It is with profound sadness that we announce that Fred Farnham, and his alter ego Freddie the Clown passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 18^th, 2025 in his 99^th year.

 

Fred was born in England on February 24, 1927, joined the British armed services & was “demobilized’ in 1948. He immigrated to Canada in 1957 moving to Welland in 1964 working for Carl Damude Ltd. repairing business machines and teaching Business Machines at night school until his retirement in 1997

Fred's second life commenced in 1968 when he assumed the role of Freddie the Clown at Sunset Haven, a retirement home in Welland. Utilizing his clown persona and his skill in crafting balloon animals, he fostered joy and facilitated fundraising efforts for Easter Seals, as well as other community organizations such as the YMCA, Welland Library, Welland Little Theatre, and various District 7090 Rotary Clubs. In his later years, until the age of 96, he dedicated his time to reading to children at Ross School in Welland. According to Fred, “not only did it bring smiles to children and others, but it also brought a smile to my heart.”

For Welland Little Theatre, starting in the late 1960’s, Fred was a board member, built set structures for performances, worked on music, sound and acting.

After receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship in 1988, he joined The Rotary Club of Welland in 1996. He was significantly involved in Rotary Youth Programs, including RYLA, SLAPSHOT (now Jr. RYLA), and Youth Exchange. Fred also served as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters and participated as a Big Brother four times. He served as a member of the former United Way of South Niagara. He contributed to the Welland Food Drive and effectively encouraged Welland Rotary Members to participate in the initiative this past November. Additionally, Fred was a long-time blood donor until he “aged out”…..

Fred leaves behind his daughter Yvonne on Vancouver Island, and sons Terry in Calgary and Andrew in Regina. He is also remembered by his wide Rotary Family.

Fred's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, from the laughter he brought as Freddie the Clown to the mentorship he offered through his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Rotary Youth Programs. His enduring commitment to community service and his heartfelt approach to creating joy will forever be cherished by all who knew him. His philosophy of spreading happiness through simple acts continues to inspire generations in Welland and beyond.

“People who have been influential in my life include Carl and Janet Damude (Fonthill), who I met through occupation; Joanne and Geof Male, neighbours (Welland); Linda and Rick Miller (Castlegar BC) who I met through a B&B (Castlegar BC); Wynne and Doug Rathbone through mutual friends in Theatre (Calgary AB); Sandra and Wayne Richardson through Theatre Group (Owen Sound); and Debbie Waterhouse who I met through adjoining campsites in Algonquin Park Highland Grove.”

“The above shared their homes, families and made me part of their lives. I wish they could all have met as I am sure they would enjoy each other’s company, just as I enjoyed theirs.”

“Along with all the great people that I have met over the years, who have helped me along the way, I have been really blessed with great companions throughout my life’s journey. Many have seen a potential in me that I had not recognized and pushed me to greater heights. Thank you all.” Fred Farnham

A commemoration of Fred’s life will be scheduled later in the year.