Harold Davis "Hal" Farnsworth II
1921 - 2013
VETERAN
With profound respect and honor, we salute an American hero, Harold Davis "Hal" Farnsworth II, in his advancement from this life to the next. Hal passed away on November 10, 2013, encircled by three generations of his family, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah. A World War II veteran of the United States Navy and lifelong patriot, Hal has gone ahead to prepare the way for his loving and beloved wife, Lea.
Born November 16, 1921, in Providence, Rhode Island, Hal was the second son of Clifford Kenneth and Anna Diana Maria Frechette Farnsworth. He grew up in Rhode Island and Michigan where he won scholastic awards, and more importantly, the love of his high school sweetheart, Lena "Lea" Sturgeon. The two married on June 27, 1941, in Wayne, Michigan, and began a life of travel and service that spanned 50 U.S. states, 42 foreign countries, and 72 years.
During World War II, Hal served in the Navy as a radar technician, 2nd Class, and while continuing his naval education, received responsibilities so secret he could not discuss them for decades. During these military years, he and his young family lived in Michigan, Georgia, and California. After leaving the Navy, he served the military in Japan for another year, this time as a civilian—preparing radar equipment for service during the Korean War. While on that long assignment, he wrote to his beloved wife and two children, Diane and Davis, every day.
Upon his return to the United States, Hal settled his wife and children in Pennsylvania, added Deborah to the family, and established a career in the electronics industry. This pioneering career took Hal and Lea on travels through every continent but Antarctica and required the family to move multiple times. Together, they made homes in Philadelphia, Honolulu, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area. While in Los Angeles, the family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On June 28, 1958, they were sealed in the Los Angeles California Temple. During those demanding years, Hal was an exceptionally diligent home teacher who accepted numerous callings and served faithfully in three bishoprics. In both his travels and church service, Hal's humble service and valiant testimony touched many lives.
In 1988, Hal retired to Provo, Utah, and became an avid golfer, spending many happy hours on the greens. However, his other new hobby opened an entirely new pathway to service. Introduced to the craft of weaving on a circular loom by his granddaughter, Diana Adams, Hal wove hats for cancer patients. In 2003, Governor Michael O. Leavitt recognized this charitable work with a Utah Point of Light award. In 2011, the Red Cross named Hal a Community Good Samaritan for his remarkable donations of hats. Sometimes completing a hat a day, Hal made over 5,000 hats, which were joyfully donated to cancer patients and many others through the United Way. Each "Happy Hat" came with a tiny tag rolled in the brim that said, "Made with love by Hal and Lea." When asked how he managed to live to 91 years of age, Hal replied, "Have a project to do every day, ideally, for someone else."
Hal's life was distinguished by service, integrity and love of family. He is survived by the love of his life, his cherished wife, Lena Florence "Lea" Sturgeon and children Ilene Diane (Dennis, deceased) Reeder, H. Davis (Sonja) Farnsworth, Deborah Katherine (K. Brook) Richan, 12 granddaughters, 8 great granddaughters, and 4 great grandsons. Two great granddaughters and one great grandson are expected in January, 2014.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013 in the Pleasant View 5th Ward chapel at 2400 N. 1060 E., Provo, Utah. Friends may call between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13 at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State, Orem, Utah or at the ward chapel between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013. Burial will be in the American Fork Cemetery. Hal's son-in-law, K. Brook Richan, will dedicate the grave.
Original obituary published by:
—The Daily Herald | Provo, Utah | 12 Nov 2013
1921 - 2013
VETERAN
With profound respect and honor, we salute an American hero, Harold Davis "Hal" Farnsworth II, in his advancement from this life to the next. Hal passed away on November 10, 2013, encircled by three generations of his family, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah. A World War II veteran of the United States Navy and lifelong patriot, Hal has gone ahead to prepare the way for his loving and beloved wife, Lea.
Born November 16, 1921, in Providence, Rhode Island, Hal was the second son of Clifford Kenneth and Anna Diana Maria Frechette Farnsworth. He grew up in Rhode Island and Michigan where he won scholastic awards, and more importantly, the love of his high school sweetheart, Lena "Lea" Sturgeon. The two married on June 27, 1941, in Wayne, Michigan, and began a life of travel and service that spanned 50 U.S. states, 42 foreign countries, and 72 years.
During World War II, Hal served in the Navy as a radar technician, 2nd Class, and while continuing his naval education, received responsibilities so secret he could not discuss them for decades. During these military years, he and his young family lived in Michigan, Georgia, and California. After leaving the Navy, he served the military in Japan for another year, this time as a civilian—preparing radar equipment for service during the Korean War. While on that long assignment, he wrote to his beloved wife and two children, Diane and Davis, every day.
