David Albert Graham Farnell

David Farnell, of Peterborough, Ontario, died at the age of 77 on August 20, 2026. Predeceased by his beloved wife Karen and his parents, Graham & Irene Farnell. Survived by his children Kate Farnell (Stephen), Jamie Farnell, and Lisa Farnell (Ian), grandchildren Claudia, Charlie, Alex, Eve, George and Casey, his sister Carroll Evans (Bob), nephew Michael Evans, cousin Mary McClelland, and great-nephew and great-niece Graeme and Claire.

David grew up in Georgetown, Ontario, where he met two of his lifelong friends, Richard and David. He studied music at a young age and earned an ARCT in voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music. He later used those skills in his rock band and around campfires with his guitar. He was a passionate lover of music and a particularly devoted Rolling Stones fan.

David earned degrees from Queen’s University, McMaster University and York University, along the way meeting his dear friends Peter, Kip and Graeme. He loved being at his cottage in Westport with Karen and his family. He was an avid boater and fisherman, and he treasured his friendships and the time he spent at the lake with the Lenz and Belknap families.

David had a warm personality and was a great storyteller. He found something positive in any situation. After he retired, he dedicated most of his winters to supporting young curlers: officiating junior competitions, training other coaches, and coaching competitive teams, including the varsity curling teams at Trent University and Fleming College. He loved working with young athletes and made many valued friends among his fellow coaches. He himself was a lifelong curler and a member of the Peterborough Curling Club for 35 years.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity that supports one of David’s passions, such as Youth Curling Programs at Curling Canada or to the The Terry Fox Foundation.