Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Robert "Bob" Farquharson
1923 - 2021
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Barbara Grisdale posted a condolence
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Dear Anne, I was very sorry to read of Bob's passing. Gary and I send heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Gary and I have fond memories of you and Bob at the Don Mills Scottish Country Dancing group. We enjoyed chatting with you and Bob between dances, as did my parents (Ruth and Ian Scott).
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers,
Barbara and Gary Grisdale
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Kathryn Monardo posted a condolence
Saturday, April 24, 2021
I remember Bob well from our days at Deer Park United Church. Bob was such a positive person who took an interest in everyone from those with the most basic work to those at the top of their fields. He was so kind hearted and intelligent. He always had interesting stories to tell and always listened intently to anyone else with whom he spoke. Anne was always by his side and was a delight to know as well. This must be very hard for her. To the family, you were so lucky to have such a wonderful husband/ father/ grandfather. Please accept my condolences.
Sincerely, Kathryn Monardo
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Nancy M. Siew lit a candle
Saturday, April 24, 2021
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Bob, your contribution to Canada, the World, the Academia and Humanity is like the Northern Star. We cannot thank you enough.
You graced us with your story in our book, which shed light on WWII's history in Asia. I had the privilege of accompanying you and other veterans on the pilgrimage to where you sacrificed for our freedom and World peace. We shared tears and laughter - that was an indelible part of my memory. I also enjoyed sharing leisure times with you and Anne.
I had the privilege of knowing Anne and your family throughout the many years. Your exemplary life showed us how to give back to our country and the World. I am immensely proud of having known you, Bob! Good-bye, our hero. We shall miss you.
Rest in peace!
With deepest respect, I salute you!
Hon. Lt-Col/Ret'd Citizenship Judge Nancy M. Siew
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Bev and Barry Wellman posted a condolence
Thursday, April 22, 2021
When Barry and I met Bob eight years ago, we knew we were in the presence of a special man, a soft-spoken gentleman with the strength and courage of a lion. No one without these traits could succeed as well as Bob did: a war pilot, a writer alerting the world about the untold conflict in Burma, a farmer, a distinguished member of the University of Toronto, and a man devoted to his family. Bob loved life and this was reflected in his relationship with many of us at 55 Prince Arthur. Barry learned a lot reading Bob's book and he cherished the insights he gained from their discussions.
A tribute to Bob is not complete without a tribute to Anne. They were compatible, seamless, loving, caring, adoring, and it was always a special time to be in their company. Anne and Bob loved the company of others and would often invite many of us over for goodies and drinks. Being with them was like being in a cozy, warm, loving, and intelligent space where discussions could roam from politics, to literature, current events, the arts, and the myriad experiences in life. It was always a special moment to be with them as Bob's eyes twinkled and Anne chuckled.
Our sincere best wishes go out to the family, Bev and Barry Wellman
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Peter Harris posted a condolence
Thursday, April 22, 2021
The Harris family extends our deep condolences to the Farquharson family at the passing of Bob. My wife Maureen, our two children Jessica and Katharine, and myself, Peter - we all knew and had great affection for Bob.
I consider myself so fortunate to have known Bob at three levels: as a colleague in the German Department; as a fellow administrator in the Faculty of Arts and Science Office; and above all, as a warm and treasured personal friend. I mourn his loss, but I celebrate his rich, eventful life.
Peter Harris.
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Jacobus Markus posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Bob was a wise and thoughtful presence as he took his part in guiding the Deer Park United Church. Perhaps it was for seeing the hard parts of life on the farm and for seeing the best and the worst of people in the war and perhaps it was his essential nature, but he tolerated our frailties exposed as we struggled for the common good and he was always encouraging.
His were the most memorable readings of Flanders Fields at the Remembrance Day services. His cadence trained and practiced, the voice resonant-- but it was the feeling he brought to the poem, from the heart of all human experience. You have to live through it and be there to really know, don't you?
