On May 10, 2021, The Logger got into his favourite chair, put his feet up and called it a day. But not before splitting some firewood. I mean, a man has got to work.
Garfield Orvin Faragher (and you thought his first name was unique) came into this world on July 12, 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 colourful childhood was painted on the canvas that is Black Hawk.
The youngest child of Stafford and 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 and Aynsley). Greg and Heather Faragher gave him his first two grandchildren (Kaela and Jason) and Aynsley and Jon Carrier gave him his next two (Duncan and 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) and Anita (Rob), became part of his family and Charlie and Tracy provided him with two more grandchildren (Koen & Aubrynn).
It cannot be overstated how much he adored his six grandchildren.
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.
