Richard Dick Gregg Farmer

Died peacefully at his home in Phoenix, Arizona on March 26, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. Richard was born November 5, 1928 in Laramie, Wyoming. He graduated from Eaton (CO) High School in 1946 and immediately joined the United States Navy. His math aptitude was fostered in Fire Control School after boot camp. It was this naval training that headed Richard in the direction toward Electrical Engineering. After discharge he attended Colorado State University, earning his degree in Electrical Engineering in 1952 and later his Masters degree from Arizona State University in 1964.

Richard’s work experience spanned the globe. His first job was in the Digital Computer Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In 1957, while employed by Miner & Miner of Greeley, CO he moved his family to Beirut, Lebanon where he worked on electrifying the rural areas. In 1965 he began work at Arizona Public Service Company (APS) in Phoenix, AZ where he became the Principal Engineer until his retirement in 1994. While working at APS, he was asked by Arizona State University to teach an evening class in electric power. After retirement from APS, he increased his class load at ASU where he attained full professorship and worked until his final day. Richard was elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 2006, was named the 2010 Outstanding Power Engineering Educator by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), an international organization. He was also an author/co-author of multiple Power System books and publications and a speaker at Power System conferences. Through his work, Richard inspired and educated many students and colleagues with his rich knowledge and willingness to share his expertise.

But his most important accomplishment of his life was his family. He married Jo-Anne Overman in 1949 and together raised four children. Our father was the tutor, the Little League and Pop Warner coach, our biggest fan and the rock of the family. Jo-Anne passed away in 1995. Dad was blessed with additional love in his life. He married Gloria Sue Roberts on June 9, 2009. He and Sue could be seen dancing 2 or 3 nights a week at the Scottsdale American Legion up until the final month of his life. Richard lived a full, rich, and happy life to the end.

Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Jo-Anne Farmer, his parents, William Farmer and Mary Roy, and his stepfather, Jack Roy. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Sue Farmer, his children, Kristine Farmer (partner Carole Dietzel) of Phoenix, Gregg Farmer (Valerie) of Estes Park, CO, John Farmer of Phoenix, and Lee Farmer of Phoenix and his grandchildren, Taylor Farmer, Mikayla Farmer, Marcella Farmer, Meredith Donner, Ann Lambiase-Mitchell and Virginia Lambiase-Mitchell.

Vistitation will be held Wednesday, March 28 from 5pm – 8pm at Green Acres Mortuary, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257. Internment in Eaton, Colorado on Tuesday, April 2.

Donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. www.greenacresmortuary.net