At the bi-annual rummage sales Bob with dutiful care unpacked the boxes prepared by Annabelle, Janet, Sue, Clara and Marg for the men's department. With measuring tape about his neck, he was a quiet but constantly aware salesperson, never in his customers' faces.
In the last days of Deer Park, amidst the scheming and secretive manipulations of political maneuvering, Bob was the honest broker, demanding answers, demanding accountability, demanding courage. The battle was lost but may his spirit live on forever, may he live on in the deepest parts of our hearts.
Jacobus Markus
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Julia Reibetanz posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Dear Anne, please accept our deepest sympathy at the passing of our dear Bob. Most of all, I think of Bob as. great Canadian, a man who knew that being Canadian meant ‘giving his today for others’ tomorrow.’ We thank you both for being such good and constant friends to us, for coming so faithfully to John’s poetry launches, for showing us how to be good hosts and good farmers. Like us, the University benefited so much from Bob’s presence. We will all miss him. Julia Reibetanz
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Julia and John Reibetanz posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
We were saddened to hear of Bob’s passing, but he remains a vivid presence in our thoughts and hearts, a great friend and a mentor. We were privileged to visit him and Anne at their farm, where they hosted our whole family, and — in between dips in the pool — the conversation ranged between European literature and local Ontario customs (our little farm was just a few miles north of theirs). And since our children followed the same trajectory as theirs, we picked up sound and kind advice on what lay ahead. Most of all, we benefited from the gusto with which Bob approached all of life’s challenges, an enthusiasm undiminished even in his ninety-fifth year, when we met Bob and Anne in the city for a memorable birthday dinner.
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Roger Hutchinson posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
I have fond memories of Bob and send my condolences to Anne. Bob was a great friend and colleague at Victoria College. Our friendship began many years ago when he became my supportive German language guide so that I was able to meet the requirement for my doctoral studies.
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Ann Coxworth posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Ewen and I have such warm memories of Bob from International House at Berkeley. He was best man at our 1958 wedding and a wonderful friend. Anne and I not only shared a name (I was Ann Rhodes), which caused a good deal of confusion at the I. House switchboard, but also we both fell in love with Canadians. I'm so glad to read of the rich life Bob has lived since then and am thankful for the life of this good man.
Ann (Rhodes) Coxworth
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Brian Harvey posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Anne and family we are thinking of you at this time and all the memories of Bob and you with John and Isobel. Isobel, Brian & Edie Harvey
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Konrad Eisenbichler posted a condolence
Monday, April 19, 2021
How will I ever forget Bob's warm smile when, running into him at Victoria College, he would greet me and ask how I was . He was such an honestly warm and caring person. His eyes always had a sparkle and his voice was always warm. What a wonderful human being! My deepest condolence to Anne and to his entire family.
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John Baird posted a condolence
Monday, April 19, 2021
Very sad to see the news of Bob's passing. The most cheerful man I have ever known. Meeting him for a quick chat brightened even the darkest day. I shall never forget his kindness and encouragement in my early days at Victoria. RIP. John Baird
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Pat Merrilees posted a condolence
Monday, April 19, 2021
I am so sorry to learn of Bob's death Anne. He was such a warm, generous spirit, always interested in whatever one had to say, conversing with wit and humour. Brian and I always felt so welcome in your home, enveloped by the love that lived there. I know Brian enjoyed greatly Bob's congenial collegiality at Vic and in administration, the ease and good humour with which he dealt with all kinds of difficult people and situations, and his organizational talent. Even our younger daughter Katherine, who thinks she last have met him in the late 70s as a small child, remembers the easy comfort he had with her. The gap his passing leaves in your life will be wide and deep, but I hope the many decades of love you shared and the memories of the time you had together - and the knowledge that your sense of loss is shared by the many friends who will miss him too - will bring you and your family some comfort.
