Roy Dean Farnsworth

It is with great sadness that we announce that Roy Dean Farnworth passed away peacefully on January 25, 2023, with family by his side. To his many patients and friends, he was simply called “Doc“. 

Roy was born June 9, 1926, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to Levi and Edna (Reiman) Farnsworth and was a birthday present for his sister Margorie, aged six, in whose care he was placed. Following employment opportunities, the family moved to various locations in Saskatchewan. The lasting impression for Roy was homesteading in northern Saskatchewan where he developed his love of horses from his father, his appreciation for poetry from his mother and the value of honesty and hard work from both. His sense of humour was his own. 

After multiple crop failures from drought and disease, the decision was made in the fall of 1936 to move to Vancouver near relatives. Roy hunted deer for the family table on Burnaby Mountain, dug peat and any other work that came available while being an excellent student and president of the student council. During this time Roy developed a passion for boxing, started training at age 14 and earned an invitation to the Golden Gloves. As well as being keen of eye, Roy was fleet of foot and set a track record in hurdles at UBC which stood for many years. 

Roy had a longshoring crew off the docks of Vancouver for a number of years. Together with his brother Gerry they formed a dance band and played in dance halls at various locations including Surrey and Burnaby. Although Roy played a number of instruments the accordion was his favourite. He also spent two summers with the Merchant Marines off the west coast. 

Roy entered the Dentistry program at UBC but after two years he followed his brothers Earl and Gerry to Toronto, enrolling in the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and graduated July, 1951. During his final year at college Roy managed their out-patient clinic. When looking for a place to practise Roy came to Vernon because it was good riding country. Dr. Roy’s first office was on the property now known as Justice Park. His practice was relocated to 32nd Street where he practised for many years including nights to treat loggers and ranchers and other daytime workers so they where able to work the next day. Roy also had clinics during this time in the Kootenays, Revelstoke and Calgary. Roy’s motto was do as much as you can at one time because you may never see that person again. He retired in 2001 from his home office on Middleton Mountain (known as Back Achers Ranch). 

Roy loved his patients and they loved him back, developing lifelong friendships with people from all walks of life and abilities, sometimes spanning 4 generations in a family. 

Early in the years of practise Roy’s family grew up on the “Half Ass Ranch” on Highway 6 raising all sorts of farm animals from chickens to cows and of course horses, providing food, love and entertainment for the family. Roy bred and trained Morgan horses and over 200 horses passed through his gates. Working outside he was never without a small fire earning his name “Torch” from his family. 

Roy’s gift to the community was selling 90 acres of Middleton Mountain to the Regional District for park purposes so “no buildings would be built on the top”. This contribution to the greater Middleton 

Mountain Park is known as Farnsworth Nature Reserve. 

Roy loved simple things like camping outdoors, sitting by a fire or riding on his beloved mountain. He eagerly looked forward to the annual fall hunt, mostly for the camping and companionship in later years with Gerry and friend Dale. A life member of the Vernon Trap & Skeet Club Roy shot at local Okanagan clubs and internationally, particularly in New Zealand. He also acquiring a gliding licence and pilot’s licence in that country. Roy enjoyed travelling. He also enjoyed a good joke and his quirky grin always signalled a good one was coming. 

Believing in 5-year plans Roy was a lifetime goal setter, always seeking knowledge, constantly challenging himself and encouraging others to see and seek their potential. 

Roy Farnsworth is survived by his wife Dianne, children Larry, Gail and Carol, grandchildren, great grandchildren, niece and nephews. Predeceased by his son Darcy, his parents and siblings Earl, Gerry and Margorie. 

Roy was cremated at his request. By family request no public service will be held. A private family celebration of life will take place at a later date. 

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: