Stanley R. Farnum, 98, of South Egremont passed away April 25, 2020, at Fairview Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Great Barrington due to complications of COVID-19.
Born Nov. 27, 1921, son of the late Roy Farnum and Helen Polmatier Farnum of South Egremont, Stanley was educated in local schools and graduated two years early from Searles High School in Great Barrington. He was born in South Egremont, and lived his life there with his wife of 60 years, the late Hilda Mae (Duryea) Farnum, raising a family of 11 children. Stanley served in the U.S. Army in World War II and began his working career at Carr Engineering as a machine operator for 20 years, later working as a foreman for Sheffield Plastics for 13 years, and Simon’s Rock College as head custodian and counselor of many for another 13 years. Stan was a great outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and trapping. He was also a wonderful poet, winning numerous awards from the national poetry society. He enjoyed reading his poems to anyone and everyone who wanted to hear them. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.
Stanley is survived by sons Timothy Farnum of Saratoga, New York, and Lane Farnum (Georgann) of South Egremont; daughters Lynn Nemec (David), Kyle Miller (Dan), Sally Bailey (Roger), and Heidi Farnum (Chris), all of Great Barrington, and Laurie Flynn (Tom), Joyce Bassett (Jerry), and Karen Dube (Matt), all of Sheffield; and lifelong friend Bob Nichols. He also leaves 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Besides his wife, Stanley was predeceased by son Stephen, daughter Christine and grandson Christopher.
In lieu of flowers or contributions, the family asks that you tell people in your life how much they are loved! Because of the social distancing required, the family will be holding a graveside service at a later date to be determined. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
