Edward Farmer Obituary

On this anniversary Id like to add that Ed has always taught me the best ways to manage people and business. He was an excellent and effective teacher, mentor and role model. He was a professional and personal mentor of mine who I loved and admired. I think of him often and when Im a predicament I ask what would Ed do? Its a way of thinking I know is always moral, ethical and fair. God bless you Ed and we know you are watching over all of us!

Ed committed his life to making the world a better place for children and youth. As all of us here at FFTA mourn the loss of a great friend and colleague, I think about all of the children and youth who were led by Ed on a brighter path where they could achieve more than they ever imagined. There are so many wonderful attributes that I can share about Ed, but what I admired most about him was that he was a humble man. He accomplished so much in his life but never bragged about it. His impressions were always quietly made in his work and his friendships. Ed volunteered countless hours of his time to FFTA and was a great leader of our association for so many years. Our board meetings will never be the same without Ed, both for the professional work that we achieved and for the good laughs that we all had together. I have solace in knowing that Ed will shine on through all of the colleagues and youths that he mentored and touched throughout his life. He will remain in our memories and hearts forever.

For the Family of Ed Farmer,

I have known Ed for over 15 years and he helped me blaze a path in my career. He has been much more than a boss. He truly was larger than life, he was a man I have looked up to for many years, he will live in my heart and I will always have fond memories of him and his great wisdom. May he rest in peace.

Although I only knew Ed for two years, it didn't take long to realize the depth of his dedication, integrity, and kindness. Words can't express how rare and genuine a person he was, or how he so strongly impacted all who knew him. His presence will carry on through all the lives he's touched.

Met Eddie as a teammate on the softball field that must have been almost 10 years ago. He played third and I was at second. We really weren't that good but we sure had a great time. We would drown our sorrows after a lost effort and finished with some laughs and smiles.
I still play and as of the day that I heard, I have been 8 for 8. My quess is that he sent me some of those hits he couldn't use anymore.
I miss that smile.

Ed was my boss, mentor and most importantly my friend. I always tell the kids he taught me everything I know and I am proud to make such a claim. He will be missed more than I can say.

I was given Ed's office when he moved on. I would tell him, "To sit at your desk, I now know how the player who took over Michael Jordan's locker feels." Ed, thanks for the knowledge and memories.

Betsy, I was shocked and saddened to hear the news about Ed. I have thought and prayed for your family many times since I received the email from FFTA. He was such a kind man and did much to make me feel a part of the FFTA Board when I first become a member. I will continue to pray for you.

Betsy, We were saddened to hear of Ed's passing. You and your family will be in our prayers. What a wonderful 6 yrs. you've had with a fine gentle-man. May you find peace in knowledge that Ed is with God in heaven.

Betsy and family,

I was deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Ed. One of the great strengths of the FFTA Board is the camaraderie and goodwill among members. Ed wasted no time in befriending me when I joined the board. A glass of wine or Irish whiskey might have hastened our fraternization. We shared the day's work, some great dinners and long evenings. You came into our circle and immediately charmed everyone with your grace and passion for the values that we all share. Our friendship was centered around FFTA and the work we do, but I valued ya'll (Texas vernacular) as close friends and I always looked forward to seeing one another. Ed was an admirable person who will be missed by many. He will always be a mentor and friend. My family's thoughts and prayers are with yours.
With admiration and affection.
Mike and Yvette Foster
Austin, Texas

Betsy;
We are all very sadden to know that Ed has suddenly left us. As much as we are shocked and filled with sorrow, we cannot begin to fathom your grief and that of the family. We pray that your love for each other and the best wishes from the rest of us help sustain you and the family through these dark days. We, Ed's friends in the social work/foster care arena are thankful to have known and worked with such a decent human being as Ed.
May he rest in perfect peace.
Viviane Ngwa, Annette Britt and Illinois MENTOR staff.

