Francis George Farmer

EAST MONTPELIER - Francis George Farmer, 94 years old, a long-time resident of East Montpelier, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2016 at Woodridge Nursing Home, where he had resided for the past four months.
Francis was born on February 20, 1922 in Knowlton, Quebec, Canada, the son of John and Catherine (Reynolds) Farmer. His early years were spent on the farm at the Farmer homestead, and he enlisted in the Canadian Army during World War II, where he obtained the rank of Corporal and saw action throughout Europe.
Following discharge from the army, he migrated to the United States, became a naturalized citizen, and settled in on the McKnight Farm in East Montpelier, where he joined his older brother, John, and Ella McKnight in running a dairy operation.
A hard worker and quiet man, he enjoyed working the land, and caring for the large herd of cows. In his spare time during the farm years, he loved going fishing with friends on his boat and snowmobiling. Following John’s death in 1981 and Ella’s in 1982, he bought his current home in East Montpelier. There, always with a green thumb, he spent many hours pursuing his passions of a large vegetable garden, flowers, and apple trees, which he maintained well into his eighties.
He also enjoyed chair caning, furniture making, watching the many birds at the feeders, solitaire, and picture puzzles. Always the cat lover, cats found a warm spot in his lap and a comfy place in his bed at night. His calls of “Here Kitty,” was a signal to Max to follow him to bed each night, followed by a chuckle from Francis.
The Copping’s became a second family to Francis, and he enjoyed spending holidays with them. He loved Joyce’s holiday feasts and homemade jellies, Clayton’s and Jay’s sense of humor and companionship, Lori’s Christmas parties, watching Sam grow, and male companionship with Gary. He loved long car rides, going out to eat, and the multiple trips we took him on; Washington, D.C., Boston, New York, camping, and climbing Owl’s Head at sunset, well into his eighties. He also enjoyed the good company of his friends, Peter and Mary-Ellen Hill. Due to the care and dedication of his live-in caregiver of thirty years, Robin Copping, he was able to remain in his own home until four months ago. A quiet soul, Francis will be missed by all who knew and cared for him.
He was a long-time parishioner of St. Monica’s Church of Barre.
He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers; Harold, Paul, John, and Lawrence “Pat” Farmer, and by three sisters: Mary Rhichard, Eleanor, and Catherine Farmer.
He is survived by his sister-in-law, Jean Farmer of Ashley Falls, MA, a niece, Cathy Farmer McCann and her husband Ed, of New Hartford, CT, and a niece and god-daughter, MaryLynn Melaragno and her husband Renzo of Torrington, CT, nephew Michael Farmer and his wife Deborah of Canaan, CT, nephew and god-son, Jimmy Rhichard and his wife Julie of Knowlton, Quebec, and nephew John Rhichard and his wife Helen of Knowlton, Quebec. He is also survived by several great nieces and nephews.
Per Francis’ wishes, there will be calling hours on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Hooker Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy Street, Barre, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Hope Cemetery in Barre.