Upon his return to the United States, Hal settled his wife and children in Pennsylvania, added Deborah to the family, and established a career in the electronics industry. This pioneering career took Hal and Lea on travels through every continent but Antarctica and required the family to move multiple times. Together, they made homes in Philadelphia, Honolulu, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area. While in Los Angeles, the family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On June 28, 1958, they were sealed in the Los Angeles California Temple. During those demanding years, Hal was an exceptionally diligent home teacher who accepted numerous callings and served faithfully in three bishoprics. In both his travels and church service, Hal's humble service and valiant testimony touched many lives.
In 1988, Hal retired to Provo, Utah, and became an avid golfer, spending many happy hours on the greens. However, his other new hobby opened an entirely new pathway to service. Introduced to the craft of weaving on a circular loom by his granddaughter, Diana Adams, Hal wove hats for cancer patients. In 2003, Governor Michael O. Leavitt recognized this charitable work with a Utah Point of Light award. In 2011, the Red Cross named Hal a Community Good Samaritan for his remarkable donations of hats. Sometimes completing a hat a day, Hal made over 5,000 hats, which were joyfully donated to cancer patients and many others through the United Way. Each "Happy Hat" came with a tiny tag rolled in the brim that said, "Made with love by Hal and Lea." When asked how he managed to live to 91 years of age, Hal replied, "Have a project to do every day, ideally, for someone else."
Hal's life was distinguished by service, integrity and love of family. He is survived by the love of his life, his cherished wife, Lena Florence "Lea" Sturgeon and children Ilene Diane (Dennis, deceased) Reeder, H. Davis (Sonja) Farnsworth, Deborah Katherine (K. Brook) Richan, 12 granddaughters, 8 great granddaughters, and 4 great grandsons. Two great granddaughters and one great grandson are expected in January, 2014.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013 in the Pleasant View 5th Ward chapel at 2400 N. 1060 E., Provo, Utah. Friends may call between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13 at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State, Orem, Utah or at the ward chapel between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013. Burial will be in the American Fork Cemetery. Hal's son-in-law, K. Brook Richan, will dedicate the grave.
Original obituary published by:
—The Daily Herald | Provo, Utah | 12 Nov 2013
Harold Davis "Hal" Farnsworth II
1921 - 2013
VETERAN
With profound respect and honor, we salute an American hero, Harold Davis "Hal" Farnsworth II, in his advancement from this life to the next. Hal passed away on November 10, 2013, encircled by three generations of his family, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah. A World War II veteran of the United States Navy and lifelong patriot, Hal has gone ahead to prepare the way for his loving and beloved wife, Lea.
Born November 16, 1921, in Providence, Rhode Island, Hal was the second son of Clifford Kenneth and Anna Diana Maria Frechette Farnsworth. He grew up in Rhode Island and Michigan where he won scholastic awards, and more importantly, the love of his high school sweetheart, Lena "Lea" Sturgeon. The two married on June 27, 1941, in Wayne, Michigan, and began a life of travel and service that spanned 50 U.S. states, 42 foreign countries, and 72 years.
During World War II, Hal served in the Navy as a radar technician, 2nd Class, and while continuing his naval education, received responsibilities so secret he could not discuss them for decades. During these military years, he and his young family lived in Michigan, Georgia, and California. After leaving the Navy, he served the military in Japan for another year, this time as a civilian—preparing radar equipment for service during the Korean War. While on that long assignment, he wrote to his beloved wife and two children, Diane and Davis, every day.
Upon his return to the United States, Hal settled his wife and children in Pennsylvania, added Deborah to the family, and established a career in the electronics industry. This pioneering career took Hal and Lea on travels through every continent but Antarctica and required the family to move multiple times. Together, they made homes in Philadelphia, Honolulu, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area. While in Los Angeles, the family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On June 28, 1958, they were sealed in the Los Angeles California Temple. During those demanding years, Hal was an exceptionally diligent home teacher who accepted numerous callings and served faithfully in three bishoprics. In both his travels and church service, Hal's humble service and valiant testimony touched many lives.
In 1988, Hal retired to Provo, Utah, and became an avid golfer, spending many happy hours on the greens. However, his other new hobby opened an entirely new pathway to service. Introduced to the craft of weaving on a circular loom by his granddaughter, Diana Adams, Hal wove hats for cancer patients. In 2003, Governor Michael O. Leavitt recognized this charitable work with a Utah Point of Light award. In 2011, the Red Cross named Hal a Community Good Samaritan for his remarkable donations of hats. Sometimes completing a hat a day, Hal made over 5,000 hats, which were joyfully donated to cancer patients and many others through the United Way. Each "Happy Hat" came with a tiny tag rolled in the brim that said, "Made with love by Hal and Lea." When asked how he managed to live to 91 years of age, Hal replied, "Have a project to do every day, ideally, for someone else."
