Thomas T. Farley

thomas farley

November 10, 1934 ~ August 23, 2010


Resided in: Pueblo, CO

Thomas T. Farley Fortified by the Sacraments, and in the company of family, Thomas Tancred Farley entered immortality on Aug. 23, 2010, after a long and valiant fight with cancer. Born Nov. 10, 1934, in Pueblo, to John B. Farley M.D. and Mary T. Farley who preceded him in death. His brother, John B. Farley, Jr. died before Tom was born. He was also preceded in death by his aunt, Marcella Farley Dillon. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen M. Farley; children, Fr. John B. Farley, Grand Junction, Michael M. Farley (Stella), Littleton, Kelly K. Farley and Anne-Michele Farley (Jack Wooley), both of Pueblo. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Maria Magdalene, Isabella Kathleen and Thomas Maxson. He is also survived by his cousin, Ann Seibert (Bill) of Ontario, Calif. and nephews, Patrick and Michael Horan, Santa Fe, N. M. Tom graduated from Pueblo Catholic High in 1952 and Santa Clara University in California in 1956, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Economics. In 1959, he graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a LL.B (Law Degree). Throughout his life, Tom dedicated his energies to public service and the underdog. Tom loved his home town, Pueblo, and accomplished a great deal for the community. He was a senior partner in the premier law firm of Petersen & Fonda and specialized in education, health care, and public utilities law. Tom was the longtime attorney for Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo City Schools, and Southeast Colorado Power Association. Tom championed the rural electric company based in La Junta in 'colorful' cases against Public Service Company and Montrose-based Colorado Ute. A former State Representative from Pueblo, Tom served as one of the youngest Minority Leaders in the nation. During his long political career, he was a candidate in the Gubernatorial Democratic Primary. Tom had a lifelong love of radio and owned KBRR in Leadville and KGHF (later KKAM) in Pueblo. Tom Farley was a great friend and supporter of the Colorado State University System. In past years, he served as the Chairman of the CSU State Board of Agriculture. For the past two years, Tom also served on the CSU Board of Governors which includes schools in Ft. Collins and Pueblo. At the time of his death, he served as Community Advisor to Wells Fargo Bank of Pueblo and on the Catholic Diocese of Pueblo Finance Committee. He served on the Health Net (QualMed) Board of Directors and as a regent for Santa Clara University in California. Tom also was President of the Farley Foundation and was active in the Colorado Forum, Rotary Club No. 43, Monday Evening Club, BPO Elks No. 90, Knights of Columbus, and Pueblo County and Colorado Bar Associations. He previously served on the boards for Public Service Company of Colorado, Colorado Wildlife Commission, Colorado Public Radio, Pueblo Catholic Charities, Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, and Pueblo Economic Development Corporation. Tom was also a charter trustee of Great Outdoors Colorado and helped secure a $1 million legacy grant for the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk Project. As a member of the Colorado State Fair Commission, he fought hard to keep the Fair in Pueblo and first introduced 'Farley's Fireworks' to the annual event. He was instrumental in expanding the status of the Junior Livestock Sale and by inviting prominent Denver businesses to form a buyer's group and increase prices for the prize-winning animals. Throughout his lifetime, Tom received many honors including the Pueblo Community College's Pueblo Hall of Fame, Distinguished Service Awards from the University of Colorado and University of Southern Colorado (now CSU-Pueblo), Sierra Club's 'Foremost Among Fifty' (1978), Southern Colorado Press Club's Mel Harmon Community Award, and Parkview Medical Center Foundation's Starlight Gala Honoree. Tom Farley was also listed in Marquis' Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Business and Finance, and Who's Who in the World. He loved his travels around the world including favorite trips to Portugal, Prague, India and Turkey. He was disappointed not to be able to visit Iran, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon because of his illness this spring. Tom Farley was most proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments: