BX February 5, 1945
Percy Farnsworth, Well-Known Local Resident, Passes
Percy L.W. Farnsworth, leading Anglican layman, former member of the Customs staff here, and well-known throughout Western Ontario as a cricket enthusiast, died in the Brantford General Hospital this morning his 69th year. He resided at 233 Marlborough Street.
Percy Farnsworth was born in Derby, England, in 1875, the son of William Farnsworth and Sarah Colborne, and had been a member of the Anglican Church for 61 years, being active all that time. When he was eight years old he was a member of St. George’s Anglican Church in Derby, where his father was lay reader and Sunday School Superintendent.
In 1907 the Farnsworth family moved to Keighley, Yorkshire and he became a member of the Parish Church choir. One year later he came to Canada settling in Hamilton. He joined the Choir of Christ Church there. Joining the staff of the London Life Insurance Company, he moved to London, Ont. And became a member of St. Paul’s Choir. While in St. Paul’s Choir. While in London, he also served for a time as Choirmaster at St. Matthew’s Church.
After being in London for two years, the Farnsworth family moved to this City, and Mr. Farnsworth joined the Choir of St. John’s Anglican Church, West Brantford, going from there to St. Jude’s Church. He was Choirmaster at St. Jude’s for nearly five years.
In 1915 he went to Grace Church and with the exception of one 12-month period when he was Choirmaster at Oxford Street Methodist Church, he had been there since.
During the past quarter of a century, Mr. Farnsworth was a familiar figure. As Crucifier he carries the upraised cross at the head of the choir procession at Grace. He retired just a short time before his death, and was honored by the Church he had served so faithfully and well.
He took a great interest in choral music and was prominent in the famous Schubert Choir, founded and directed by Dr. Henri K. Jordan. He sang in the Choir for many years and was President at one time.
Mr. Farnsworth was for 29 years a valued member of the local staff of the Customs and Excise Branch, Department of National Revenue. He retired recently.
A cricketer of merit himself, he was most prominent in the sport here and did much to keep the game going in this district and through Western Ontario. He was a Past President of the Brantford Crickey Club. He was also interested in soccer and was a capable referee. In later years he took up bowling, being a member of the Dufferin Club.
Surviving is his widow, the former Mary Thornthwaite, one son, Cyril, two daughters, Mrs. Ross Graves and Mrs. Donald Williams, all of this city, two brothers, Charles and Arthur Farnsworth, both of England, and one sister, Mrs. Ernest Foster.
Mr. Farnsworth is resting at the Beckett Funeral Home until Wednesday afternoon when service will be held in Grace Church. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