Pat Merrilees
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Augustinus (Gus) Dierick posted a condolence
Monday, April 19, 2021
Sincere condolences to Anne and family. I have the fondest memories of Bob, a truly 'nice' person, decent and honest. I knew Bob as a colleague at Victoria College, but I came to appreciate him especially when we worked together in administration one year. Bob was a great organizer, his charm enabled him to get people to work with him on a number of projects, including of course the founding of Seminar.. He genuinely loved German literature, and fostered dialogue that always remained friendly. I particularly remember one time when, as a beginning scholar, I came under fairly strong criticism after delivering a paper at the CAUTG. Bob, in his typical humane fashion, came to my defense and defused the situation. Scholarship, administration, teaching, in Bob's mind, did not imply undue competitive behaviour. On the contrary, all these aspects of academic life can be managed with dignity and pleasure, IF you are like Bob. Although after retirement, now more than 20 years ago, I have lost contact with U of T, when I think of my 25 years there, my memories of those years are enhanced by thinking of Bob..
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Jennie Frow posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, April 19, 2021
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Dear Anne and Family,
My heartfelt condolences on Bob’s passing. Feeling so sad and also thankful to know you all through Elizabeth and Peter’s friendship and your kind and generous invitations to join you all for so many family gatherings over the years. Initially at your farm, sometimes with a glorious harvest moon, then in Toronto, overlooking that glorious city skyline.
Conversations with Bob covered such a wide range - from economics and politics, including Burma and Air Force stories, to living in Germany, the arts, culture, societies, human nature and related foibles! His humour and twinkling eyes always accompanied these chats. I feel so lucky to know you all and to have a store of these happy memories.
To a wonderful person, having lived an extremely active and well filled life now rest in peace, Bob, I will miss your wisdom.......Fair skies and God speed.
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Colin Keiver posted a condolence
Sunday, April 18, 2021
Dear Anne and family,
It is with sadness that we learned of your loss. Bob was an inspiration to all of us who have proudly served with 435 and 436 Squadrons. He and those he flew with in that far flung theatre of war gave their yesterday for our today and we shall forever be in their gratitude. Along with Art, Bob was the heart and sole of the Burma Squadrons Association. In all things, his was a life well lived and he will be sorely missed. Thank you for sharing him with us for all of those years.
Brigadier General Colin Keiver
435 Squadron 1994-2001
436 Squadron 2010-2012
Royal Canadian Air Force
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Luba Rascheff lit a candle
Sunday, April 18, 2021
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Dear Anne,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband, Robert. Bob was a warm, patient listener, and we enjoyed his company and conversations at Bloor Street United Church after worship. We pray that time will ease you through this difficult time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
With love,
Helen and Luba Rascheff
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Mary Love posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Bob was one of the loveliest and best men I have known. I wish your whole family peace at this time of great loss. A special hug to you, Anne, and a warm hello to Laura, Blair, Clara and Ry.
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Celia Featherby posted a condolence
Saturday, April 17, 2021
Dear Mrs. Farquharson,
I had the privilege of having Professor Farquharson for my first class, on the first day of my first year at Victoria College in 1973, when I was a nervour much younger woman nervously making the transition from high school to university. I've always been so grateful to him for his easy introduction to university classwork and the demands of university.
He was a natural teacher, a patient lecturer, and always demonstrated a sensitive and adaptive approach to the poetry of the works we studied. I specifically recall when we studied Rilke's Herbsttag. The last stanza discusses loneliness and the passage of time. I recall even now, how he said that when he was a young man, he too would wander rootless, and then he met you and he was home.
He made a lasting impression on me, and it's clear from reading about him, that he was loved and respected. I'm sorry for your loss, but grateful for the experience of having known Professor Farquharson.
