Charles R. Farmer

Friends and family of Charles R. Farmer, “Charley”, sadly announce his passing at Serenity House Santa Barbara on January 13, 2019. Although he was born in Potsdam, NY, April 12, 1951, he finally settled and lived a full and happy life in California; most of that time in Santa Barbara. A US Air Force veteran, his education and passion led him to a career in software engineering. Living and working in Santa Barbara he met and married Christy Kelso and began his lifelong relationship with her two sons, Eric Foote and Matt Laband. Charley was instrumental in helping to raise two fine young boys into adulthood. He remained family to Matt, Eric and Christy despite the break up of the marriage. All three were by his side with support and love as he battled cancer over his last years.

Charley gained many friends through his sporting endeavors, including golf, softball, and skiing. He will be remembered for his generous heart, technical intelligence, his wit, and his uncanny ability and determination to live life on his own terms. He’ll be deeply missed in Palo Alto, Lake Tahoe, Kauai, and here in Santa Barbara. Those who knew him appreciated his fun-loving nature which added laughter and fond memories to the golf round, the bridge table, and numerous social gatherings over multiple decades. He was unique and those who knew him well were familiar with his frequent answer to their question of why…”because I’m Charley Farmer.” We salute his life well lived and keep him close to our hearts.