– (Sligo), Nov. 25, 1924 - April 14, 2012. A rich life to be celebrated. T.C. Farrell was born and raised in Sligo, Ireland. As a young man he chose to attend University College Dublin, Ireland to study medicine. When he graduated as a physician he was called to go where the need was greatest which brought him to the outports of Newfoundland on February 4, 1950. When his plane landed in a raging snow storm he was wearing only a light rain coat and worn out shoes, ironically, "Baby it's Cold Outside" was playing on the radio at that time. Little did he know how prophetic that song would be. Tom (TC) hadn't planned on staying in Newfoundland, but there was a dire need for doctors at that time. He travelled the coastline from Bay St. George to Corner Brook providing for the sick who needed him. He thought he'd only be in Newfoundland for a short time but lucky for us all he met Margaret Doucette who stole his heart and Newfoundland became his home away from home. Tom and Marg settled in Corner Brook where they raised their six children. His medical practice was extensive and he was loved by his patients. He was always there for them in their time of need. Corner Brook benefitted from the generous life lived by Tom Farrell. During his political career his dedication to the city ensured improvements to the cities medical and educational facilities. He had a pivotal role in the establishment of Western Memorial Regional Hospital and the Sir Wilfred Grenfell College. Though Tom didn't have a lot of free time, when he did, he loved to spend it at the family house in Codroy Valley. He always said his fondness for the area was born from the mountains and the sea which reminded him of his "Old Country". In a letter to his wife and children to be opened at his death he said "If you remember me sometimes I would like that, but no mourning please, death in old age is a solution not a tragedy." "P.S. if possible, up there I will fight my way to the front line and will keep an eye on you all." Tom leaves behind his wife of 56 years Margaret and their children Cawley (Gustaff and Isabella), Robert (Heather, Keelia, Thomas, Ashleen and Mia), P.J. (Stephen, Abbey and Farrell), Moya (Kevin and Shannon), Tommy (Susette) and Kerry (Stephanie and Faith) and of course other special family members in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, US and Ireland. Visitation will be held at Fillatre’s Funeral Home, 4 St. Mark’s Avenue on Thursday from the hours of 6-9 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 20 at 10:30 a.m. from The Cathedral of The Most Holy Redeemer, Mt. Bernard Avenue with Father Ambrose Hynes officiating. Cremation to follow where on Saturday he will be reunited with his daughter Deidre who died at birth and awaits the rest of us. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Western Memorial Regional Hospital Foundation. The family guest book may be signed or a memorial donation may be made through our website www.fillatre.ca
....until we meet again, may God hold
you in the palm of His hand.