Fr. John B. Farley, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Grand Junction; Michael M. Farley, Director of Budgets at Colorado State University-Pueblo; Mike's wife, Stella, a dental hygienist; Kelly K. Farley, Security Guard; Anne M. Farley, certified Occupational Therapist Assistant and Licensed Massage Therapist; and Anne's companion, Jack, an office manager at DGI Supply Co. His oldest granddaughter, Maria, will be attending Santa Clara University in California in the fall. Grandchildren, Isabella and Thomas attend Heritage High School in Littleton, Colo. Tom established scholarships at Pueblo Community College in honor of his daughters and daughter-in-law. When asked about his greatest lifetime achievements, Tom would often talk about being appointed by former Bishop Charles A. Buswell to the Christian Unity Commission which organized the first ecumenical Mass with the Colorado Episcopal Diocese Bishop Minnick. In post-Vatican II times, Tom took great pleasure in hosting many activist church leaders in his home such as the Fr. Charles Davis, Fr. Daniel Barrigan, Fr. Phillip Barrigan, and prominent nuns during those turbulent times. He also traveled to El Salvador where he visited with activists from Santa Clara after the deaths of Archbishop Romero, several Jesuits and a group of Catholic Nuns. He helped establish the Nancy Crafton Farm Worker/Migrant Worker Endowment Fund at the Southern Colorado Community Foundation. During the last decade of his life, he worked closely with Chief Judge Dennis Maes and Magistrate Rebecca Moss to create a successful Truancy Court program to help keep youth in school. As Chair of the Colorado Wildlife Commission, 1975-1979, he spearheaded a drive to reintroduce moose to Colorado. Today, there are an estimated 1, 000 moose in the state. As a proponent for the Frying Pan-Arkansas water project, Tom recognized the value and importance of water to this region. He loved artistic water fountains and felt they were important focal points for public buildings and gathering places. He gave of his own money and encouraged others to support the building of fountains. Tom and the late Bret Kelly donated the campus fountain to Colorado State University-Pueblo in 1987. The late Dr. Gerry Reilly and Rosemary Reilly helped Tom build the Reilly-Farley fountain at HARP and Santa Clara University and also donated money for water fountains located at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, Confluence Park (Victoria and Grand Avenues) in Pueblo, Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center (in honor of Kathy Farley), and entry way of Parkview Medical Center. Tom was renowned for his storytelling and wicked sense of humor. He loved good food and wine and enjoyed hosting parties to celebrate Columbus Day, Bastille Day, Cinco de Mayo, and many other political gatherings. Christmas was Tom's favorite holiday, and he looked forward to having the annual 'Goose Dinner' at his home where invited guests listened to a recording of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' portrayed by Ronald Coleman. He hosted parties at the Farley Ranch for friends and charity benefits. Although a life-long Democrat, Tom recently became a fan of Fox News for its 'balanced' news coverage and frequent stories about the lovely and photogenic Sarah Palin. As a voracious reader, regular Christ the King parishioner, devout Catholic, Jesuit-educated, he will be missed by his family and many friends. Thanks to the great care from the staff at Parkview and special care given at home by Mary, Dean, and Jason, all of whom made his final months more comfortable. There will be no viewing. Vigil service, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, and funeral Mass, 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, with Bishop Fernando Isern, Msgr. Thomas Adrians and Fr. John B. Farley as concelebrants and eulogies by Ray Kogovsek and Gene Petrone. Both services will be held at Christ the King Church, 1708 Horseshoe Dr. Following the Mass, the family will host a reception at the church hall. Private interment at Roselawn Cemetery. The family requests the omission of flowers and food. Memorials may be made to Colorado State University-Pueblo Foundation scholarships and/or to Pueblo Community College Foundation (scholarships founded by Tom Farley) either directly or through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences: www.montgomerysteward.com

