William "Bill" Alexander O’Farrell (W.A., The Chief, The Deal Making Man). It is with broken hearts that we announce that our father passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Born in Springhill on February 20, 1932 to parents William O’Farrell and Emma Mae Coon, Dad spent his early years in Springhill and was a true "Springhiller". Dad began his career working in the coalmine. He very proudly told stories of the cherished relationships he built, lessons he learned, and humble appreciation he grew to understand for hard work. He spent the first few years enjoying having the ability to go underground each day with his father. After many conversations and warnings, he figured it was best to make a career shift and started selling cars in Springhill where he quickly discovered he may have found his niche. Dad began his career in the auto industry under the supervision and hard life lessons of D.A. Casey where he became manager of Casey Mercury (formerly Glasgow Motors) in New Glasgow in 1959. Over 10 years as a Ford dealer, he served on Ford Dealer Council, which was a significant accomplishment to him.
In 1969, an opportunity presented itself for Dad to take over a GM Franchise, what would soon become W.A. O’Farrell Chev- Olds Ltd, and later O’Farrell GM. It is here that our Dad spent over 40 years ensuring quality service to the people he served. His priority was providing a working environment where his employees felt respected and part of a family. Throughout his career as a Chev dealer, Dad won the Triple Crown, twice, a prestigious award for Sales. He also served as President of the Pictou County New Car Dealers Association. The years in this industry left an astounding impact on our Dad and he was always proud of the accomplishments his team had made over the many years they were together.
Other notable community-based organization involvement included Chairman of PICORD, contributing to local organizations that shared values with which he aligned, and sharing philanthropic interests in ways that always supported the underdog.
Our Dad was a self-taught and disciplined musician. Starting at a young age, he learned to play the guitar alongside his mother as she played the harmonica. He was most known for his skills "tinkling the ivories" where he recorded several albums, for family and close friends only, that were both instrumental and vocal. One of his favorite pastimes was spending hours arranging his own musical compositions. He would often state that "they were a few old chestnuts from an old chestnut". We spent many an evening surrounding a fire singing, while Dad played the piano and sang stellar harmony. However, this wasn’t his only musical talent. He played slide trombone in the Dixieland Allstars; it was his first love when it came to instruments. Dad was known for his role as Director of the Barbershop Quartet, conducting at the Canada Games, travelling internationally with SPEBSQSA, and playing in several different orchestras with some of his closest pals.
Dad was undoubtedly one of the biggest New York Yankee fans of all time. He thrived on searching out potential farm team up and comers, reminiscing of the good ol’ days, and ensuring he had words of encouragement and criticism for the management team. We always knew there was no option but to be a Yankee fan. Dad was also an avid boater, owning several boats, and enjoyed going on boating trips with those he held dear.
Dad loved love; poems, music, lyrics, books, and his "Lizzie". Surviving is his best friend, Elizabeth (MacKay) O’Farrell. Celebrating 42 years married this past October, they had a bond like no other. They shared trips all over the world, a love that could withstand any storm and a friendship that would last a lifetime. He will forever credit her for being his rock, no matter what.
Of all of these roles, he cherished the role of Dad the most. Surviving are his children, Jean (Sandy) Lumsden, Bill O’Farrell Jr., Mike O’Farrell, Robert (Theresa Vienneau) MacKay, and Kate O’Farrell (Jeff Strickland). He took the role of Dad to a new level, always willing to provide an ear, an honest opinion (even when you didn’t ask for it), a reality check when you needed it the most, sharing wisdom that only he knew how to do and offered love that you could feel the second you closed your eyes. Our dad was the patriarch of our family, leading with grace, dignity, wisdom and strength. His quick wit, cynical sarcasm, unwavering resilience, and ability to control the room are characteristics that will hopefully live on in all of us.
Aside from his pride in his role of being a father, he was granted the honor of becoming the beloved grandfather to grandchildren, Jennifer (Joe) Young, Andrew (Hilary) Raynard, Sarah Shewchuk, Amy (Matt) Craig, Kimberly O’Farrell, William O’Farrell, Michael (Katie) Lumsden, Kerri O’Farrell, Lucas Mackay, Ryan MacKay and Conor Sutherland. He was also privileged to be great grandfather to 16 great-grandchildren. Dad leaves behind many special family members and great friends who were like family, former family members who have touched his life, special niece Jill (John) Muise, special "sister", Jean Dickson, and his confidante, Florrie Borden.
Dad was predeceased by his first wife and closest friend, Joan (Alderson) O’Farrell; only sibling, Joanie (O’Farrell) Ibbitson; and granddaughter, Kellie (O’Farrell) Whitney.
His remains will rest at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow, for visiting Friday, November 1 from 4-7 pm. Funeral service will be held Saturday, November 2 at 12pm at Summer Street Industries, 72 Park St., New Glasgow, with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating followed by a burial service at Abercrombie Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place at Summer Street following this from 2-4 pm. Donations may be made to Summer Street Industries, SPCA North Nova Chapter, Viola’s Place Society or a charity of your choice. A special thank you to the valiant efforts made by both the paramedics and the New Glasgow Fire Department and their volunteers, and to Cpl. Kyle Watters of the New Glasgow Police Department for his care and compassion.
What the heart has once owned and had, it shall never lose. We will love you always.