Obituary of RICHARD JAMES FARLEY

RICHARD JAMES FARLEY

(August 18^th, 1949 – November 29^th, 2023)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard (Rick) James Farley on November 29^th, 2023, at the age of 74 years.

He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Sylvia, daughter Kimberly & grandson Mason, daughter Tanya, son Colin (Shannon) & granddaughters Ellie and Kelsey, son Ed.  Rick leaves to mourn his brother Frank (Rose) Farley, sister Carol Lloyd, sister-in-law Ann (Jim) Dann, sister-in-law Ruth (Larry) Robertson, sister-in-law Jean Hanmore, brother-in-law Ted (Sandra) Bird, brother-in-law David (Geaneen) Bird and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Rick was born on August 18^th, 1949, and grew up in Ottawa, Ontario attending Fisher Park High where he enjoyed playing football and participating in gymnastics. 

He served in the Canadian Army Militia from 1965 to 1968 and as one of the Gunners responsible for the Cannon Salute on Parliament Hill.  Rick was a proud member of RCL Branch #215.

Rick started a career at the Ottawa Mint and later transferred to the Winnipeg Mint when it opened.  Always there to help others, Rick became involved in his Union at the Mint (PSAC) and held positions of Local President, PSAC National Board Member and National Component President (PSAC).

He continued his life of advocacy and serving workers in the early 1980’s as one of the first Worker Advisors (representing workers in assistance and appeals on Workers Compensation). 

In 2001 Rick went to work for the Manitoba Government & General Employees Union (MGEU) continuing to advocate and represent workers as a Staff Representative retiring in 2015.

It was during one of the PSAC Conventions that Rick met the love of his life, Sylvia in 1981.  Both having been married before, Rick and Sylvia worked together with their children to create one blended family.  In his last few weeks Rick and Sylvia met with their children and Rick said, “that he just felt so loved and so lucky, to have lived this life with all of them”. 

The family would like to thank all the staff at St. Boniface Hospital, the Cancer Care Team, the Palliative Care Team and staff at Riverview Health Centre for their compassion and understanding that allowed him to live his last days with dignity and comfort.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB.

Live stream link for service.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwMTQwNzE4NjI4MzY5OCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

 “What we desire for ourselves, we wish for all…”  J. S. Woodsworth.