Brian Gary Farney

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Glenbard West High School Kenyon College University of Illinois Chicago

Brian Farney Obituary

Brian Gary Farney, 67, of La Crosse, WI passed away Monday, August 1, 2011 at his home. He was born February 14, 1944 in Geneva, IL to Robert and Eloise (Garrett) Farney. He attended Glenbard West High School, Kenyon College and University of Illinois at Chicago. He grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL and lived there with his family for many years, later moving to Durango, CO and settling in La Crosse in 2004. He served in the US Army from 1964 to 1967. He then had a successful career working for Allstate and ITW companies before starting his own Marketing and Communications business. Brian loved exploring the Southwest and many of its National Parks. Within the last year, he completed a trip to Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico with his good friend Rita Greene. He was a gifted writer and photographer, and a skilled athlete in his younger years. In the past several years, he enjoyed reconnecting with his high school "crew", who were exceptional friends to him. Brian is survived by his daughters, Caitlin (Michael) Goebig of Arlington Heights, IL, and Sarah (Rajakumar) Ganesan of Willowbrook, IL; their mother, Penny (Larry) Boward of Glen Ellyn, IL; grandchildren, Andrew, Benjamin and Nora Goebig and Lila Ganesan; brothers, Terrence (Ruth) of Wyoming, MI and Paul (Karen) of Oklahoma City, OK; and sisters, Sheila (Robert) Ristau of Keller, TX and Gail Burley of Littleton, CO. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many good friends. Brian was preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Service will be planned for family and friends to take place in Glen Ellyn, IL at a later date. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to The Brian Kennedy Foundation Inc. at 14 North Peoria St. Suite 5C, Chicago, IL 60607 or to the National Park Foundation (www.nationalparks.org). Online condolences may be left for the family at www.cremationsociety-wi.com. Cremation Society of Wisconsin, located in Altoona, WI, is serving the family.

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Published by Central DuPage News/Leader/Post/Press on Aug. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Farney

12 Entries

Penny

July 30, 2023

Always remembered. Always loved.

Sandi DeFord

August 16, 2011

My family was blessed to have Brian in our lives the past several years and grew to love him very much. We miss great miss his wisdom and his huge hugs. I just never occurred to me that a heart as large as his would ever stop beating. My deepest condolences to his family. We will miss him terribly. With love, Sandi Greene DeFord

Bob and Billa Campbell

August 10, 2011

Brian,
you played a huge part in our lives - we will remember you always with much love, your dearest friends Bob and Billa

August 7, 2011

Brian, a pretty darn good competitive swimmer, was also a truly fearsome artist with a slightly damp rat tail towel in the Sunset Pool locker room. He was also an important member of the final canonball line up that was thrown out of the pool at closing time.

With fond remembrance,

Larry Sweeney

August 6, 2011

I can't tell you how much I appreciate you making the phone call in 2005 to SAY THE WORDS. Rest in Peace, my friend. I love you

Jim Dewar

August 6, 2011

I've known Brian since 2004 when he and I became neighbors. Over time, our friendship grew.
He was a true friend; one who gave without being asked; who was firm in his beliefs but always ready to listen; who offered advice sparingly, but a hand up with ultimate largesse. He was funny, loved to eat ("Daddy Burgers"), loved vintage films; a good joke, and traveling.
He was a wonderful, larger than life man.
He was, and will remain, my friend.

August 5, 2011

Brian and I connected quite well over the years since we became family. Witty, educated, outspoken....I'll miss you, Brian.

Jason Smoliak

August 5, 2011

Brian was my uncle who I was fortunate to become very close to the last couple of years. He was a great guy with a HUGE heart! I love and miss you Brian!

your nephew,
Jason

Michael Goebig

August 5, 2011

Brian will be missed by many. He was a tremendous Grandfather to my kids, and mentor to me. I was honored that he was a part of my life, and that he considered me his son.

Jim Rainford

August 5, 2011

I was fortunate and privileged to reconnect with Brian over the past two years. A good man. I will miss my friend greatly.

Keen McHugh

August 5, 2011

I miss you, "my brother," but will always fondly cherish all of the memories we shared. May peace always be with you. Keen

Mark Satterlee

August 5, 2011

Brian was a great friend from grade school through high school, and most recently finding Brian on the Internet and sharing stories. May God bless Penny, their children, grandchildren and Sheila and Gail.

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