Celia Featherby
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Michael Hadley posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
I was deeply saddened to learn of Bob's passing. We first met at the University of British Columbia in the early 1950s when he was a teacher of German, and I an undergraduate. We ended as professional colleagues in the Canadian Association of University Teachers of German, of which he was a mainstay, and founder of our professional journal. All of us scholars across the generations held him in the highest respect. He was a scholar and gentleman who had tasted fully of life's experiences, and generously shared his wisdom. Had I but known that he was also both a churchman and a decorated veteran, we would have shared so much more. But in many things he kept his own counsel. How good that Bob walked this earth. He enriched the lives of those who knew him. "Well done, good and faithful servant ....gehe ein zu deines Herrn Freude." (Matthew 25:23) Michael Hadley, Professor Emeritus, University of Victoria.
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Frank Collins posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
A lovely and loving man who will always be in my memories.
As a rookie faculty member of Victoria College in the late 60s I rejoiced in the warm, indeed paternal welcome he extended to me.
He was a mentor and friend for many decades. A kind man.
Sit tibi terra levis.
Frank Collins
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Scott Masters uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 16, 2021
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Scott Masters and the staff and students at Crestwood send their condolences. We were privileged to host Mr. Farquarson at our school a few years ago, where he told his war story to my students. He was an engaging speaker and a nice man, and we are proud to have his interview in our archive - https://www.crestwood.on.ca/ohp/farquarson-bob/. He will continue to teach our students.
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mary jane mossman posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
Dear Anne and family
We were among the silent admirers of you and your husband each morning at BSUC. I always appreciated his Remembrance Day participation as my father was in the Canadian navy during the War, and at the age of 25 was the navigator on one of the first minesweepers going into Juno Beach in 1944. I suspect that your lovely husband was also a very young man in the War, and we owe them all so much. So, we send our sympathy to you and your family. And stay safe and well.
sincere condolences, Mary Jane Mossman and Brian Bucknall
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Wilf Neidhardt posted a condolence
Friday, April 16, 2021
Hello Anne!
I was a young student who came to Victoria College in the autumn of 1961 and one of my courses was with your husband.
Our small seminar group had a wonderful introduction to German literature because Bob was a “natural” as a teacher.
We all knew that he, too, had only recently started at Vic but his gentle and yet firm manner of teaching gave us a memorable experience. A great school year ended with a party at your home where you provided a group of hungry students with a wonderful
evening of food and drink. (It was potato salad and sausages if I remember correctly.) Years later I met Bob again while visiting friends in their Rosedale home. They actually lived right across the road from you. (What a small world, indeed!)
I will always remember Bob fondly.
Wilf Neidhardt (Vic 65)
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Lisa Pfau lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
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Bob was an inspiration to young intellectuals, like myself. I admired his wit, sharpness, and vigor. It was hard to believe he was in his 90s when he seemed to have more energy than the average 20 year old. I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to participate at a community church dinner at his and Anne's home, as well as enjoying his humor and mischief at our annual church fundraisers, and of course, his tough comments at church meetings. He set a high bar for living a full and meaningful life right up until the end. He'll be greatly missed.
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Bridget Hough lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
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We at Bloor Street will miss Bob sorely. Just a few weeks ago I delivered marmalade to him in the lobby at Christie Gardens and he was his usual friendly self, asking after my health and safety. At the last meeting of the BSUC book club he led with such dedication and active research, we had no idea it would be the last.
To Anne, and all your family, my deepest sympathy.
Bridget Hough
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Germaine Warkentin lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
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from Germaine Warkentin: I am so very sorry to learn of Bob's death. A great gentleman and a stalwart of the college and the university. Despite his age, right on top of everything -- the last time we met in person he gave me an extra copy he had of Miriam Toew's latest novel. Will miss him very much!
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Dennis Duffy lit a candle
Friday, April 16, 2021
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Bob was such a genial and unpretentious man. Such good company; so interested in others and so eager to give a word of cheer. how desolate his family must feel, but I hope that time will make the memories of him glow with delight rather than sadness.
Dennis Duffy (Colleague)
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The family of Robert Farquharson uploaded a photo
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
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