The Farrow family was truly blessed with the long-awaited arrival of Christopher Kenneth Farrow on a cold, snowy day in January of 1977. It was obvious from the beginning that he would never be small in stature! He was joined eighteen months later by his sister Carrie and the family was complete. The family farm on the twelfth of Elderslie was just steps from that of Nana and Grandpa Farrow and to say these two were spoiled by them was an understatement. Grandpa and Grandma Cook certainly participated in this effort as well.
Paisley Central School was home to Chris and Carrie for eight years and it was there that they formed friendships that grew with participation in minor sports. From the beginning it was clear that sports would always be a part of Chris’ life, particularly hockey. The forward line of Dave Maus, Craig Trelford and Chris would fill score sheets for several years to come and a major rivalry between Paisley and Chesley minor hockey was born. With the end of hockey season every year, the schedules on the calendar would switch to baseball for the summer.
After graduation, Chris attended Chesley District High School and completed his four-year diploma in Arts and Science. Hockey was still important, and his Paisley team would win the Midget DD championship in 93-94 by defeating Chesley and go on to compete in the OMHA semi-finals. However, you couldn’t attend CDHS without being introduced to Cougar Volleyball and Chris excelled at this sport as well with a couple of BIA championships and participation at CWOSSA.
He was invited to Junior C hockey tryouts by the Hanover Barons and Walkerton Blackhawks in the summer of 1994 and went on to sign with Walkerton where he played for two seasons. A torn anterior cruciate ligament eventually ended what was a truly enjoyable part of his life. However, it didn’t prevent him from enjoying other sports and he would later continue his interest in hockey by following the minor hockey achievements of Dylan and Brett. He also pitched for several Desboro ball teams including the Wolves.
His working years provided a variety of experiences with a number of local employers. He was hired by Advanced Concrete in Neustadt and worked hard learning the concrete business. He later started Farrow Concrete Finishing and operated his own business for several years. Although it was difficult to fill a niche as a small concrete operation, his very creative designs graced new home builds in the area as well as properties owned by family and friends. He also spent several years at two different times learning the roofing business with Ed McNabb Roofing in Chatsworth. He would use the skills learned during these years to assist more recently with the refurbishment of a couple of Chesley’s original main street buildings for a local contractor. He always had the reputation of being a hard-working and dependable employee.
In 2000, support for a long-time friend with two small children turned into a personal relationship with Bobbi-Jo Stephen and he became a substitute father to her children, Dylan and Kirstyn. In 2003 they were blessed with the birth of Brett Christopher Farrow and he too was destined to be anything but small. They moved into a house in Desboro where they lived for several years. They continued making improvements to the house, had a wide circle of friends and enjoyed family gatherings and Nascar Sundays. However, life doesn’t always happen the way it is expected to and they eventually parted ways but to the end of his life, not just Brett, but Dylan and Kirstyn were always “his kids”. They have been and will always be a part of the Farrow family as was his wish.
Chris was a lot like his Grandpa Cook in that he never liked to throw anything away that was still useful. If he didn’t know how something worked, he would research it until he did. He developed an interest in all things old, including tools that were used in the past. Chris would research the origin of any he happened upon while learning how to use and repair them. He always had a love of bicycles and spent a great deal of time learning how to maintain and even re-design them. You might say he preferred to recycle things before recycling was really a thing. Chris developed an interest in old coins and later became an ardent collector of a wide variety of sports and collectible cards. He always had a difficult time passing by a yard sale without stopping!
Chris always was a kind, soft-hearted person but he kept this hidden from most people. He was always ready to help a neighbour in need with whatever he had to offer. For a number of years, an elderly man lived alone next door to Chris in less than ideal conditions. He always checked in on him regularly to make sure he was alright, especially during the winter, ensuring he was warm and had food to eat. Chris loved animals and so hunting and fishing were never pastimes. The Farrow household has had an elderly, blind cat called Max for the last few years and when Chris dropped in for his daily visit, the first thing he always did was to connect with Max for a cuddle. Max recognized his voice and always seemed glad to see him.
During later years, Chris faced significant challenges that most people never have to face. He navigated an addiction and suffered with depression and chronic anxiety but was determined to overcome whatever life threw at him. Those closest to him came to understand that the mental health challenges were real and extremely impactful on every aspect of daily life. While it made life more difficult, it also gave him insight into the challenges of others and an empathy for those struggling to cope with mental health issues.
