Roger Farwell being remembered as ‘exemplary community leader’
Posted Aug 7, 2021 01:38:00 AM.
Waterloo Region has lost a great community builder.
On Wednesday evening, 68-year-old Waterloo resident Roger Farwell tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle collision in Wellesley Township.
Tributes are pouring in on social media from local dignitaries and community groups.
The mayor of Kitchener called Farwell a “visionary” and “tireless community champion” in a tweet on Friday. “Roger has left an indelible mark on the City of Kitchener and Waterloo Region,” Berry Vrbanovic said, in wishing his sincere condolences to Farwell's family and friends.
In 2009, Farwell was presented with the Waterloo Region Record Barnraiser award for his community involvement.
He also received a Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in 2014 from the Governor General. He volunteered at many organizations including the Prosperity Council-Health Care Task Force, the Waterloo Regional Police Children's Safety Village, and the Kitchener and Waterloo Community Foundation.
The president and CEO of the Greater K-W Chamber of Commerce said Farwell was an “exemplary community leader”, Ian McLean saying in a statement the local business community is shocked and deeply saddened by Farwell's sudden passing.
“Roger's true passion was the development of a vibrant and active arts and culture sector.” McLean went on to say. “He truly believed that providing local residents with introspective events and related experiences would provide life-long benefits and memories for everyone.”
Message from our CEO pic.twitter.com/WUcdSLhRzO
— Greater KW Chamber (@GKWCC) August 6, 2021
The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery also posted a tribute to him on Twitter. “Roger Farwell was a great KWAG supporter and dear friend of the arts in our community.” the post said, adding they are deeply saddened by the tragic news.
A private family funeral mass took place on Tuesday, August 10. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated by the family to the following organizations — the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation, Farwell4Hire in support of Cystic Fibrosis, House of Friendship and The Working Centre.
Farwell is survived by his wife Catherine, two daughters, son in-law, and two grandchildren.
