Thomas Allen Farr, a Master Mason, more widely known as “Tommy,” entered into the Celestial Lodge above on Friday, December 18, 2020.
Tommy was born in Long Beach, CA on July 19, 1946 to Harold Jack Farr and Charlotte Oralee Toms Farr. He was the second of six children; Charles E. Farr (Donna); Marilyn J. Farr (Ohlsson); Jean E. Farr (Morton); Robert G. Farr; and Barbara L. Farr.
He graduated from Calaveras High School in 1964 and went to work at the Calaveras Cement Plant in San Andreas. He married Ann I. Peyton in 1965. They raised two daughters, Janice and Jeanette. Tommy went to a new job with the California Youth Authority at Fricot Ranch School and subsequently was transferred to the CYA Mt. Bullion facility.
He made another move to Turlock, where Tommy pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at Stanislaus State College. During Tommy’s studies, he became a beekeeper with his brother Chuck. His interest in biology and entomology drove him to learn the behavior of the honey bee and how to manage that behavior.
After graduation, Tommy took a new job in Waste Water Management for the City of Turlock, then in the Information Technology Department where Tommy worked until his retirement.
Tommy remarried in 1993 to Deana Frisch Fulton. Tommy and Deana were very busy with Masonic activities, gardening, and travel. Tommy was an avid fisherman, frequenting many of the lakes in the region. He was pretty good at it, too. He tended to ‘study’ everything he did and fishing was no different.
Masonic Life
While attending Calaveras High School, Tommy was active in The Demolay Chapter in San Andreas and rose to the position of Master Counselor.
Tommy is a Golden Veteran of Calaveras Keystone Lodge No. 78, Free and Accepted Masons San Andreas, California, his home Lodge. He was a Hiram Award recipient and was widely known as a Masonic Ritualist. Worshipful Farr served as an Officers’ Coach, Candidates’ Coach, and a mentor to several of the lodges of which he was a member. He was also involved in many Masonic concordant organizations.
In 1958, Harold, Charles and Tommy found Amateur Radio (Ham Radio) as a hobby. All three obtained their licenses and built their first transmitter. Using surplus World War II receiving equipment, Tommy developed a love of Morse Code (CW) and chasing foreign country radio amateur stations. An accomplished CW operator, he was a member of the First Class Operators’ Club (FOC), a global elite group that is by invitation only. He was a Life Member of the American Radio Relay League, the national organization for Amateur Radio. His passion for Amateur Radio lead him to be a “one percenter,” being among the top one percent of the DX Century Club, a group dedicated to making two-way radio contacts with as many of the foreign countries around the world as possible. He made constant improvements to his radio station and antennas. Tommy was licensed for 61 years and well-known around the world for his skills as an operator and had many international friends.
Tommy lived life well and was a friend to many. He deeply touched the lives of those he met. He made a difference in the world. Rest in Peace, my brother.
Tommy will be interred in the Chapel of Memories at Turlock Memorial Park, 575 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. A service to honor him will be held at a later date.
