Kenneth Lionel Farquharson

Commander Kenneth Lionel Farquharson, RCN, (Ret’d), P. Eng. passed away peacefully on December 6, 2010 at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS. Born May 26, 1924 in Toronto, he was the son of the late George Stuart and Amelia Eliza Farquharson. On completion of High School, he joined the RCN and following Artificer training at Galt, Ontario was subsequently posted overseas serving on HMCS New Glasgow for the duration of WWII. He graduated from Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Tech in 1951 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical). He then rejoined the Navy and completed his Marine Engineering specialization at the Royal Naval Engineering College, Manadon in England. Returning to Canada, he served on both coasts in various ships including HMCS Ontario, HMCS Magnificent, and HMCS Margaree. In 1961, he was appointed Engineer Officer on HMCS Provider, overseeing its construction in Lauzon, Quebec. In 1964, he became Contracts Officer at HMC Dockyard in Halifax. In 1967, he was transferred to Naval Headquarters in Ottawa as Contracts Officer. He completed his naval career in 1974 as a Canadian Deputy Liaison Officer (Navy) at the Canadian High Commission in London, England. Upon leaving the Navy, he became the overseeing consultant on the redevelopment project of the Halifax Naval Dockyard. Following this he worked for the Nova Scotia Department of Development and was instrumental in the development of the Offshore Trade Association of Nova Scotia (OTANS), serving as its first chairman from 1985-1986 inspiring the establishment of the Canadian Offshore Resources Exposition (CORE). He enjoyed his retirement years spending time at the beautiful home he built in Caribou River, NS and wintering in Florida. He was devoted to his family offering love, laughter, support, and encouragement as their careers, activities, and lives unfolded. He was a gifted and humorous storyteller and eventually was convinced by friends and family to capture his marvellous stories in his memoirs to be published in 2011. His grandsons were an immense source of pride and their countless conversations led to their inspiration and learning of important life lessons. For the past six years, he resided at Northwood Manor where despite failing health his quality of life improved because of the care he received. The family are deeply grateful to the staffs of both Northwood and the Dialysis Unit at the Dixon Centre, QEII. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Jean Dorothy Hayter, and his son Kenneth Stuart Farquharson; Sisters Mildred, Kathleen, Pauline; Brothers Allan, Donald, and George. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Jean Fry (Peter) Halifax, grandsons Andrew H. Fry (Sabrina), Mississauga, and Matthew S. Fry (Sarah), and great grandson, Camdyn S. Fry, Halifax, daughter-in-law, Charmaine McDonald (Halifax), her daughter Erin McDonald (England), and several nieces and nephews. Memorial Service and reception will be held on Wednesday, December 29th at 2:00pm in Snow’s Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the QEII Foundation.