William Tilleard Farwell
December 16, 1913 – December 1, 2011
William Tilleard Farwell, born December 16, 1913, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2011 at his home on Bainbridge Island, at age 97.
Bill was born in Seattle and moved to Skagway, AK in 1917 with his mother and stepfather. His childhood was spent between boarding school in Canada and summers in Skagway. As a young man, Bill earned money during his summers in Skagway through a variety of entrepreneurial endeavours. One of his most successful was providing site-seeing tours in a custom designed cart powered by sled dogs. He loved the city of Skagway, and entertained his family and friends with many stories of his boyhood adventures there.
Bill attended the University of Washington where he met his first wife Margaret Tupper. They lived in Seattle and had two daughters before divorcing in 1955. Bill continued working in the travel industry until meeting his second wife Jean Fenn Farwell, a rising star at the New York Metropolitan Opera. Bill and Jean spent the next 56 years working together to promote Jean’s career, traveling extensively to the different cities and countries where Jean performed. They had homes in Malibu and Pacific Palisades, CA before retiring to Bainbridge Island. When Bill and Jean weren’t traveling, they both enjoyed boating trips aboard their Grand Banks, the “Won Lon Song”, in the San Juan Islands and Canada. Their world wide cruises with Princess Cruises and Holland America Lines were so frequent that they became members of the “Captains Circle” at Princess Cruises and the “Mariners Society” at Holland America. A domestic cruise to Alaska always included a trip to Skagway. After retiring to Bainbridge Island, Bill and Jean became dedicated “snowbirds” and every winter they made their home in Coronado, CA.
Bill loved going to garage sales on the island and he became well known for his innovative bargaining techniques. He never let mobility challenges slow him down, and experienced life to the fullest extent. He was fortunate to have enjoyed a long and happy life, and his quick wit and playful nature will be very much missed by his family and friends.
Bill is survived by his wife Jean Fenn Farwell of Bainbridge Island, brother Pat Farwell of Santa Barbara, CA, daughters, Stephanie and Robin Farwell both of Bainbridge Island and grandchildren Bryce Matthews of Bellingham, WA and Layne Matthews of Eugene, OR.
Services will be private. It is suggested that any memorial donations be given to the charity or organization of your choice.
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