Garfield Faragher

Garfield Orvin Faragher (and you thought his first name was unique) came into this world on July 12th, 1940. His mother had plans to see a John Garfield picture show that night, but plans change. He was born in Crozier, but apparently that wasn’t quite rural enough. His colorful childhood was painted on the canvas that is Black Hawk.

The youngest child of Stafford & Myrtle, Garfield was working in bush camps and collecting a paycheck before he’d reached the 100 lb mark. His late teens and early 20s may have included beers, brawls and wrecked cars. I cannot confirm nor deny.

In 1966 he married Mather Township alum, Jacklynne Himsl, and together they had three children (Greg, Stacey & Aynsley). Greg & Heather Faragher gave him his first two grand-children (Kaela & Jason) and Aynsley & Jon Carrier gave him his next two (Duncan & Daphne).

In 1992 he met Judy Tucker and they built the red-roofed log house that they’ve resided in for the last three decades. Judy’s children, Charlie (Tracy) & Anita (Rob), became part of his family and Charlie & Tracy provided him with two more grand-children (Koen & Aubrynn).

It cannot be overstated how much he adored his six grand-children.

Garfield is survived by his older siblings, Myrtle Marshall (Joseph dec.), William Faragher (Frances) and sister-in-law Marilyn Faragher.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Stacey, nephew Bradley Faragher, brother Arnold Faragher and son-in-law Brent Ogden.

With the exception of his big chair and cluttered shop, he was most comfortable in the outdoors, amongst the trees or on the lake. By the end of the summer, no man ever had a greater pigment contrast from exposed forearm to sheltered shin.

Somewhere I’d bet he’s pointing out some walleye weeds, with a sly grin on his face. Or putting a couple more bucks into a slot machine because he just knows it’s ready to pay off.

Per his wishes, Garfield’s original and aftermarket parts will be cremated, and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Note - It would require volumes to acknowledge all the people who crossed paths with Dad and impacted his life in a meaningful way. Uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, dear friends - simply too many to list.