Frederick, 74, of Greenville, passed away quietly in his home on Monday, with his sister by his side. Born the eldest of identical twins, the Farran Boys charmed everyone with their easy friendliness, good humor, and inquisitive natures.
Fred graduated from Creston High School in 1955 and entered the engineering program at Grand Rapids Junior College. He went on to graduate with degrees in aeronautical engineering and engineering math from the University of Michigan. However another interest took over and became his life path.
In the seventh grade, Fred and his twin Ed began singing in a quartet started by their music teacher at Aberdeen grade school, and they have been singing in a quartet ever since. At the University of Michigan they joined the Michigan Men's Glee Club, and became part of a smaller specialty group called The Friars. Fred and Ed and two other Friars formed a quartet, calling themselves The Arbors after their college town.
Upon graduation, The Arbors agreed to try singing professionally for a year, just to see what would happen. Their bass singer decided the life style was not for him, so their baritone singer, Scott Herrick, suggested bringing his brother Tom into the group. This happy union of two sets of brothers lasted over forty years until Ed Farran's death in 2003.
The Arbors made Chicago their home, but sang all over the country and in foreign lands as well, in addition to appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show, Johnny Carson's Tonight show, and with performing greats such as Roger Williams, Dinah Shore, Florence Henderson, and Jimmy Durante. They also sang the jingles for various TV commercials, including Green Giant, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's, and Texaco.
The Arbors did not seek fame or adulation; they just strove to be the best that they could be. Highly regarded by their peers for their musical excellence and professionalism, they also delighted everyone who met them, not only for their music, but for the unfailing kindness that they displayed to anyone they encountered.
In later years both Fred and his brother became highly respected vocal coaches as well, and helped many students achieve a higher level of skill. After his brother Ed's death, Fred moved back to Michigan, living next door to his sister just outside of Greenville near the site of their summer cottage.
He embraced the Greenville community and grew to love the friendships and support that he received during his last difficult years. He faced his ever increasing multiple health problems with great dignity, grace, and humor. He leaves behind his sister Diana Farran, his business partners Scott and Tom Herrick, and a multitude of cousins, friends and acquaintances that cherish his memory.
His sister wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers in his life, his doctors, the staff at Great Lakes Renal Network, the Spectrum Health Medical community and his very special home caregiver Sandy Chapin.
Memorial offerings are not necessary, but can be made to the Great Lakes Renal Network Greenville or Spectrum Health Hospice and may be sent to the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, MI.
A celebration of the lives of both Fred and Ed Farran were held. You may best commemorate Fred by honoring his request to "just be kind to each other"
Fred graduated from Creston High School in 1955 and entered the engineering program at Grand Rapids Junior College. He went on to graduate with degrees in aeronautical engineering and engineering math from the University of Michigan. However another interest took over and became his life path.
In the seventh grade, Fred and his twin Ed began singing in a quartet started by their music teacher at Aberdeen grade school, and they have been singing in a quartet ever since. At the University of Michigan they joined the Michigan Men's Glee Club, and became part of a smaller specialty group called The Friars. Fred and Ed and two other Friars formed a quartet, calling themselves The Arbors after their college town.
Upon graduation, The Arbors agreed to try singing professionally for a year, just to see what would happen. Their bass singer decided the life style was not for him, so their baritone singer, Scott Herrick, suggested bringing his brother Tom into the group. This happy union of two sets of brothers lasted over forty years until Ed Farran's death in 2003.
The Arbors made Chicago their home, but sang all over the country and in foreign lands as well, in addition to appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show, Johnny Carson's Tonight show, and with performing greats such as Roger Williams, Dinah Shore, Florence Henderson, and Jimmy Durante. They also sang the jingles for various TV commercials, including Green Giant, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's, and Texaco.
The Arbors did not seek fame or adulation; they just strove to be the best that they could be. Highly regarded by their peers for their musical excellence and professionalism, they also delighted everyone who met them, not only for their music, but for the unfailing kindness that they displayed to anyone they encountered.
In later years both Fred and his brother became highly respected vocal coaches as well, and helped many students achieve a higher level of skill. After his brother Ed's death, Fred moved back to Michigan, living next door to his sister just outside of Greenville near the site of their summer cottage.
He embraced the Greenville community and grew to love the friendships and support that he received during his last difficult years. He faced his ever increasing multiple health problems with great dignity, grace, and humor. He leaves behind his sister Diana Farran, his business partners Scott and Tom Herrick, and a multitude of cousins, friends and acquaintances that cherish his memory.
His sister wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers in his life, his doctors, the staff at Great Lakes Renal Network, the Spectrum Health Medical community and his very special home caregiver Sandy Chapin.
Memorial offerings are not necessary, but can be made to the Great Lakes Renal Network Greenville or Spectrum Health Hospice and may be sent to the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, MI.
