|
|
1927 - 2010
 FARRANCE, Kenneth
Of Kalamazoo
Ken passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born July 25, 1927 in Cleveland, OH, the son of Frederick and Dorothy (King) Farrance. Ken was radio engineer for several radio stations and met his future wife, the former Betsy Lou Watson, at one of them. On June 10, 1950 in Defiance, OH, they were united in marriage. Following his career in radio, Ken joined the staff of Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University. Having been at Miller since its beginnings, he worked his way up to manager before retiring in 1988. Ken had many talents, with most them being self taught, especially woodworking, gardening, and boats, even building his own wooden speed boat in his garage. He also volunteered for the South Haven Maritime Museum.
Ken is survived by his wife of 59 years Betsy; a daughter, Linda (David) Campbell of Vicksburg; 3 sons, Lynn (Marie) Farrance of Rockford, MI, Les (Mary) Farrance of Lawton, and Leigh (Carol) Farrance of Kalamazoo; 5 grandchildren, Lindsey Maki, Ashley Farrance, Kristin Karpinen, Michael Farrance and Emily Farrance; 6 great grandchildren and a sister Diane (David) Seiple of Troy, OH; 4 nieces and many cousins.
Family will receive friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 12-1 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw where services will be at 1 p.m. Cremation will follow the service and interment will take place at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association or the South Haven Maritime Museum. |
|
There are currently 20 condolences.
Jan Evert
Tuesday May 11, 2010 at
4:42 PM
|
The great photo of Ken at Miller stirs fond thoughts both of those times past and of Ken himself and his integral presence in them. Those of us whose lives were touched by having made his acquaintance are fortunate for having done so.
|
| |
Laura Johnson
Monday May 10, 2010 at
11:40 AM
|
Les & Leigh, I was very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You and your families are in my prayers. May God give you peace. Best Regards, Laura Johnson
|
| |
PrehKeyTec USA
Monday May 10, 2010 at
10:43 AM
|
Les, our deepest condolences for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
|
| |
Sean Lahey
slahey@posera.com
Monday May 10, 2010 at
7:01 AM
|
Les, We at Posera are very sorry to hear about your loss. Our condolences go out to your entire family and our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
|
| |
Mike, Pam, and Cori Bartholomew
Saturday May 8, 2010 at
10:23 AM
|
Leigh, Carol, Emily, and Family...We are so sorry for your loss and think of you every day. Your dad was the BEST!!!! We love you. Mike, Pam, and Cori
|
| |
Elaine and John Gillen
Saturday May 8, 2010 at
7:39 AM
|
Aunt Bets, Linda, Lynn, Les, Leigh and families,
We were deeply saddened by the loss of Uncle Ken. We have many wonderful memories of him at Thanksgiving at Gram's, summer vacations at Kalamazoo and South Haven and Troy.
Although we won't be able to attend Uncle's Ken's service, we will be with you in spirit as you honor and celebrate Uncle Ken's life. We hope the wonderful memories you have with him comfort you at this difficult time.
Elaine and John
|
| |
Scott Johnston
scott.johnston@firichusa.com
Friday May 7, 2010 at
6:08 PM
|
Dear Les,
I was very sorry to here of the loss of your father, fathers are are our heros, mentors, and friends and nothing can replace them. However, memories are forever and I am sure you have many.
Regards Scott Johnston
|
| |
Karen (Newhouse) Straka
Friday May 7, 2010 at
5:15 PM
|
Betsy and family: I am so sorry for your family's loss. A large part of my growing up years contain fond memories of YOUR family. My Dad and Mom (Ron and Shirley Newhouse)considered you such dear friends -- family friends. I would venture to say that Ken may have been the best friend my dad ever had. In fact I am sure that at this moment they are re-living old times together -- perhaps in a fishing boat on 'No Where Lake'.
Please accept my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Karen (Newhouse)Straka
|
| |
Kathy Cooper
Friday May 7, 2010 at
4:56 PM
|
Dear Betsy and family:
I am so sorry to hear about Ken's passing. You guys were such a huge part of our lives. We loved you like you were a part of our family - and you were! I remember many New Year's Eve parties with you and our parents, Ron and Shirley. Ken was a wonderful, gentle, funny man. He sent the most beautiful poem when our mom died last year; he touched all our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness.
Kathy (Newhouse) Cooper
Mt Juliet, TN
|
| |
Tammye MacKenzie & Jerry Mostoller
Friday May 7, 2010 at
4:44 PM
|
What a wonderful life Ken had. 59 years of marriage, successful loving children and grandchildren. We are sorry for your loss, as he will be missed until you meet again in heaven.
|
| |
Chief Supermarkets - Defiance, Ohio
jennifer.thome@chiefsupermarkets.com
Friday May 7, 2010 at
11:07 AM
|
Les - We are so sorry for your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. We are sorry that we never met your dad but if he is anything like you he will be greatly missed!
|
| |
Bob & Connie Solorio, & Paul Kapitza
Thursday May 6, 2010 at
5:22 PM
|
Dear Farrance Family - our thoughts and prayers are with all of you - Ken was a very lovely man and we are so very grateful to have known him & Betsy so well! My dad (Paul Kapitza) also sends his condolences. Ken was a breath of sunshine to all of us! He will be missed! - God Bless all of you. Bob & Connie Solorio, & Paul Kapitza
|
| |
Kim and Gene O'Berry
kfriedma@tampabay.rr.com
Thursday May 6, 2010 at
3:58 PM
|
We are so very sad to hear that Ken passed. He was such a big, kind, soft spoken man. I got to know he and Betsy well and love them both as my "other parents". Linda is like a sister to me. I pray that the entire family can find peace in remembering the good. Our love and deepest sympathy goes to all of you. Gene and Kim O'Berry
|
| |
Rick & Denise Knight
Thursday May 6, 2010 at
3:19 PM
|
Farrance Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
|
| |
Ruth Barrett
Thursday May 6, 2010 at
12:32 PM
|
To the family of Ken.
So sorry to hear about your loss
He was such a nice man.
|
| |
Carmen & Darold Gustafson
cgustafson@crsgroup.com
Thursday May 6, 2010 at
8:21 AM
|
Dear Farrance Family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May your memories comfort you all.
|
| |
Thursday May 6, 2010 at
8:16 AM
|
|
| |
Tom Reynolds
Wednesday May 5, 2010 at
8:28 PM
|
Please accept my condolences in the loss of your Dad, I know it is a time of mixed feelings. Grief at the loss of the person and their contact but a certain joy that their suffering has ceased and they now enjoy peace.
|
| |
To
Wednesday May 5, 2010 at
8:26 PM
|
|
| |
Lynn Skurla
Wednesday May 5, 2010 at
5:25 PM
|
Les and Mary:
Doug and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lynn and Doug
|
| |
|
