FARROW, Craig Farrow

He has officially moved the party to somewhere beyond the confines of Craigleith, Muskoka, Forest Hill, St Andrew’s College and the pubs of Britain. We’re all crushed by his passing, at age 69, but take comfort in knowing he’s having a hot dog and beer, catching up with a few pals and relatives, and petting the family dogs who were waiting patiently for him at the gate.

His wife Susan (Dalton) and kids, Scott, Emily, Katie – plus husbands David and Chris – are overwhelmed with a wild mix of sadness, joy and gratitude that Craig loved them fiercely, profoundly and permanently. Their mutual adoration is testament to the beauty of what is possible within family, in particular the immensity of Sue’s love and devotion to Craig over 37 years of marriage.

He leaves behind a fan base that includes his siblings, Blake and wife Marina, Jane and Jeff, the spectacular Dalton-in-laws Andrew, Julie, Randy and Eva, an unruly mob of nephews and nieces, and all his grandchildren, the ones here now and those on the way. We are all of the opinion that there could be no more brilliant, mischievous, loyal, hard working, witty and passionate human on the planet – Farrow opinions are never humble after all.

Craig blazed the trail from humble beginnings in Etobicoke to greatness in global tech and mobile sales for Motorola, Blackberry and others. Skiing and football were his favoured sporty pastimes, as a player, racer, coach, Chair of Alpine Ontario and a die-hard CFL/Argos fan.

The open-door policy at the Farrow’s was legendary and generally included access to the fridge, the couch, a sympathetic ear and the world-famous Craig hug to all who needed it. He made everyone feel at home, until he told them it was time to %*& off and leave. Over the years he perfected the art of party hosting, pep talks, debating politics, leaf blowing, Pings Gang pranks and puppet shows, Kraft Dinner creativity, a firm handshake, discrete furniture installations on other people’s lawns and spray-painting shoes with gold lacquer – because why the hell not.

Craig is revered and adored by a minor solar system of work colleagues, SAC old boys, brothers and sisters from other mothers, his kids buddies and school chums, Craigleith cronies, the Team Craig Ride to Conquer Cancer crew, the PMH miracle workers, and just about anyone who shared a chairlift with him. To be fair, he is also reviled by a few neighbours who did not appreciate decades of parties and loud music.

What a life, what a legacy. Gold star Craig!

In lieu of flowers, please share Craig Farrow stories, hug your loved ones, flip the bird at someone pompous and arrogant, consider pranking your besties and in the words of his hero Winston Churchill, “Keep Buggering On (KBO)”.

If you are inclined to honour his memory with a donation for the betterment of humanity, we salute you. Here’s two organizations that meant a lot to Craig: The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and The Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation The Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation

Please join us at Craig’s Celebration of Life on Monday, December 29, 4:00 – 7:00 pm with tributes at 4:30 p.m. at the Collingwood Royal Canadian Legion, 490 Ontario Street, Collingwood ON.

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