Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 08:44:38 :
Point Reyes Light - November 14, 2002
Nicasio's Dan Farley, 47, dies of stroke on trip
By Larken Bradley
Lifelong Nicasio resident Daniel "Danny" Mark Farley died Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Grand Junction, Colorado, after suffering a massive stroke while on a hunting trip with friends. He was 47.
Legendary sense of humor
A carpenter by trade, Mr. Farley was well known in the community for his sense of humor and propensity for practical joking. Several years ago, when Nicasio residents were in an uproar over the threat of new monster-sized houses being built on the historic square, Mr. Farley seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire on April Fool’s Day.
In the dark of night he installed story poles around tiny, white wood-framed St. Mary’s Catholic Church, suggesting imminent expansion. At noon, after townspeople had worked themselves into a lather, Mr. Farley posted a sign outside the church that read "April Fool’s."
Born on August 5, 1955, Mr. Farley attended Nicasio School and Sir Francis Drake High School in San Anselmo. After graduation he went on to College of the Redwoods in Eureka, where he earned a two-year technical degree in carpentry.
Always cheerful
While Mr. Farley struggled with health concerns from a young age, "He was always so cheerful," said his mother, Grace Farley, whom he lived with his entire life. More than two decades ago, his sister, Terri Carlson of Nicasio, donated a kidney to her brother for replacement surgery.
A partial hearing loss steered him toward self-employment, and he was kept busy with a steady flow of carpentry contracts in Nicasio, his mother reported.
On Wednesday friend Ken Ishizu of Petaluma, a member of Mr. Farley’s Colorado hunting party, described him as someone, "Who always made the best of things . . . always looked for the good in people." One of a group of friends who tried to outdo one another with pranks, Ishizu admitted that no one was ever able to get even with Mr. Farley after he tricked a friend into tasting beef jerky intended for dogs.
"Danny was the funniest, funniest guy," added his cousin Cat Cowles of Inverness. A devoted 49ers fan, unbeknownst to his aunt, Mr. Farley once managed to put a frame with the team’s logo around her license plate. His aunt, explained Cowles, is a diehard Raider fan.
Avid hunter
An avid hunter, Mr. Farley enjoyed the sport in West Marin, and made several trips to Colorado over the years during elk season.
"Danny’s up there hunting now," Ishizu ventured.
Mr. Farley was a member of the Druid’s, and the National Rifle Association.
He was predeceased by his father, Robert Farley, in 1984.
He is survived by his mother, Grace Farley, of Nicasio; brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Joanne Farley of Petaluma; brother, Robert Farley of Point Arena; sister and brother-in-law, Terri and Chris Carlson of Nicasio; nephews, Bryan and Jamie Farley of Petaluma; nieces, Melissa and Krista Carlson of Nicasio; and nephew, Kevin Farley of Mill Valley.
The family has suggested that any memorial contributions be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Preservation Fund, PO Box 501, Nicasio 94946.
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