Obituary of Ret. Justice of the Peace John Birchan Farnum

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Birchan Farnum.  John has been an amazing life partner and husband to Cathlene.  Cathy and Jonae are heartbroken to lose John at this time in their lives when they were looking forward to so many more wonderful experiences together.  Family was so important to John.  His adult children; Sasha, Ketziah and Lisa will look to their memories of their youth and into their adulthood to reflect on what their dad has done for them and the values that he imparted.   It is John’s wish that they in turn will raise his grandchildren to know him through their eyes; Meisha, Chem, Kioni, Makai, Caspian, Christopher Jr. and Elijah. 

John was born February 19^TH, 1943 in New Orleans, ST. MICHAELS, BARBADOS to Winnifred and Wilbert Farnum.  His siblings include;  Dora, Alma, David, Mavis, Ed, Steven and Eric.  John emigrated to England at age 15 where he joined the Royal Navy.  He served for 5 years and 9 months, an experience that he was extremely proud to share.  While in England he attended Jesus College of Cambridge and later worked as an insurance broker.  He immigrated to Canada in 1974 and worked as a machinist for MacDonald Douglas. 

John went on to attend Western University where he received his degree in Sociology and Urban Planning.  He worked for many years with troubled youth for the Region of Peel.  In 1989, he was appointed as a Justice of the Peace, a position he held until reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, February 2018. 

John Farnum was known as a friend to so many people in the Brampton community.  There wasn’t a store, restaurant, or business that you might attend with John when someone would walk up to say hello.  He seemed to know everyone.  There is no one who was a more loyal friend.  He was always so generous with his time, advice and offers of assistance.  Although John has left us, much earlier than either we or John himself, would have wanted, he has left his footprint, one that cannot be erased. 

VIRTUAL VISITATION & SERVICE:

The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support , however, due to the current pandemic restrictions, the service will be for immediate family only.  

TO VIEW THE LIVESTREAM AT 8:00AM: https://youtu.be/t1z49L79IJI   

PANDEMIC INSTRUCTIONS:

Please be advised there is a 10 ppl maximum capacity permitted in the funeral home (includes children and babies) and a 10 person maximum at the cemetery.  Staff will be continuously monitoring capacity numbers. Once we have reached capacity, guests will be asked to remain outside as there is NO gathering in the funeral centre at any time.

MANDATORY:  Face masks must be worn inside of the funeral centre at all times.

For further information on directives from the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, click the link: https://thebao.ca/covid-19-update-links/