Roy Farnsworth

After hearing the voices of his partner, Norma, and each of his children — Perry, Pam, and Dana — in his usual decisive manner, Roy Farnsworth, age 89, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Meadows – House 7, Swift Current, SK.

Roy is survived by his wife of 66 years, Norma (nee Fairgray) Farnsworth; his children, Perry (Kathy) Farnsworth, Pamela Leifson, and Dana (Della) Farnsworth; his grandchildren, Carissa Leifson, Cale (Kelsey) Farnsworth, Kelsey (Tara) Leifson, Brett (Jane) Farnsworth, Carson Leifson, and Dallas Farnsworth; his great-grandchildren, Emmy, Hayden, and Charlotte; his sister, Adelaide Nygard; his sister-in-law, Nina Dickie; and by many nieces and nephews.

Roy was predeceased by his son, Kimbal Farnsworth; his parents, Byron & Helen Farnsworth; and by his siblings, Harvie (Edna) Dickie, Ed (Velma) Dickie, Joe (Vi) Dickie, Nellie (Percy) Spiker, Dave (Billie) Dickie, Jack (Clara) Dickie, Ross (Jean) Dickie, Lizzie (Mel) Johnson, Earl Dickie, Evaline (Ross) Bell, Dale (Lavina) Farnsworth, and Lyle Nygard.

Vernon “Roy” Farnsworth was born July 10, 1933 to Byron & Helen (Fawns/Dickie) Farnsworth in Pennant, SK. Roy was the youngest son in a blended family of twelve brothers and sisters. As such, he was exposed to a large variety of personalities and skills, which included most sports and numerous string instruments. Roy truly enjoyed his time with all of his family members, especially the large family reunions where he got to meet and welcome each new addition from marriage or birth. He was very proud to be a member of the Dickie/Farnsworth clan.

Roy met Norma Fairgray in Pennant after her family moved into the big city from their farm. They were married on November 30, 1956 and raised their three children in Pennant during the early years. Roy had a variety of jobs as his responsibilities changed — the oilfield, Grahams Garage, and Postmaster. While in Pennant, he kept busy playing ball and hockey. He enjoyed golf but always made time for hunting and fishing. Roy also sang in the United Church choir and served on the Pennant Curling Club committee. As the children got older, he volunteered to be a 4-H leader in Junior Sportsman and Woodworking. The Farnsworth family spent many a weekend in the StarCraft camper visiting friends and family throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta. If it was too hot, they were off to Clearwater Lake.

He believed that if you didn’t enjoy your work, you should change it — and he did. The family moved to Swift Current, which presented more opportunities for all. Roy sold cars, real estate, Nelson Homes, and farm equipment which led to him buying his own business, Tillage Village. After selling the business, retirement didn’t last long as Pioneer Co-op convinced him to join their sales team in the furniture and hardware departments for a few more years. Roy was a natural salesman who loved spending time with other people.

After work, Roy kept busy, tending to the neatest yard in the cul-de-sac or woodworking. He became very skilled at designing, building, and painting different seasonal decorations and wooden toys. The toys were enjoyed by his grandchildren and have been passed down to his great-grandchildren, where they continue to amuse.

Roy was able to see his grandchildren develop over the years and was very proud of the people they had become. He was one of their biggest supporters and was always bragging them up, travelling to a variety of locations in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to see them in action.

Roy developed a form of dementia and spent his last few years in care at the Meadows. Norma spent hours by his side, reminiscing and discussing the day’s events. The grandchildren forwarded videos and photos of their latest adventures or adoptions and they never failed to make him smile, laugh, or comment. Roy enjoyed all of the visits from his family and while he may have struggled with recognition due to wearing masks and time, he was thankful for the family love.

The Memorial Service for Roy Farnsworth took place Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. from the Pennant Memorial Hall with Rev. Annette Taylor officiating. The Interment Service for Roy Farnsworth was held at the Pennant Cemetery, Pennant, SK.

In memory of Roy Farnsworth, donations made to the Swift Current SPCA would be appreciated by the family. 

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