Kevin “Tom” Farrell
Died: September 1, 2017 | Place:
Obituary
FARRELL, Kevin “Tom”
With heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved husband and father passed away peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2017, with his wife and children by his side at the age of 74 years. Loving husband of Maria Eugenia Sará de Farrell “Kena” for 45 years. Proud father of Stephanie Colleen Weber (Daryl) and Alexander Kevin Farrell. Adoring Tata of Jettsen, Ripken, Lowyn, Broden. Caring brother of Alexander (Mary), Michael (Donna), Paul (Wanda), Peter (Helene), Dana and brother-in-law of Maria Elena (Jose Antoino), Salvador (Carmen Cecelia), Gabriel (Susana) and Juan (Tamara). Playful uncle of many nieces and nephews around the world. Predeceased by his parents Ethel and Alexander, his brother Brian and his brother-in-law Miguel and sister-in-laws Maria Antonieta, Maria Gabriella and Maria Cristina. Dreamer, adventurer, protector, humourist, intellectual, cheerleader, gentle giant, cool dude. Born in small-town Amherst, N.S. Raised by single mom of 7 boys. Award-winning mathematician, talented athlete, 2nd Lieutenant of COTC. Insatiable hunger for knowledge; before The Internet, there was Kevin. Mount Allison University scholarship then bright lights of Montreal. Walked into Sun Life head office on Friday-no appointment-started career on Monday. Re-programmed Sun Life’s entire payroll system and then again at Honeywell Canada. Got the travel bug. Moved to a new world-Venezuela. Became fluent in Spanish by embracing culture and telling funny jokes to anyone and everyone. 6-month work stint turned into 12 years once he met the love of his life at BFF’s BBQ. Love at 1st sight. Proposed after 1 month, married in 3 months to Kena. Got the kid bug. Proud papa to Steph and then Alex. By ’81, promoted to I.T. executive for Citibank and then RBC. Missed his Mom. Forewent promising career to move family to Dartmouth where “his children could experience Canadian life”. Snow, Hockey, Tim Hortons, lakes, and the Maritimes. In 23 years at Canada Post; never called in sick. Brought laughter, positive energy, and caring soul to parents/children of wife’s successful preschool (27yrs). Continued mastery of corny jokes, travel, exotic cuisine, encyclopedias, technology, Montreal Canadiens/Expos, music, movies, fine art, collectibles, nature walks, animals, new and old friends, his dream home, his children, his grandchildren and, most importantly, his love for Kena. After retirement moved to London, Ontario to be closer to children/grandchildren, and eventually passed away in St. Thomas-a small town befitting his birthplace and childhood nickname “Tommy”. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. We’ll feel his spirit near a lake or ocean, collecting and skipping rocks. The family would like to thank the staff at Valleyview Home for their generous love and care. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family from 10-11am on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, where a celebration of Kevin’s life will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11am. Please dress in colourful and happy attire. Another celebration will be held in Nova Scotia at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Valleyview Home, 350 Burwell Road, St. Thomas, ON N5P 0A3. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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I am so sorry Steph for the loss of your father and grandfather to your children. No words can make it better, or take the pain away! One day at a time, hold close your memories and keep them alive through you. Love and prayers ?? Michelle, lukas and Maya
I’m so sorry to hear the passing of my Tio Kevin. So many fond memories from my childhood time spent in Venezuela visiting and later in Nova Scotia.
His smile and laugh was contagious and I don’t think I’ll ever have that true sound of love and joy leave my memory.
Having raised two extremely loving and talented children is a testament of the person Tio Kevin was. His legacy of love and laughter will journey on in my cousins Alex and Staphanie and his grandchildren.
A living and dedicated husband, my Tia Kena was always taken care of and lived and supported. His devotion and love is one that people only wish to have for a minute in life.
My thoughts are with you and my love from me and my family is forever present. With much love, Pablo
I have nothing but the fondest memories of my Tio Kevin. His contagious laugh and smile is something that you never forget. My youth was spent every summer in Caracas visiting family with my brother. It was one of the best things as a kid. Spending time with my uncles, aunts and cousins. Real family. Tio Kevin was always one of my favorites to visit with his warm heart and kindness. He exemplified family. After the family moved to Nova Scotia, I was happy to have been able to visit the family there as well. Great memories.
The people that my cousins Stephanie and Alex became are true results of what great parents they were raised by. His legacy will shine in them and his grandchildren.
The husband that Kevin was to my Tia Kena is one of dedication and true partnership. A husband that people wish to have for a moment. A real example of what makes a family.
My thoughts and heart goes to my family. He will be missed, but never forgotten and forever a part of all of us. Let that spirit of laughter and his smile light all our souls when we need that extra warmth.
With love from my family to everyone thinking and celebrating the life of my Tio Kevin.
With love and sympathy,
Pablo
I have nothing but the fondest memories of my Tio Kevin. His contagious laugh and smile is something that you never forget. My youth was spent every summer in Caracas visiting family with my brother. It was one of the best things as a kid. Spending time with my uncles, aunts and cousins. Real family. Tio Kevin was always one of my favorites to visit with his warm heart and kindness. He exemplified family. After the family moved to Nova Scotia, I was happy to have been able to visit the family there as well. Great memories.