A celebration of the lives of both Fred and Ed Farran were held. You may best commemorate Fred by honoring his request to "just be kind to each other"
Frederick, 74, of Greenville, passed away quietly in his home on Monday, with his sister by his side. Born the eldest of identical twins, the Farran Boys charmed everyone with their easy friendliness, good humor, and inquisitive natures.
Fred graduated from Creston High School in 1955 and entered the engineering program at Grand Rapids Junior College. He went on to graduate with degrees in aeronautical engineering and engineering math from the University of Michigan. However another interest took over and became his life path.
In the seventh grade, Fred and his twin Ed began singing in a quartet started by their music teacher at Aberdeen grade school, and they have been singing in a quartet ever since. At the University of Michigan they joined the Michigan Men's Glee Club, and became part of a smaller specialty group called The Friars. Fred and Ed and two other Friars formed a quartet, calling themselves The Arbors after their college town.
Upon graduation, The Arbors agreed to try singing professionally for a year, just to see what would happen. Their bass singer decided the life style was not for him, so their baritone singer, Scott Herrick, suggested bringing his brother Tom into the group. This happy union of two sets of brothers lasted over forty years until Ed Farran's death in 2003.
The Arbors made Chicago their home, but sang all over the country and in foreign lands as well, in addition to appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show, Johnny Carson's Tonight show, and with performing greats such as Roger Williams, Dinah Shore, Florence Henderson, and Jimmy Durante. They also sang the jingles for various TV commercials, including Green Giant, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's, and Texaco.
The Arbors did not seek fame or adulation; they just strove to be the best that they could be. Highly regarded by their peers for their musical excellence and professionalism, they also delighted everyone who met them, not only for their music, but for the unfailing kindness that they displayed to anyone they encountered.
In later years both Fred and his brother became highly respected vocal coaches as well, and helped many students achieve a higher level of skill. After his brother Ed's death, Fred moved back to Michigan, living next door to his sister just outside of Greenville near the site of their summer cottage.
He embraced the Greenville community and grew to love the friendships and support that he received during his last difficult years. He faced his ever increasing multiple health problems with great dignity, grace, and humor. He leaves behind his sister Diana Farran, his business partners Scott and Tom Herrick, and a multitude of cousins, friends and acquaintances that cherish his memory.
His sister wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers in his life, his doctors, the staff at Great Lakes Renal Network, the Spectrum Health Medical community and his very special home caregiver Sandy Chapin.
Memorial offerings are not necessary, but can be made to the Great Lakes Renal Network Greenville or Spectrum Health Hospice and may be sent to the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, MI.
A celebration of the lives of both Fred and Ed Farran were held. You may best commemorate Fred by honoring his request to "just be kind to each other"
Fred graduated from Creston High School in 1955 and entered the engineering program at Grand Rapids Junior College. He went on to graduate with degrees in aeronautical engineering and engineering math from the University of Michigan. However another interest took over and became his life path.
In the seventh grade, Fred and his twin Ed began singing in a quartet started by their music teacher at Aberdeen grade school, and they have been singing in a quartet ever since. At the University of Michigan they joined the Michigan Men's Glee Club, and became part of a smaller specialty group called The Friars. Fred and Ed and two other Friars formed a quartet, calling themselves The Arbors after their college town.
Upon graduation, The Arbors agreed to try singing professionally for a year, just to see what would happen. Their bass singer decided the life style was not for him, so their baritone singer, Scott Herrick, suggested bringing his brother Tom into the group. This happy union of two sets of brothers lasted over forty years until Ed Farran's death in 2003.
The Arbors made Chicago their home, but sang all over the country and in foreign lands as well, in addition to appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show, Johnny Carson's Tonight show, and with performing greats such as Roger Williams, Dinah Shore, Florence Henderson, and Jimmy Durante. They also sang the jingles for various TV commercials, including Green Giant, Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald's, and Texaco.
The Arbors did not seek fame or adulation; they just strove to be the best that they could be. Highly regarded by their peers for their musical excellence and professionalism, they also delighted everyone who met them, not only for their music, but for the unfailing kindness that they displayed to anyone they encountered.
In later years both Fred and his brother became highly respected vocal coaches as well, and helped many students achieve a higher level of skill. After his brother Ed's death, Fred moved back to Michigan, living next door to his sister just outside of Greenville near the site of their summer cottage.
He embraced the Greenville community and grew to love the friendships and support that he received during his last difficult years. He faced his ever increasing multiple health problems with great dignity, grace, and humor. He leaves behind his sister Diana Farran, his business partners Scott and Tom Herrick, and a multitude of cousins, friends and acquaintances that cherish his memory.
His sister wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers in his life, his doctors, the staff at Great Lakes Renal Network, the Spectrum Health Medical community and his very special home caregiver Sandy Chapin.
Memorial offerings are not necessary, but can be made to the Great Lakes Renal Network Greenville or Spectrum Health Hospice and may be sent to the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville, MI.
A celebration of the lives of both Fred and Ed Farran were held. You may best commemorate Fred by honoring his request to "just be kind to each other"
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