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  1. I was doing random web searches tonight (Sept 2,20012) in an effort to avoid going to bed when I happened to follow a search for a friend to this notice. I met Tom a few times over the years and found him to be a very nice person who could tell a great story. My hubby and I ate at a little Italian place with him and his daughter Anne (my friend) in NY years ago. I still have warm feelings from the good food, good wine and good conversation. He was a generous man and I’m sorry to hear he is gone. I’m also sorry I didn’t know sooner but thats my fault for not keeping in closer touch to a dear friend.

  2. Dear Kathy,
    I am so sorry to have taken so long to let you know that my thoughts have been with you. The Farleys have been so special to Pueblo’s history and legacy.That commitment is extraordinary!
    I know that this time of year is hard when we have lost special loved ones, but so many of us are so thankful for YOU and Tom and what you have given us as a community. May God bless you as you continue going about doing good.Love IS eternal, so may you feel that comfort and peace.
    Sincerely, Leah Samuelson

  3. Dear Ann Michelle, Wanted to express my sympathies to you and yours concerning the loss of your Father. You were the “apple of Grandma Lucy’s eye”. You were so kind when my parents passed, and I wish I could be there for you. Take care of yourself and God bless. CarolGordon Louie’s youngest daughter

  4. Kathy and family,
    Gary and I send our condolences to you. Pueblo has lost one of its most dedicated supporters. My parents, Kay and Bill Baker, knew the Farleys and I remember visiting their home as a little girl. My stepfather, Dr. Frank Stander, was Dr. Farley’s partner, and he, too, knew and respected Tom. He will be missed.
    Respectfully,
    Ann and Gary Kochenberger

  5. We were so sorry that previous commitments kept us from the memorial. Tom was a local treasure that will be sorely missed. Kathy, our best to you and your family.

  6. Many fond memories and stories about Tom. Here’s just one of many. At a Colorate Ute hearing in Lamar, Tom and I were sitting next to each other at one of several counsel tables. Colorado Ute had distributed huge (I mean huge)computer printouts with blue plastic covers of its airplane manifests. I turned to Tom with one of these huge printouts, and in a low voice, I said, “I have here the names of every communist in the State Department.” Tom burst into a roaring laugh which startled administrative law judge Robert Temmer and the hearing room. I apologized to Judge Temmer and said, “Just a little private joke, your honor.” Those of you over 50 will understand the joke.

    Kathy is the sister of my longtime and now deceased East High School friend and Princeton roommate Dick Murphy who was also a groomsman at our wedding. To her and the family, our heartfelt condolences. We will miss Tom greatly.

    John and Molly Archibold

  7. I haven’t seen Tom since we graduated together from CU Law School in 1959.
    In law school he was a colorful person and apparently he lived a beneficial and happy life. He was a good man, then and lived to the fullest. Cheers! Tom.
    Chuck Graves

  8. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. He was a great man, fantastic person, (and from growing up with the kids) the best father anyone could ask for. John, Mike, Kelly, and Anne we spent alot of time in the pools together both during the summer and in high school. Your father was always helping others and trying to get them to be the best person they could be. Paula and I send all our love, sympathy and prayers to all of you.

  9. Kathy,
    I first met you and Tom when Jessie invited you to one of our Cameo Club parties. You and Tom came to many of our functions after that. Remember those happy Halloween dress-up parties? Both of you were such good friends to us. Even though we didn’t see each other so much after Jessie’s death, every time we did meet, you and Tom greeted us like “old” friends and always asked about our family. We are honored to have known Tom and know you will miss him greatly. Our community has lost a GREAT man! May you get comfort in knowing that he left a legacy that few can match. Al and I hold you and your family in our hearts and prayers.

    May God with you always. Only in our faith are we able to understand God’s wisdom in all He does. Without our faith, we would not have been able to accept the sudden death of our son last year. God bless you, Kathy.

  10. We have learned of Tom’s passing and want you to know you have our deepest sympathy. We know this is all a part of life, but it is never easy to lose a loved one. May you have many fond memories. Our community appreciates all the many things he has done for us and for Colorado. Thank you, Tom Farley!

  11. Cathy: My sincere sympathy and condolences to you. I’m remembering good times with you and our committe on “the arts.” Good days rather long ago. Phyllis

  12. Kathy and family, it was indeed my pleasure to be able to work with Tom on his campaign and in the Statehouse. What a great guy he was and I will always remember how much he loved you all!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and may his memory be eternal.

  13. Dear Mrs. Farley,
    Tom was a respected and mature classmate of mine at Santa Clara, showing advanced responsibilities in comparison with the majority of us young men.
    I personally marveled at that, but never was able to do that myself.
    What I am trying to say that Tom was a marvelous person and may I offer my most sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss.
    Our Blessings and prayers to you and yours.
    Larry and Betty Burke
    Pleasanton, CA

  14. Dear Kathy and family:

    So many special memories! I remember our Farley, Fuhr and Grimshaw family trips to Lake Powell. John was Speaker of the House and Tom was minority leader. Both ran for governor against Dick Lamm – Tom in a primary and John in the general election. Both lost! But partisan differences didn’t affect the wonderful times we all had, including our children.