Hal's life was distinguished by service, integrity and love of family. He is survived by the love of his life, his cherished wife, Lena Florence "Lea" Sturgeon and children Ilene Diane (Dennis, deceased) Reeder, H. Davis (Sonja) Farnsworth, Deborah Katherine (K. Brook) Richan, 12 granddaughters, 8 great granddaughters, and 4 great grandsons. Two great granddaughters and one great grandson are expected in January, 2014.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013 in the Pleasant View 5th Ward chapel at 2400 N. 1060 E., Provo, Utah. Friends may call between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13 at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State, Orem, Utah or at the ward chapel between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013. Burial will be in the American Fork Cemetery. Hal's son-in-law, K. Brook Richan, will dedicate the grave.
Original obituary published by:
—The Daily Herald | Provo, Utah | 12 Nov 2013
1921 - 2013
VETERAN
With profound respect and honor, we salute an American hero, Harold Davis "Hal" Farnsworth II, in his advancement from this life to the next. Hal passed away on November 10, 2013, encircled by three generations of his family, at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah. A World War II veteran of the United States Navy and lifelong patriot, Hal has gone ahead to prepare the way for his loving and beloved wife, Lea.
Born November 16, 1921, in Providence, Rhode Island, Hal was the second son of Clifford Kenneth and Anna Diana Maria Frechette Farnsworth. He grew up in Rhode Island and Michigan where he won scholastic awards, and more importantly, the love of his high school sweetheart, Lena "Lea" Sturgeon. The two married on June 27, 1941, in Wayne, Michigan, and began a life of travel and service that spanned 50 U.S. states, 42 foreign countries, and 72 years.
During World War II, Hal served in the Navy as a radar technician, 2nd Class, and while continuing his naval education, received responsibilities so secret he could not discuss them for decades. During these military years, he and his young family lived in Michigan, Georgia, and California. After leaving the Navy, he served the military in Japan for another year, this time as a civilian—preparing radar equipment for service during the Korean War. While on that long assignment, he wrote to his beloved wife and two children, Diane and Davis, every day.
Upon his return to the United States, Hal settled his wife and children in Pennsylvania, added Deborah to the family, and established a career in the electronics industry. This pioneering career took Hal and Lea on travels through every continent but Antarctica and required the family to move multiple times. Together, they made homes in Philadelphia, Honolulu, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area. While in Los Angeles, the family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On June 28, 1958, they were sealed in the Los Angeles California Temple. During those demanding years, Hal was an exceptionally diligent home teacher who accepted numerous callings and served faithfully in three bishoprics. In both his travels and church service, Hal's humble service and valiant testimony touched many lives.
In 1988, Hal retired to Provo, Utah, and became an avid golfer, spending many happy hours on the greens. However, his other new hobby opened an entirely new pathway to service. Introduced to the craft of weaving on a circular loom by his granddaughter, Diana Adams, Hal wove hats for cancer patients. In 2003, Governor Michael O. Leavitt recognized this charitable work with a Utah Point of Light award. In 2011, the Red Cross named Hal a Community Good Samaritan for his remarkable donations of hats. Sometimes completing a hat a day, Hal made over 5,000 hats, which were joyfully donated to cancer patients and many others through the United Way. Each "Happy Hat" came with a tiny tag rolled in the brim that said, "Made with love by Hal and Lea." When asked how he managed to live to 91 years of age, Hal replied, "Have a project to do every day, ideally, for someone else."
Hal's life was distinguished by service, integrity and love of family. He is survived by the love of his life, his cherished wife, Lena Florence "Lea" Sturgeon and children Ilene Diane (Dennis, deceased) Reeder, H. Davis (Sonja) Farnsworth, Deborah Katherine (K. Brook) Richan, 12 granddaughters, 8 great granddaughters, and 4 great grandsons. Two great granddaughters and one great grandson are expected in January, 2014.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013 in the Pleasant View 5th Ward chapel at 2400 N. 1060 E., Provo, Utah. Friends may call between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13 at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 S. State, Orem, Utah or at the ward chapel between 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2013. Burial will be in the American Fork Cemetery. Hal's son-in-law, K. Brook Richan, will dedicate the grave.
Original obituary published by:
—The Daily Herald | Provo, Utah | 12 Nov 2013
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US NAVY
MARRIED 27 JUN 1941
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