Michael "Mike" Farnan

1941 - 2024  (83 years)

• Name	Michael "Mike" Farnan
  Born	29 Jan 1941	Dublin, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
  Gender	Male
  Interesting	politics
  Name	Mike Farnan
  Eby ID Number	Waterloo-488066
  Died	24 Jun 2024
  Person ID	I488066	Generations
  Last Modified	28 Jan 2025

  
  

• Notes

  Mike Farnan, former Cambridge MPP and NDP cabinet minister, dies Farnan was Ontario's Solicitor General and Minister of Transportation in the New Democratic Party government of the early 1990s. He remained active behind the scenes in politics for many years after that. Mike Farnan, former New Democratic Party MPP for Cambridge, and a cabinet minister in the provincial government of Premier Bob Rae, has died. He was 83. Farnan's son, Rory, announced his father's death Monday evening on Facebook. "Today Tanya and I said farewell to my beloved father, and grandfather to our children, Mike Farnan," Rory Farnan's post said. "His kindness, wisdom, and love touched the lives of many. As we mourn his loss, let us celebrate the beautiful memories he leaves behind. May he rest in eternal peace. ??? "His passing was peaceful, with dignity and love, surrounded by family and friends. Always in our hearts, and minds, we love you, Dad." Rory said that his father had opted for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) after struggling with pancreatic cancer that had spread through his body. "He was in pain," Rory said. After his career as an elected official ended in 1995, Farnan remained active in local politics. He was the president of the Cambridge New Democrats riding association for many years, and assisted the campaign of Scott Hamilton, who ran for the party in the 2019 Cambridge federal election, and later became a city councillor. "He gave a lot of his free time," said Doug Craig, a regional councillor for Cambridge who had been the city's mayor for 18 years before that. "He was a great supporter of small groups and people in the community." Craig said he himself went to Farnan for political advice in 2022, when he was running for regional councillor. Farnan helped him understand the depth of concern that was rising in the city around homelessness and addictions, Craig said. "Mike was just a great guy," Craig said. "An easy person to talk to, an easy friend." Farnan, a teacher, was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in 1987, beating Liberal Claudette Millar, the city's former mayor, by just 101 votes. When the New Democratic Party government was swept into power in 1990, Farnan was Solicitor General and later Minister of Transportation. He and his government were defeated in 1995 when the Progressive Conservative party, led by former Premier Mike Harris, won decisively across the province. Visitation for Mike Farnan will take place Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the T. Little Funeral Home, 223 Main St., Cambridge. A ceremony of life takes place Friday at 11 a.m. Luisa D'Amato is a Waterloo Region Record reporter and columnist. Reach her by email at ldamato@therecord.com D'Amato, L. (2024) Mike Farnan, former Cambridge MPP and NDP cabinet minister, dies, The Record. Available at: https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/mike-farnan-former-cambridge-mpp-and-ndp-cabinet-minister-dies/article_969dc3d5-2495-55b5-9fe6-425f340df0af.html (Accessed: 26 June 2024). ____________ It is with profound sadness that the family of Michael (Mike) Farnan announces his peaceful passing on Monday, June 24, 2024, at the age of 83. Mike was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Mike will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 28 years, Jane; his children Rory (Tanya) and Kevin (Theresa); as well as his grandchildren Kaydyn, Michael, Alexander, Liam, and Tilly. Mike is predeceased by his wife Maureen and daughter Cara. Mike was born in Dublin Ireland on January 29, 1941, and raised in a strong Catholic family. Following high-school, Mike entered the Marist Seminary in Dublin for five years. Also in that period, Mike studied history and world religions at the University of Dublin. After leaving Ireland, Mike studied at the University of London, and started his teaching career in England for seven years. In 1970, Mike immigrated to Canada, and continued his teaching in Montreal. During that period, Mike studied at McGill University, and graduated with a Masters of Education. After obtaining his Masters, Mike moved to Cambridge where he started his family. It was there that he began his work in politics, and the labour movement, with the goal of being a strong voice for the people. As a teacher, Mike held a union leadership role in the advancement of teachers, while advocating for a fair and just society. From 1982-1987, Mike was a municipal councilor in Cambridge. Mike was first elected Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) in 1987, serving in various critic roles as a member of the opposition. In 1990 Mike was re-elected as part of the Bob Rae Government and held various Cabinet positions, including Minister of Transportation, Associate Minister of Education, Minister of Correctional Services, Minister of the Solicitor General, and First Deputy Speaker of the House. After his political career ended in 1995, Mike started his own business as Real Estate Broker, and later returned to teach for 3 years to end his teaching career. During his retirement, Mike continued to play an active role in the community. Mike's lifelong commitment of service has touched the lives of many. He has helped and inspired countless people in promoting a positive way of living. Mike leaves an everlasting legacy, and will always be remembered for his laugher, wisdom, kindness, and love. Mike will be honored at T. Little Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, Cambridge. Visitations will take place Thursday June 27, between 2-4 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. A ceremony of life takes place Friday, June 28, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Published online June 26, 2024 in the Waterloo Record

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 29 Jan 1941 - Dublin, Dublin, Leinster, Ireland  = Link to Google Earth