 Gay Games VIII
Kelly Stevens
February 17, 2014
Dave and Cindy Noll
February 17, 2014
Dear Kelly, Else and family,
We are so sad to hear of the passing of John. Please know that you are in our thoughts. Cindy and I hold you in our hearts at this difficult time. Love to you.
Jay Robertson-Howell
February 17, 2014
RIP John. I will always remember the smile and how you treasured life!!
David Salter
February 17, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy to Jason and to John's family.
John possessed an amazing ability to befriend people...from the rich and famous to ordinarly working folks...it did not matter to John. He loved people and people loved him back.
In this sad moment, the words to the song "Gone Too Soon" have never had more meaning.
Jon Blanchard
February 17, 2014
John, you were adopted into our Family like a long lost Brother. We miss you! You were our Mentor when we needed one an always our Friend. We will never forget your generous spirit and unflappable wit, your ready smile and helpful nature.. always at the Ready. When we think of you we think of you laughing and smiling. We always will. God Speed John.
-Jon and Justin Blanchard, Laguna Beach CA
Rob Smiley
February 17, 2014
Love you so much John. We were lucky to have you.
Russell Platt
February 17, 2014
John will be missed! His laughter, smile, energy and ability to bring people together were wonderful. The memories of the time he spent here in London are treasured more than ever.
Julie Ayer
February 17, 2014
Carl and I extend our deepest sympathies to your family. Although we did not know him, we heard about his many talents from our niece and nephew.
We are thinking of you in this difficult time.
Julie Ayer and Carl Nashan
February 17, 2014
We loved John. His smile is cemented in my memory, as is the one word i associate with him: "Fabulous." Indeed he was. A friend.
Heidi Patrong
February 17, 2014
Loved and missed
& Family in Denmark
Eric Hutcheson
February 17, 2014
John you were always such a nice guy . No attitude just friendly and always a pleasure to see out and about. Lots of people are going to miss you myself included.
To john's family my condolences. He was well liked by many in Seattle.
Huntre Cameron-Grae Joffroy
February 16, 2014
Celebrating a life that was so exceptionally well lived. I will cherish my memories of John, and the many joyous experiences that I was so fortunate to share with him. He will forever remain vibrant in my heart. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, my dear friend. I will miss you, very much. xo
A fun day of hiching long ago.
February 16, 2014
Kelly, Else and Paul,
The Nicholson family is heart sick about your loss.
Please call Mike at (509) 230-8200 if you need anything at all.
We love you guys.
Mike, Chris, Josh & Sara.
Tom Butts
February 16, 2014
You will be missed. Thank you for the laughter, listening and just bringing good people together. We will miss you. Tom Butts & Scott Carter
Lisa Hoesel
February 16, 2014
The entire Hoesel family, Christopher, Lisa, Walt and Katy send our prayers and condolences.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in John Farris's name
Memorial Events
for John Farris
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Farris's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
