John Edward 'Ted' Farr

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ted Farr in Kelowna, on October 6, 2023.

Ted was born in Brantford, Ontario on February 4, 1948, a birthday he shares with his only grandchild, Jonathan Murphy, born in 2010. 

Ted is survived by his charming and supportive wife - Terrie, daughter Natalie (Rob) Murphy and grandson Jonathan Murphy of West Kelowna; Sisters - Frances (Merv) Schneidmiller of Mill Bay, Shirley Farr of Toronto and Cathy (Calvin) Kokot of Calgary; Brother Doug Farr of Victoria; brother-in-law Vern Cousins, sister-in-law Sandy Newton; nieces Jennifer Newton, Megan Schneidmiller; nephews Kelly Newton and Sean Cousins, Jarrod (Megan) Kokot and Nathan Schneidmiller.

Ted was predeceased by his beloved son, Jonathan Farr, in 2008; and by both of his parents, Jack Farr in 2013 and Catherine Farr in 2016; brothers-in-law Jimmy Zietsoff in 1983, Arden Newton in 2017 and sister-in-law Mona Cousins in 2017. 

Ted’s radio career began in 1969 and many remember him as the contributing news reader “Tall Ted” on the Doc Harris Show on CKLG.  He transitioned to management which lead him to stops in Winnipeg (twice!), Calgary and Saskatoon. Colleagues remember Ted as a gifted script writer, effective leader, skilled content developer, supportive mentor/coach and commanding public speaker.

Ted was inducted into the B.C. Country Music Association Hall of Fame in 2011 for his creation of the CKWX Songwriters Competition, which established a link between West Coast songwriting talent and Nashville.

After 37 years behind-the-scenes, he made his on-air return in 2018 as News Director and Midday News Anchor at Kelowna’s AM 1150, a position he still held at the time of his passing.

This year was his 54th year in broadcasting, an achievement he was very proud of.

Ted will be remembered as an upstanding family man.  He adored his wife and embraced her Doukhobor heritage as his own. Ted & Terrie (T&T) celebrated their 52nd Anniversary on October 1st of this year.  In Ted’s own words: “Your love and support for 52 years has been priceless.”

T&T were a fearless and unstoppable parenting team!  He was so proud of both of his children and loved them fiercely.  He made a conscious effort to attend their important events and he championed their endeavours.  Their home was often a beehive of activity as they typically befriended all their neighbours on the street and their children’s friends’ families wherever they lived; many of whom are still in contact with them.  Their home was the hub for so many dinner parties and celebrations.  They extended such genuine hospitality to everyone.

Although his son Jonathan’s death fundamentally changed both Terrie and Ted, they remained resolute in choosing life, resiliency and joy every day in his memory (#17). 

Ted was an avid sports fan (especially if they involved his grandson - Go Fusion West Lacrosse!), and memorabilia collector (count yourself as one of the lucky ones if you have had THE tour).

He loved the Toronto Maple Leafs, classic cars, old radios and microphones, Motown, country music, and single malt whiskies (only 2 and an occasional third) on his deck which served as the family's ‘happy hour lounge’. Ted had a great sense of humour (ask about ‘dog drawer’, Scoop, Squeezex or Rink the dink) and was quick to laugh.

Although he is missed desperately, we are grateful that we got to share in his remarkable life!  

“When you look at the horizon over Okanagan Lake

Or you’re driving in your Mustang with your favourite date,

Don’t forget the radio playing soulful melodies

And when you see a pink sunset, remember me!”

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.