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Gavin Farr Obituary



FARR GAVIN MALLOY FARR (Age 66) Died on August 18, 2009 at his home in Chevy Chase, MD. Gavin married the love of his life, Cathleen Hiser Farr of Bethesda, MD in 1975, and they enjoyed 34 years of marriage. Gavin was a loving father to his four children and was known as "Pop Pop" by his nine grandsons. He is already terribly missed by his family and friends. Gavin grew up in Chevy Chase and spent weekends and summers with his siblings and cousins at their parents'' farm in Comus, MD. A fourth-generation Washingtonian, Gavin is the son of the late Janet Sharon Johnston and William Sharon Farr of Chevy Chase. Gavin is the great-grandson of Sen. Francis G. Newlands, founder of Chevy Chase and the Chevy Chase Land Company. He is the great-great-grandson of Sen. William Sharon of Nevada. Gavin started working for the Chevy Chase Land Company in his 20''s and served as president and chairman of its board for decades. He played an instrumental role in refurbishing and repairing the Chevy Chase Circle Memorial Fountain in 1990. The circle was originally built in the 1930s to memorialize Sen. Newlands'' contributions to thearea. Gavin also served on the board of the Columbia Hospital for Women and the Chevy Chase Bank. Gavin was a grand storyteller and history buff. Known for his generosity and his quick wit and sense of humor, Gavin made his friends and family laugh and smile. His friends and family frequently sought his wisdom, counsel, and advice. Gavin was very musical and creative and enjoyed singing, reading, playing golf, calligraphy, and spending time with his loved ones. He attended the Potomac School, St. Albans, Woodberry Forest, and George Washington University. Gavin was a true family man and deeply valued his immediate and extended family. He is survived by his wife, Cathleen Hiser Farr, and their four children and nine grandchildren: Emily Newlands Farr of Takoma Park, MD, Sarah Malloy Farr of Silver Spring, MD, her husband, Steven Cucolo, and their son; Charlotte Hiser Fisher of Germantown, MD, her husband, Gene Fisher, and their three sons; and David Maxwell Smith of Kensington, MD, his wife, Angela Smith, and their five sons. Survivors also include his two sisters, Sheila Farr Nielsen of Mill Valley, CA and Janet Marion Nelson of Isle of Mull, Scotland; as well as Katharine Kearns Farr, wife of his brother William Sharon Farr Jr., who died in 2007. There will be a viewing on Monday, August 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Pumphrey Funeral Home, 7557 Wisconsin Avenue in Bethesda, MD. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, 3 Chevy Chase Circle in Chevy Chase. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to All Saints Episcopal Church (the Gavin Farr Memorial Fund) or the Chevy Chase Historical Society.

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

Published by The Washington Post from Aug. 21 to Aug. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Gavin Farr

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Jeanette Burriss

September 20, 2009

For your great loss, I do offer my deepest sympathy. I knew Mr. Farr and his parents. I am originally from Barnesville my grandparents worked for the Farr family on their property in Comus Maryland. Our whole family swam and had functions at the family home and pool. Mr. Farr you will be missed.

Teddy Burriss (Jr.)

September 13, 2009

I remember as a young kid, riding in a Hot Air Ballon on the Farm in Maryland. It was tied off to the back of Gavin's car and each time it went up, it appeared to yank the back of the car off the ground. The memories from a kid are always morphed; however, I do remember that Gavin was good to my grand father and my parents. My sympathy to you and your family at the loss of Gavin.

Linda Ridenour

August 29, 2009

Dear Cathleen, My husband Richard and I ran into Alex P. at the grocery store and were saddened to learn of Gavin's untimely passing. Gavin was such a nice person, principaled, witty and wise. My professional dealings with Gavin were memorable, as he treated me with respect while at the same time mentoring me, sharing his knowledge and instincts all toward a successful venture. A true gentleman, I have the utmost respect and admiration for him. Our deepest sympathy to you, your son David and your entire family. Richard Dimock and Linda Ridenour

Ria, Marc and Sam

August 29, 2009

Gavin I feel so lucky to haven gotten to know you over the past few years. You will be missed.

Our deepest sympathy to Cathleen and the entire Farr family!

Sandia Janine Johnston

August 25, 2009

Gavin, my double second cousin. As the last child of four siblings and the same age as myself, you were a kind, true friend, confidant, and well wisher for about 60 years. I will miss you and your ready wit and intelligence.

Love,

Sandia Johnston

January

August 25, 2009

So sorry to hear the sad news. My best to Andrew and Family. With affection, January

Joe Kelly

August 24, 2009

Gavin,

I always considered you a friend from when we first met in 1980. You will be missed by all that knew and loved you. Rest in peace

August 24, 2009

We enjoyed meeting and talking with Mr. Farr at Andrew's high school graduation party. He shared many stories about his family and it was refreshing to witness the pride and joy he had for each member of his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Randy and Liz Crow

Bonnie Jessup

August 24, 2009

I was so sorry to hear about Gavin's passing.

I met him forty some years ago through his brother Sharon. He was always the life of the party and a really nice fellow.

My deepest sympathy to the entire Farr family.

Jody, Bill, and Zachary Cucolo

August 24, 2009

We did not have an opportunity to meet Gavin personally but know that he has wonderful family members that will truly miss him always. Our hearts and prays are with his family. With sincere regrets,

Jody, Bill and Zachary Cucolo

Andrea Cucolo

August 24, 2009

My mother and I remember so fondly sitting next to Gavin at Sarah and Steve's wedding. He was so gracious and the life of the party. We can only imagine how much he will be missed. We send our love and prayers to you all.
Andrea and Jean Cucolo

David & Lauren Draley

August 23, 2009

We will miss you, Mr. Farr. Spending time with you at family parties was always nice. Your sense of humor and gentle ways will be remembered always.
Love,

Donna Geraci

August 22, 2009

Gavin,
Your kind and gentle ways left footprints on my heart where they will remain forever. May your family find comfort in the wonderful memories you leave behind. I was blessed to have had you in my life!
With heartfelt sympathy,

charlotte gene and the boys

August 21, 2009

dad.I am already missing you and wonder who will keep me out of trouble!!!! my children have lost a wonderful role model ,,,,,and they will have to share all their wonderful learned words of wisdom with their younger cousins.........we love you and miss you.

Lisa Sharon

August 21, 2009

I will miss my dear godfather and cousin greatly. He always made me laugh. A wonderful soul.

Vicki and Vince Sowers

August 21, 2009

We met Mr. Farr at Sarah's wedding. He was so happy and proud that day. He was beaming! It was something we will never forget.

SUE & BEN KING

August 21, 2009

WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AT THIS TIME. . GAVIN AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITY.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY,

SUE AND BEN KING

August 21, 2009

Gavin:

I will be forever grateful to you for your advice, kindness and wisdom. I hold you and your family dear to my heart.
Carolyn Sharon Heyder

August 21, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. We will always remember his strong presence at the family events. God Bless.
Adam, Jenn, Nate, and Mason Scott

Sarah Farr

August 21, 2009

Dad/Pop Pop-

We love you so much and miss you already.

XOXO Love, Sarah, Steve, and Aiden

August 20, 2009

Gavin you kind friendship endures as well as your patience with your insurance people. Rest in peace.
Jim Garritty

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Funeral services provided by:

Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase

7557 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814

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