The people that my cousins Stephanie and Alex became are true results of what great parents they were raised by. His legacy will shine in them and his grandchildren.
The husband that Kevin was to my Tia Kena is one of dedication and true partnership. A husband that people wish to have for a moment. A real example of what makes a family.
My thoughts and heart goes to my family. He will be missed, but never forgotten and forever a part of all of us. Let that spirit of laughter and his smile light all our souls when we need that extra warmth.
With love from my family to everyone thinking and celebrating the life of my Tio Kevin.
With love and sympathy,
Pablo
We are very sorry for your loss. Our sincerest condolences during this difficult time.
Christie, Dave, Carson and Avery
Steph and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. May you hold the memories you made close to your heart to help you through this difficult time.
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Jason, Neena and Dryden
Steph – I’m so sorry for your loss – your father sounded like a very special person – xo
Very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of ‘Mr. Farrell’ always making us laugh when we were kids. He had a love of life and his family.
My brother, sister and mother, and of course myself, owe a huge ty to the big guy. Helped us in time of need in 1960’s Montreal. My mom loved this gentle giant of wit love and generosity. We will all never forget the fella. I wish I knew him better. But I was fortunate to even know him a bit. Love to you RIP and much love to his own love, Aunt Kena, and cousins Steph and Alex.
My sincere condolences to Alex and your family. Although your heart is heavy at this time, I’m so happy to hear that you all were able to be with him and will be celebrating such a rich and exciting life. My thoughts are with you all.
All my memories of my beloved Uncle Tom are happy ones. We had a standing promise to get together to watch the first game the Expos played in the World Series. The Expos never did it for us but we were ready, going back to sitting in the bleachers at Jarry Park. One dollar seats, best value in sports. Tom taught me how to gauge whether a fly ball had a chance to get over the fence and be a home run. An essential fan skill! The Expos lost more than they won back then but we didn’t care. That wasn’t the point of the day. Learning how to score a game, taunt the other teams left fielder, cheer on a rally, just revel in being there with family–that was the point. And he was a great teacher.
RIP, Uncle Tom.
I have nothing but happy memories of Uncle Tom. I was lucky to get to grow up with Tom and family just down the street. I remember getting to drive out to the airport to pick him up and drop him off again on his trips as he prepared to move his family to Nova Scotia. If it was snowing out you could count on seeing him shovel the driveway and sweeping away the last of the flurries with a smile and a wave. He will be missed; his kindness, smile, and laugh always remembered. Thanks for your kindness to my wife and kids. Peter
As a caregiver and Kevin’s friend it’s hard to forget him;who gave me so much to remember.Rest in peace because God is with you.
Dear Steph and Alex ,
Your father was a great man who has left a wonderful legacy behind.Now that he has gone may all the beautiful memories be a blessing to you and your family.Please accept my deepest condolences.
Sincere sympathy to Maria, Steph, and Alex on the passing of Kevin. Fond memories of Kevin when Steph and Melanie were school friends. He was a fine man. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin will be very missed, his smile and humour were contagious, may he rest in peace, cp staff member Sue Smyth
Hello Maria. So sorry to read of Kevin’s passing. Dr. Kirkpatrick and I have from time to time wondered what happened to you and Kevin. From the beautifully written obituary we now know. My thoughts are with you. Charlene
Oh Steph
I am so sorry for your loss. I know your considerable efforts made your father’s last months and weeks so much more that they ever would have been without your loving commitment.
Please accept my apology for not attending as I am out of Ontario until the 18th.
Love to you and your family
Mrs Farrell , Alex and & family,
Sending our heartfelt condolences. We hope that you will find strength in one another and solace in the knowledge that Mr. Farrell is at peace.
Mary, Jamie & Blythe Macdougall (La Perla & one of Mrs Farrell’s former pre-schoolers)
Dear Alex,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
My family and I are thinking of you and yours as you continue to celebrate your father’s remarkable life and memories you shared together. Unfortunately I never had an opportunity to meet your father, but he sounded like an absolutely amazing guy!
Sincerely,
Jordan
My thoughts go out to the Farrell family and in particular Alex.
Alex
I am so sorry to hear the news about the passing of your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences to Kena and family.
I worked with Kevin for many years at Canada Post in Halifax. He was a dedicated worker but more importantly a great man. He was my Google before there was Google. If I asked him about a 4-legged 3-eyed green spider that I thought lived in South Africa he would somehow know about it and provide some interesting facts on the subject…lol. He was also a walking sports statistician and amateur comedian (very amateur ;). He always tried to bring a smile to whomever he was with, no matter who it was. This is something I have tried to emulate. Favorite Kevin quip: “I don’t have stress…I’m just a carrier.” I always looked forward to seeing Kevin at work. He was genuine and kind and very proud of his family. He will truly be missed by me personally. Take care Kena and family….