OUR LOVING FRIEND DONALD
Don was many things to many people in his 78 years of life. Born in Carey Idaho, on May 20, 1927, he was the son of Nettie Gifford Farnworth and Henry Farnworth. He was a brother to Allen, who is since deceased, and is survived by his other brother Farrin of Emmett Idaho and sister Lois Dennis of Provo Utah. Growing up as a boy, Don was always thinking about traveling and doing big things with his life and his passions; dance and theater. Don’s parents had a love for dancing and would bring the children on weekends to church dances where Don, his sister and brothers all developed their own love of dancing. Although he had been exposed to theater and dance in his small Idaho town, Don knew he would someday have to travel to the big city to pursue his dreams. Don contracted polio while he was young and eventually overcame the paralyzing disease. Don was a frequent sufferer of ear infections as a child eventually resulting in partial deafness in one ear. Don entered the military in 1943 at the age of 18. While in the Army, he received an honorable discharge due to his deafness and returned to Idaho where he studied dance at the Dori Moon Dance Studio in Boise Idaho. With Don’s abilities, his teacher’s told him they couldn’t teach him much more so he soon left Idaho for NYC to pursue his dream of becoming a professional dancer. With his talent and good looks, he quickly became well known in the circles of dance, ballet and theater. Don performed on Broadway in the original “Bye Bye Birdie” with the likes of Chita Rivera and Dick Vandyke and other original cast members. He danced and acted in a number of other shows and productions like “Shinbone Alley”, further developing his talents and also his own style and eventually his own dance and teaching techniques which he moved on to teach to a large number of students and industry greats in his own NYC dance school and rightfully earned the title of “Ballet Master”. Don went on to choreograph and contribute to a number of productions and was well respected and loved in many communities. Don settled in West Milford, NJ and had traveled throughout Europe, eventually buying a small place in Athens, Greece in his later years where he would vacation. He taught dance in Greece, worked on clients and friends and developed his own style and techniques in the specialties of Shiatsu and Reiki for which he became certified as a “Reiki Master”. Don had an intense intuition for the body and the human form. He treated and administered care to a number of clients, patients and friends in his lifetime. He was a natural healer and a generous friend with a big heart. Don was also a survivor. He suffered from a fall in his later years and injured his hip resulting in the shortening of one leg and a noticeable limp. Don, eventually had a hip replacement, got rid of his shoe lift, and kept on keepin’ on. At 66, Don suffered a serious stroke while in Greece. Don was finally well enough to come home and with the help of his friends he made a full recovery utilizing the techniques he developed to help himself with rehabilitation. Despite life’s handicaps, he continued his work unhindered and as strong as ever. He was a very strong man in body and mind. The “Farnworth Techniques” he created are still being taught today by several of his protégées. Despite the challenges Don faced, he always had a positive outlook, never complaining about his conditions, especially towards the end; always independent, with a great sense of humor and always optimistic about tomorrow. Don was an inspiration, a teacher and most of all; Don was a great friend to many individuals. Don, we all love you very much and will miss you dearly, and until we see you again, we will keep your memory and loving, guiding friendship and teachings close to our hearts.
DONALD J. FARNWORTH MAY 20, 1927 – FEBRUARY 20, 2006 - (Obituary)
FARNWORTH- Donald J., of West Milford, on February 20, 2006, in his 78 year. Loving brother of Farrin Farnworth, and Lois Dennis. Also survived by many treasured nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to The Morrison Funeral Home, 86 Bartholdi Ave, Butler, NJ, at 10 am on Friday, February 24, 2006, where a funeral service will be held at 11AM. Visiting, 6-9pm, Thursday. The final disposition will be in private.
Guestbook
Marianne McKernan of Charlottesville, Virginia
March 03, 2006
With sincere sympathy for your loss of a very sweet man! Hugs, Marianne
Barb
March 01, 2006
What a beautiful tribute! What a lucky man to have such good friends and have lived such a full life!
Susan and Bruce Breeman of Beachwood, New Jersey
February 23, 2006
We send our thoughts and sympathies to family and friends.
John & Gerry Bergantino of Kennesaw, Georgia
February 22, 2006
Dearest Friend of many years. Our hearts are sadden by the loss of not only of a dear friend but by Don who we spent many years together and loved. You will always be remembered for your loving kindness and close friendship in our family. May your road to heaven be a reunion with those you loved, especially with our belated cousin Robert Hauer who Don lived with for many years. Don was not only a dear friend but part of our family. May you rest in peace with those you loved. Our Thanks to you David for being at Don's side throughout his time of need. David you have an open invitation to our home. Thanks for being with Don he spoke highly of you many times.
Tracy of Andover, NJ
February 22, 2006
May the beautiful memories of Don and the lives of all those he touched throughout his life remain in your hearts forever, he was a wonderful, gentle and kind man with a twinkle in his eyes that never dimmed. You will be missed but never forgotten! Our deepest sympathies. Tracy & Allan Brucato
Tracy of Green, NJ
February 22, 2006
May Beautiful Memories of Don and all of his glorious life accomplishments, give you strength at this difficult time. He touched our lives and will never be forgotten. With deepest sympathy, Tracy & Allan Brucato
Paul Valvo of Wantage, NJ
February 22, 2006
What can you say about a guy like Don? He was an excellent friend and teacher who taught me many things and helped me whenever I was in need. His heart was bigger than he was. I always admired Don for how he was independent and did exactly what he wanted to do in life...and did it well. Don was an inspiration to many people and he will be missed. With much love, Paul Valvo Wantage, NJ
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