To the Family of Ed Farmer
I grew up with Ed in Overbrook. We went to St. Norbert grade school and had many good memories being in the same class. Although we went to different high schools (I went to South Catholic) we still remained friends. I ended up going to several proms because of the girls I met thru Ed. I remember him being a good solid Christian person in high school. It is good to see how well he did and how God worked in his life. I look forward to seeing him with Jesus in the next life. God bless.

To the Family of Ed Farmer
I grew up with Ed in Overbrook. We went to St. Norbert grade school and had many good memories being in the same class. Although we went to different high schools (I went to South Catholic) we still remained friends. I ended up going to several proms because of the girls I met thru Ed. I remember him being a good solid Christian person in high school. It is good to see how well he did and how God worked in his life. I look forward to seeing him with Jesus in the next life. God bless.

Betsy,
My prayers are with you. I really enjoyed the times Willi and I spent with you and Ed at FFTA meetings.

My deepest sympathy to you upon your loss. You and your loved one will be remembered by me at my celebration of Mass. Sincerely yours, Father Kenneth E. Oldenski, St. Richard Church, Gibsonia, PA

Eddie was one of the first people I met when I joined the over-50s softball league 10 years ago. I played with him for 2 years. He was a nice guy that I wish I gotten to know better as everyone speaks so highly of him.
My condolences.

There is no better man than he of quiet conviction, of cheerful demeanor, of uncluttered faith. He warmed me with his friendship, his easy smile. He leaves me better than I was, for having known him.

My sympathy to Eddie's family. I attended St. Norbert's with Eddie and always considered him to be a good friend and a wonderful person.

To the Farmer Family:

After a number of years had passed, I had just reconnected with Ed through the FFTA Board. I knew Ed to be a thoughtful and dedicated man who had a heart for kids and families. I wish you all God's love and peace as i know He will have his arms around you in the days to come. Frank Crawford, Youth Homes Inc., Charlotte NC

I worked with Ed during my time at Aunt Marthas. Ed was the type of supervisor that never asked you to do anything he hadn't already done himself a hundred times and wouldn't be willing to do again. I learned a great deal from him, I have parenting skills I may not otherwise have, had I not met and worked with Ed Farmer. He is a credit to his field and will be missed my all who knew him.

Betsy,
Ed was a hero in my life. He was a great friend, a professional mentor and a father figure. I loved him as much as the rest of his family. His memories will last forever with all of us.

Betsy,
Wishing we could be there to hug and comfort you in this time of sorrow. The few times we were lucky to be with Ed and you together, you could see the happiness and love. Our thought and prayers are with you.

Betsy,
We were very sorry to hear about the passing of your husband Ed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joey and Cheri D'Amico

Betsy - I was very sad to hear about your loss. I know how much you loved Ed. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Betsy, We are so sorry to hear about your sudden loss. Our prayers and condolences go out to you and your family.

Ed was a wonderful man who was the best advocate for children I have ever met. It is a great loss to the field of child welfare. Ed was a boss that made you feel part of a team, not an employee. May God bless his family and all the lives he touched.

Jesse,
You and your family are in our thoughts.

Betsy - my heart is with you at this time. Ed was a wonderful person and will always be in my fondest memories.
Love from San Diego - jeanette

The world has lost a wonderful advocate for children. Ed was a great man to work with in the quest for helping foster children. He will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Jesse,
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now. You father will be missed by eveyone. He was a wonderful person.
Love,
Maureen

Betsy our deepest sympathy to you and your family.Tony and Rose Spisak

I've worked under several directors in the field of social work, but Ed was the first director who made me feel that I was working alongside him. Ed, you will be missed deeply.

My sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers to Betsy and the Farmer Family. May Our Lord comfort and embrace you in his loving care during this most difficult time. God Bless.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Ed, I only got a chance to know you for a year or so, but your friendship, memory and vision will live with me forever. Our prayers are with your family during these difficult time.

Betsy, Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.