    I cherish our friendship.

    Tom Grimshaw

  15. Mr. Farley was an incredible man. Thanks to his help, I am presently attending law school at Santa Clara. Words cannot express the tremendous impact he has had on my future. I will carry that immense gift with me always. My deepest condolences.

  16. Tom has touched so many and done so much, we have all lost a great friend, mentor, and leader. We are forever grateful for having Tom in our lives and have his entire family in our thoughts and prayers.

  17. Our deepest sympathy to the family of Tom Farley. He was so knowledgable about many things. He will be sadly missed by many people. Vaya Con Dios. May peace be upon each and every family member.

  18. I had the honor of working for this really terrific and caring man. I was saddened to hear of his passing. He did so much for so many and will be missed by all! His legacey will live on forever. I send my sympathy to his family and will keep you in my prayers.

  19. It was my honor to serve in the State House of Representatives in the early ’70’s in the Democratic minority under the principled and effective leadership of Rep. Tom Farley. I have wonderful memories, almost 40 years later of Tom’s friendship, his oratorical skills, his sense of humor, and his outstanding ability to work with legislators in both parties. He served our state extremely well.

  20. Kathy and family, Pat and I hold you in our thoughts. Kathy, we know how much your marriage was a loving and beautiful partnership.

  21. We already miss our dear friend Tom. A man of great character and subtle humor, he served with us on the Health Net board for 16 years. More than a corporate friend, Tom was family to us and his skill and good sense cannot be replaced.
    Blessings and comfort to Kathy and the family, Roger and Erika

  22. Tom and I were law school classmates at the University of Colorado (1956-1959). Although his health prevented him attending our 50 year class reunion last fall, he made a generous donation helping us to establish a Class of 1959 Scholarship Fund. He was a generous and caring person who will be greatly missed by many.

  23. Dear Kathy and Family, My sincere condolences on the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. What a beautiful obituary, and I do remember his wicked sense of humor. He has left a wonderful legacy for his family and all humanity. Juanita Cisneros, Loveland, Co.

  24. Farley Family,

    You are all in my thoughts and prayers on the loss of Tom.

    He was a political mentor and idol to me. His memory and desire to serve those most in need will live on by so many of us who he mentored.

    The time I was able to spend with Tom will always be cherished.

    May he rest in peace.

    Victor Raigoza

  25. Tom had a wealth of experiences that included family, world travel, diverse clientele and politics, all of which combined to make him one of the most interesting persons I have ever met. It was my pleasure to work for Tom at Petersen & Fonda, and he never failed to surprise me with his observations, strategies, and delight in pulling off a good one-liner. Lately, he told me of his trip to India. Tom’s description of the people, their customs and environment, relayed his admiration for a country rife with spirituality, undiminished by poverty. A well-traveled man, he said this trip was a revelation to him in that he had never seen a place where core beliefs were celebrated every day. Tom said this trip was one of the most authentic experiences of his life and he was grateful for it. This shows a side of Tom which is beyond the civic leader, attorney, economics whiz and jokester extraordinaire.

    To Tom’s family, Anne in particular, I send my deepest sympathies for your loss.

  26. Tom represented Southeast Colorado Power Association for over 40 years. His “wicked” sense of humor, keen wit and abundant caring for people were qualities we enjoyed every meeting that Tom attended with us. I worked closely with Tom the last few years of his life in a variety of business matters and came to appreciate the wonderful qualities of his personality. We will miss him greatly.

  27. My condolences to the Kathy and the Farley family. I first met Mr. Farley when I started the Chamber in 1974 and he was serving on the Board of Directors. He cared about Pueblo and worked hard for its benefit. We will miss you Mr. Farley.

    Cathy Garcia

  28. After reading the words expressed in the Chieftain and other publications, there’s little more for me to add. The years at Petersen & Fonda were great and Tom was one of the reasons. When I retired, my last day there was memorable: I was typing a label when Tom came up and quietly asked if this was my last day. I nodded expecting some sort of acknowledgement of my great work and dedication when he leaned over and said, “Could you replace one of the light bulbs in my chandelier?” I’ll miss you, Tom.


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