Michael J. Farrell

Michael J. FARRELL Michael J. Farrell, 56, passed away peacefully on August 29th, 2010 with his loving wife by his side. Mike was born in Seattle, Washington to Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Farrell, who later moved the family to the East Coast and finally Topeka, Kansas. Mike excelled at virtually everything he tried, and his interests were wide and varied. As a child, he quickly learned to play the piano, and just as quickly became a promising tennis player. But it was his artistic talent that shone the brightest, and throughout his life, he worked in a wide variety of artistic media. At 14, he attended adult drawing classes at Washburn University and two years later, he received a scholarship from the University of Kansas summer art camp. Mike later pursued undergraduate studies at KU's school of Painting and Printmaking. At age twenty, he obtained a license as a mental health technician, working at Topeka State Hospital. In 1976 pleasant memories drew him back to Seattle to stay where he became an avid rock and alpine climber. He continued to create dynamic and exciting new artwork, and took a variety of jobs to support his craft-from a grueling season of logging in Alaska to working as a machinist. In 1980, he attended Highline Community college, continuing his love of education and becoming a technical assistant in the ceramics department. In 1982, Mike married the love of his life and long-time partner, Pam. That same year, he founded 'Altered Shapes,' a successful production ceramics business. He began experimenting in fused glass, and with a partner created 'Alter Ego Pins,' a line of fused glass pins sold nationally. Mike continued to pursue his fascination with blown glass at the Pratt Fine Arts Center in 1986. That year he also became a very proud father to his son Joe. In 1989, Mike began blowing production glass and founded 'Altered Shapes Glass Works' creating a line of unique blown glass vases, paperweights and goblets. He continued to work in blown and fused glass, as well as ceramics and mixed media. Mike's work has been shown in galleries, museums and in some of the finest collections in the US and abroad. In the last years of his life, he also returned to photography, exploring digital art and as always, learning new skills. Mike was truly larger than life, showing us all what "living to the fullest" means. He jumped into everything he did with joy and boundless energy, and he was fascinated by subjects as diverse as geology, exotic cacti and fine watches. His passion for motorcycles inspired many long Harley rides with his brother and friends. Mike's razor-sharp wit, wonderful story-telling ability, and infectious enthusiasm inspired everyone around him. No matter what he did, he always insisted on producing only the finest results. Whether remodeling his house, creating art or crafting exquisitely detailed leatherwork, his care and attention to detail was second to none. Yet he always made time for his family and friends, and he will be sorely missed. Mike is survived and will forever be remembered by his wife Pamela, his son Joe and his sister and brother, Colleen and Tom. The list of his many friends are too numerous to count but they are all grateful to have had the chance to know such an amazing and wonderful guy. There will be a private family gathering in celebration of Mike's life. Ride Free Brother!