Reverend Murray Farwell
July 7, 2014
Reverend Murray C Farwell died peacefully in the early hours on Monday morning, July 7, 2014 fortified by the Sacraments of the Church and surrounded by the love and prayer of family and friends at the age of 69. Father Murray is deeply mourned by his family, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Hamilton and the Canadian Armed Forces Chaplaincy. Father Murray was the son of the late Clemens and M. Vera (Lynett) Farwell and survived by his loving sisters Joan Thomas and Marjorie MacDonald & husband Wayne and several nephews and nieces. Predeceased by his sister, Elaine Kunda and brother-in-law Warner Thomas. Born on June 28, 1945 in Mount Forest, Ontario, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Hamilton, Ontario on the 13 May, 1972. In the five and half years following his ordination he was assigned to several parishes. In November 1977 he joined the Canadian Military as a chaplain and served across Canada, Europe and the Middle East with exceptional dedication and ministry to all. He attained the rank of Brigadier General in 1999 and was named the Chaplain General of the Canadian Military. In 2000, he had the solemn and historic honour of repatriating Canada 's Unknown Soldier from Vimy Ridge, France and presided over the interment in Ottawa at the National War Memorial. In 2001, he was made a Commander of the Order of Military Merit by the Governor General of Canada. Following his retirement from the Canadian Military in 2002, Father Farwell eagerly and generously served as pastor of Saint Mary of the Purification in Mount Forest and St. Peter Parish in Ayton. Father Farwell's love of his priestly ministry was reflected through his pastoral solicitude for all of the people of God, those with or without faith and had a particular affection for the parish of his baptism. Solemn Translation on Thursday July 10th at 3:00p.m. to the Church of St. Mary of the Purification. Lying in State to follow until the celebration of Evening Prayer at 7:00 p.m. Lying in State will continue on the morning of Friday July 11th from 10:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend David Douglas Crosby, Bishop of Hamilton, at 12 noon. Private Rite of Committal will take place at a future date in the family plot at St. Clements Cemetery, St. Clements, Ontario.
Requiescat in pace
Arrangements entrusted to the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest, Ontario
Condolences
Father Murray, was a wonderful man. His sermons always touched us in someway or another. He always had a smile for you as you when you crossed paths. He will be missed
— Wodiany Family, July 14, 2014From three adoring little children who grew to three grateful adults, our lives are forever more beautiful for having known this amazing man! Murray will be forever remembered as a beautiful light in our lives. His visits always brought such joy and love and laughter and insightfullness. His selfless example of compassion and kindness was a beacon of hope and a shining example of how to live our lives as young people, and most importantly world citizens. Our hearts are broken to learn Murray's illness would mean we would all have to let go of this beautiful light and entrust him to his father in heaven. However we have the faith he passed on to all of us that gives us the peace of knowing he is in Gods arms. To his beautiful family, our deepest condolences. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you begun to heal from this unimaginable loss. We are so thankful our parents are able to be there with you! Love from Katrina Sheila and Martin MacKinnon ( and all our extended family) in Halifax
— The MacKinnon Family, July 13, 2014Murray Farwell was a Friend, a Listener, and a Doer, and he had the innate ability of knowing when to be what to whom. One could go on and on about wheat a great and wonderful person he was, but for those of us who knew him, nothing need to be said. Murray will be missed by all who ever came in contact with him, no matter how brief. Our condolences to his family.
— Wayne& Nancy MacFarlane, July 12, 2014Murray and I joined the military together and later served in HMCS Athabaskan. He was great friend - even to a Protestant. I will miss him. My condolences to family and friends.
— Ian Hunt - Dubai, July 12, 2014My sincere condolences to you on your loss. Father Murray was a shipmate onboard the ATHABASKAN many years ago, it was his first ship and our first Chaplain, a match made in Heaven. We had a wonderful time together, he must have enjoyed it, he stayed on to become Chaplain General!
— Gary Hatton, Captain RCN (Ret'd), July 11, 2014FATHER MURRAY HAS TOUCHED THE LIVES OF MANY PEOPLE,HE WILL STAY IN OUR LIVES FOREVER,REST IN PEACE AND ENJOY LIVING WITHIN GOD'S PRECENCE.
— TINA & JOHANNES BAHJAT, July 10, 2014So saddened to hear of Father Murray's passing. He was truly one of a kind. Had many laughs with him when we were neighbours in Montreal. You will be missed.