In August of 2023, another challenge was added, a serious heart condition with life-changing impact. Under medical guidance, he attempted to adjust to this new reality but his condition was never really stabilized. His ability to face adversity continued to be an inspiration but sadly on January 3, 2025, his journey was suddenly over. Chris was loved by all who knew him and he will be missed.
Loving son of Mark and Joan Farrow of Chesley. Dear brother of Carrie Stephenson (Andrew) of Chesley. Cherished and proud father of Brett Farrow, and stepfather of Kirstyn Stephen (Andrew) and Dylan (Brittany) Stephen, all of Chesley. Beloved uncle of Ashlynn Stephenson, Alexa Stephenson, and Aidan Stephenson. Chris will be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his grandparents Ken and Charlotte Farrow and Doreen and Allan Cook, and his uncle Harvey Cook.
Visitation was held at Rhody Family Funeral Home on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3 p.m. A private spring inurnment will be held in Chesley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Grey Bruce Animal Shelter, or Arran-Elderslie Minor Hockey Association would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Condonlenced to the Farrow family.
I have many wonderful memories spending time at Cedar Rail camp w Chris and Carrie as well as The Patterson Family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing . My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sending hugs and our sincere sympathy
Sending our condolences to the entire family. We are very sorry for your loss.
Rest soundly Chris. Thinking of you Brett, Kirstyn and family.
MARK AND JOAN
So sorry to hear this terrible news. Condolences to the entire family
You will be missed dearly,and your fur friend Linda will miss her buddy dearly
Joan my deepest sympathy to you and Mark and your family.
Chris you were such a good friend , the best handyman around. You helped me so much with my house. You could make me laugh with every visit. You will be missed terribly. My condolences to your family and i hope you rest in peace
Mark, Joan, Carrie & Brett,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I don’t have many childhood memories that don’t involve us & your family. Camping, biking to school, hockey games…endless memories. Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers as you navigate this difficult time.
When I think of Chris, I think of us hockey Moms & Dads going to all the hockey games.
Sorry for your loss
Chris, you were a good friend, and will be missed! Didn’t see each other much in the last bunch of years, but will always remember you! Sincere condolences to everyone.
Joan, Mark, Brett, Kirstyn, Dylan, Carrie and family.
Our sincere condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers of love & comfort be with you all!
We are so very for your loss. Chris will be missed by so many people. He was always so helpful and kind towards our family.
To Mark, Joan and family. We are so sorry to hear about Chris. Our thoughts and prayers and with you all. Cherish the memories.
Mt deepest condolences to everyone..
So sorry for your loss rip chris you will be missed
Joan, Mark, Carrie and families.
We were saddened to hear of Chris’s passing.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Barb and Paul Sinclair
Mark, Joan, Carrie, and Brett,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. May the happy memories help you through the tough times ahead.
Dear Carrie and family, Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad and difficult time. Hugs to all of you! 💕 Janice
Joan and Mark and family , please accept our condolences on Chris’ passing. May the love and support of your family and friends help you in this most difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear about Chris. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to his family
To Mark , Joan, and the entire family, I am so sorry for your loss. May your treasured memories comfort you at this time. Pleas accept my deepest condolences.
I’m sorry for your loss, Chris will be missed deeply!
Mark, Joan and family, we extend our deepest sympathy to you. Thinking of you.
Mark and Joan, our hearts go out to your family. You have our sincerest and heartfelt sympathy. May God comfort you at this sad time
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss, thinking of you all.
I’m sending my thoughts and prayers to Brett and all of the family
I’m so sorry to learn of this loss to your family. Big hugs.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Sending our deepest sympathy to all of Chris’ family.
Our sincere condolences, thinking of you
Hi Joan.
Thinking of you and sending all the strength and care that you so selflessly give to us at the Board.
In my thoughts with hugs.
Tracy
Extending our deepest sympathy to Mark and Joan at this most difficult time.
To Brett and his family & to Mark, Joan and family,
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Chris. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this unimaginably difficult time.
May you find strength in the love and support of those around you, and may the memories of Chris bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Sorry for your loss from Aunt Mary cook and family
We are sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest sympathy to Brett and the entire Farrow family at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. We are away in Florida Except our sympathies.