Edward Farrier, 83, passed away at home in Onalaska surrounded by family on Saturday, July 8, 2023. Ed loved his family and the wonderful community of friends that often gathered. He was an engineer of life, endlessly curious and observant, searching for deeper understanding, especially of people and relationships.
Ed was the youngest of five children and the only son of Charles and Geneva Farrier. His older sisters adored their baby brother. He was born and raised in the family’s log cabin in Fall Creek, Oregon, and started working in the woods shortly after graduating. Ed was a skilled heavy equipment operator and relocated his young family to Lewis County in the early 60s to yo-yo doze the steep hillside in preparation for building Mossyrock Dam.
In retirement, he transitioned his operating skills to grading out the endless potholes on their road and clearing snow from community areas with his “Johnny.” Ed inherited his parents’ green thumb growing food and flowers, especially dahlias. Gardening was a year-round hobby, tracking weather patterns, studying seed catalogs, pruning fruit trees, planting, watering, harvesting, canning and, best of all, sharing with friends. He was especially proud of a meal entirely grown, hunted or harvested.
Ed is survived by Terri Farrier, his generous and loving wife of 27 years; children, Curt, Fawn and Terese; cherished family members, Sharon, Jonathan (Dusty) and Garrett; grandchildren, Josh, MyRanda, Jessahna, Morgan, Colton, Liam, Brendan, Owen, Elijah, Rodney and Annabelle; and great-grandchildren Kaysee and Blake.
Ed was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Edlaina (2020), and youngest son, Ostynn (2022).
A service celebrating life and friendship will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8, at Cowlitz River Ranch, 363 Brim Road, Onalaska, Washington. Share stories and special memories or write them down if you’d like them read for you. Bring a dish if you wish.
