John Melvin Farrell passed away at his home July 5, 2017 in Salt Lake City, surrounded by his family. Born May 28, 1937 in Salt Lake City to John and Melva Farrell. He married Patricia Beane, later divorced, and had 2 children; Lindsay Gore (Brian) and Michael Farrell (Heidi). He married Debra Sjoblom 30 days after his cancer diagnosis and 11 months later they welcomed their son, Alexander Farrell. John graduated East High class of ‘56! Tough as nails hard as bricks! Graduated the U of U, was a life-time supporter and affiliated with Pi Kappa Alpha. He was a veteran. After college he worked in the insurance industry, both owning his own agency and working within multiple insurance companies. John was an avid runner, having run 49 marathons. As he got older, Debra would beat his time but invariably he got back to the hotel first; via girls in a convertible-San Diego, a garbage truck driver-Chicago, a hard to find cab-New York and heaven knows what else. He loved cars and thought his red Hummer was out of this world. He was a true "MacGyver." In his retirement he enjoyed coffee and lunch dates with "the boys."
He was predeceased by his parents, his step-mother Ruth and his sister Margo Smith. He is survived by his wife, 3 children, 3 grandchildren; Andrew, Anthony and Jackson, his sister Carole Maxfield., and 3 step-sisters; Francine, Donna and Susan.
After his 26-year battle with carcinoid, his body was too tired to go on. He and his family traveled to the Mayo Clinic for heart and liver surgery and met the leading carcinoid doctor in the world. This along with the excellent care and compassion that he received at Huntsman extended his life for many years. He lived a good life until the last nine months. He loved his family and wanted to live to take care of them.
Visitation Friday July 7th from 6-8 p.m. Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City.
Services to be held at Wasatch Presbyterian Church, 1626 South 1700 East, Salt Lake City on Saturday July 8th at 11:30 a.m., with visitation prior from 10:30-11:00 a.m.
If unable to attend the services, please join us for a reception at 1422 South Chancellor Way between 2-4 p.m.