— Rick Hayes, July 10, 2014I have very fond memories of our families and Father Murray growing up together.I treasured my reunion with Father Murray on his return to Mt. Forest. Together with his sisters, we shared happy and sad times. His contribution of bringing St. Mary's Parish together in spirit and physical beauty will never be forgotten. My condolences to Joan and Margorie. Colleen O'Dwyer
— Colleen O'Dwyer, July 10, 2014I remember Father Farwell as a dedicated person and priest. He was an excellent spiritual advisor, had a great sense of humour and we shared many happy ocassions and trips across Canada for the Milord CWL. Murray rest in peace and know you will always be rembembered with love and affection. God Bless Hazel
— Hazel Hawrish, July 9, 2014So sorry for your lose. The world lost one of the best. Our thought and prayers to all of you. Rita and family
— Rita Stortz and Family, July 9, 2014I was truly saddened by Fr. Murray's death. Although we were not close friends, I got to know him at St. Peter's Seminary many years ago, where I also studied. Since then,I have always admired him for his balance, his sense of fairness, his gentleness and authentic humility as a true Pastor. Msgr. P. Stilla, Thunder Bay
— Msgr. P. M.Stilla,, July 9, 2014condolences Our deepest sympathy to Joan & Marge and families. Father Murray was loved by everyone as a priest and member of the armed forces. We have fond memories of our parents partying together and us kids dancing with lots of good music and fun. We were honored to have him call Mount Forest home and also as our chaplain of the legion. His picture leading the procession of the Tomb of the unknown soldier will hang proudly in our Mount Forest legion for all to honor. He is now free of pain and is in a better home with his father Clem, mother Vera and sister Elaine. He will be missed. with sympathy from the Schwindts Wilson & Bonnie Brad & Cathy Bob & Dale
— Wilson & Bonnie Schwindt, July 9, 2014Father Murray was the best priest I have ever known.Because of his very positive attitude and humour,he drew people to the church.He did everything with such perfection from beautifying the church at Christmas and Easter to building the magnificent family centre.He left quite a legacy at St Mary's and inspired us to do a little bit better.My sincere sympathy to Joan and Marj.He will be dearly missed but not forgotten.
— Anne Murphy, July 9, 2014Expressing deep and heartfelt sympathy to Joan and family in this time of sorrow.
— Marg and Larry Kelterborn, July 8, 2014It was with great sadness to hear of Fr. Murray's passing. He shared many stories and lessons that we will never forget,we were blessed to have him in our lives. We will treasure the memories he left. May he rest in peace Sincerely Leonard Seifried, Diane & Bill Dineen & family
— Diane Dineen, July 8, 2014Even when Fr. Murray was diagnosed recently, he still found time through his pain to provide solace to me in an email regarding my brother and sister-in-law whom he met last summer in Montreal. At that time, he visited my father who was palliative to provide the sacrament of the sick. I didn't know him as long as some, but he made such a positive impact on my life. May he now rest in the arms of the Lord.
— Roslyn Fortier, July 8, 2014Fr. Murray was an inspiration and pillar for his God, country and families and everybody who knew him. His smile and fun approach to life will not be forgotten. We always had great times through the years. He left great a legacy. God Bless. We will sure miss you. Your cousins, Jim & Lorraine Hallahan
— Jim&Lorraine Hallahan, July 8, 2014It is with great sadness that our family learned of Father Murray's death. We will forever remember his kind words of comfort and warm smile. As a priest he always had wonderful inspiring homilies to challenge us to lead better lives. We are all very thankful that he touched our lives. He is our loss and heavens gain. Our sincere sympathy to all his family. Jeanne Kucan Allison and Dan Hahn Michael Kucan and family Graham Kucan and family
— Jeanne Kucan, July 8, 2014Our deepest sympathy to you Joan and Marge and your families. He was one of a kind. We were so blessed to have him as our Pastor. He brought so much joy to this parish and he was always interested in what was happening in each of our families. He could call everyone by name. We will never forget him. He will be forever in our hearts.
— Dan & Doris Tone, July 7, 2014Our thoughts and Prayers go out to your family at this sad time .You were well love in our church and community and will be greatly missed.R.I.P Father Murray. Thank you for all you service.
— Perryand Pattie Gale, July 7, 2014Our sincere condolences to the family of Father Murray. He always greeted you by name with a smile and his genuine pleasure to see you along with his sense of humour and grace always left you smiling too! We were honored to share in your life and ministry. God bless you and keep you.
— Ken, Jo-Anne, Aaron and Rachel Greene, July 7, 2014We are so thankful for knowing Father Murray for he brought life into our church and made each and every one feel special. We shall miss him and know that his suffering is now over and that he is with our Lord and and will be continuing his chosen work up in heaven.
— Carl & Colleen Dalla Costa, July 7, 2014So saddened to hear of Father Murray s passing. He was truly one of a kind, a gem. Heaven just got brighter! R.I.P.
— Keri, Kurtis,Korie and Sammie Benn, July 7, 2014Father Murray, it was an honour and a privilege having you as a Priest and a Friend. We will cherish all of the memories of your kind heart and gentle soul. You will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
— Reg, Sharon & Matt Kendall, July 7, 2014It was with deep sadness we learned the passing of Fr Murray, as he was the favourite cousin on Mom's side. He always enjoyed a good laugh, especially when sharing family stories. He took a 'common sense' view on life which I'm sure served him well when dealing with difficult situations. God Bless you Murray, as I know HE will! We'll miss YOU !!
— Mike & Agnes Hallahan, July 7, 2014What a wonderful man and what cherished memories to have of Father during his time with us here in Mount Forest. He was such an accomplished gentleman. He made you feel so good when you would meet up with him, knowing your name and asking after other family members that he knew by name. Rest in peace Father Murray, you will be forever in our hearts.
— The Kestner Family, July 7, 2014