“My name is John Lester Farra, Attorney at Law!” Dad would announce to all who was within earshot. Sadly, that fabulous – booming – voice was silenced on Nov. 2, 2017. Dad passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, after suffering major complications during heart surgery performed on Oct. 31, 2017. He will be forever missed by his children, grandchildren, extended family, friends and foes.
As a young man Dad was an avid tennis player, basketball player, card player, pool shark and swimmer. If he told us once, he told us a million times, “I swam across Lake Washington when I was 14 years old!” He was a natural athlete and had a fierce competitive nature. His competitiveness was evident in his practice of law and love of sports. At the time of Dad’s death, he remained optimistic by having an unopened container of tennis balls in the trunk of his car.
Dad was passionate about the law, history, government, politics and helping people. He was especially passionate about helping at-risk youth. Through-out Dad’s entire career he acted as a guardian et litem and CASA (court appointed child advocate). He worked closely with the Grays Harbor CASA office and was a fierce advocate for all youth who he encountered. Dad had an extraordinarily strong sense of justice and civil/human rights.
Dad was a native of the Pacific Northwest, growing-up in Kirkland. He would tell us stories about being a small-town paperboy and working in the local grocery store while putting himself through the University of Washington. He went east of the mountains for law school, wherein he attended the night program at Gonzaga University. Dad never forgot his humble beginnings and the importance of community.
Dad will be remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. He is survived by his daughter Tayshia and her son Jack, of Kirkland, and son Ian (Jennifer) and their children, Jace and Rowyn, of Woodinville.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Jan. 27, 2018, at the Rotary Log Pavilion in Aberdeen from 2 – 5 p.m. Donation recommendation is to Grays Harbor CASA.
