John (Jack) Farquharson
October 9, 1921 – Aug 29, 2012
John Farquharson passed away on August 29th in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Comox B.C. with family at his side. He leaves behind ex-wife Jean, sons George (Sherry), Ian (Sharon), daughter Diane (Barry), and six grandchildren. They are Jennifer, Tessa (Justin), Andrea, Brian, Kyle, and Colton. He also leaves behind many extended family members in Scotland and Australia, and a great many friends.
Jack grew up in Scotland and comes from a long line of farmers. His family were all involved in farming and his nephew continues to run the family farm where Jack grew up. He made many trips back to Scotland over the years and had kept in close touch with his roots.
Jack came to the Comox Valley from Scotland in 1953 and settled on the farm in Courtenay. Here he grew fruit and vegetables which were sold, at first, from the trunk of his care on the side of the road. Once he realized there was a market for his product, he and his wife Jean, built a small store which was the beginning of Farquharson Farms. The business grew over the years and became not only a farm market, but also a garden center as well. The farm employed many many people over the years, and a great many of the Comox Valley youth have memories of spending their summer holidays out in the fields picking strawberries, peas, beans, and much more of Jacks produce. Some referred to Jack as a man who was “Outstanding in his Field” which always put a smile on his face.
Jack was a very involved Rotarian for many years and lunchtime on Tuesday would unfailingly find him with his fellow Rotarians. He had many Rotary exchange students stay in his home, and was always very active in planting the “mile of flowers’ along the highway at the entrance to Courtenay.
He sold the farm to Ducks Unlimited, but continued to work on the farm until his later years. He was a regular at Tim Hortons beside the farm for his morning doughnut and coffee, so much so, that the staff would ask where he had been if he went to visit his daughter in the Okanagan. Toward the end of his life, he enjoyed the company of the Quality Foods staff where he went daily with Jean for his morning muffin and coffee.
Jack was a gentle soul whose simple presence put those around him at ease, and his patience seemed to last forever. He could always call on a joke or a story to fit just about any occasion and had an amazing sense of humour. He had a quick wit, loved to laugh, and was happiest around young people, because they were the future. Jack’s passing will be noticed and felt by a great many people of all generations.
By his own request, there will not be a funeral. His family hopes he will be remembered as a quiet, gentle man out standing in his field.