Birth date: Nov 18, 1932 Death date: Mar 29, 2019
Howard E. Farris, Age 86, of Southwest MI, passed away 3/29/19 in Dunedin, FL, surrounded by loving family. He was born in Osceola, Arkansas in 1932, and moved to MI with his 3 brothers and 2 Sisters and family at age 5, after the Read Obituary
Howard did many things at WMU: animal research, greatly enhancing and running our School Psych Program, and being our Departmental Chair. But he did two things that most affected me personally: When I returned to WMU form a year’s sabbatical leave and all the office with outdoor windows, in our newly remodeled Wood Hall, had been reassigned to the faculty who were there while I was on leave, he convinced me that it would really be great if I took a clothes-closet-sized, windowless room as my office, because it was right next to my lab; I’d love it. And in spite of my skepticism, he was right; I’ve happily stayed there for decades.
The other thing was when I wanted to figure out a way to greatly reduce the amount of summer sun shining through my 40 ft wide, 15 ft high solar window, without shutting it all out. Howard gave me a bunch of his grape plants, so that the vines with their leaves could grow to cover that huge window. In spite of my skepticism, it worked! They have happily stayed there for decades, allowing just the right amount of golden sunshine to trickle through.
Thank you, Howard, for those two contributions to my life, as well as many others.
Dick Malott
My deepest sympathies to your family. Howard was a true brother to me. He taught me to appreciate good wine, good food, good music, and intelligent conversation. I was pretty rough around the edges when Howard and I first met. He was a HUGE influence in helping me become a better person. I will miss you Brother. You will live on in my heart.
John Lindahl
We met Howard in 1981 while still attending WMU. We spent many weekends together running races, running for fun, sailing on Lake Michigan , skiing in Canada at the Wabos at Stokely Creek , skiing the Vasa in TC . Many ,many meals were collaboratively cooked and enjoyed together at both our farm and his .Some of my favorite runs with Howard were when we were sailing, we would dinghy in and find great routes to enjoy. Their was always good conversation, many laughs , lots of food and wine. A truly gentle man and a gentleman. He had the ability to make the person he was conversing with feel very important and special because he truly felt that way about people. We were all blessed to have shared time with him. Gussie, Brian and Debbie and Deb as well as other extended family may these very hard days be eventually softened by the loving memories and smiles he gave so freely. Mary Joslin
I met Howard when I joined the WMU faculty in 1976. He was always gregarious, fun loving and supportive. I spent many afternoons with Howard at his Mattawan farm cutting trees for firewood and cross country skiing on the rolling hills of his farm We continued as faculty colleagues for many years, sharing lots of laughs, wine and good times. I'll never forget the Willie Nelson costumes that he wore to the Psychology Department Halloween parties.
My condolences to Brian, Deb and Gussie. Howard lived life to the fullest but our world is diminished with his passing.
Gussie, Deb, Brian & extended family, We want to extend our deepest condolences to all of you! Uncle Howard was an awesome man and made such an impact in my life! He was more than my uncle he was a father figure after my dad (Paul Farris) became sick. He was the one I called for advice; he was so wise. Uncle Howard was also my mentor, I was so proud of him as a psychologist and he helped me persevere through grad school. I have so many amazing memories of "the farm" from a young age. Swinging on the willow tree as a child...it wasn't the same when I was an adult and wanted to show my kids how I did it, the branches broke. LOL I will forever love the farm, the serenity, peace, and always a lot of love! The grapes and the wine, and the fabulous music!! I will always hold the memory close of you performing at our wedding reception in 1988 when you came out as Willie Nelson. The screams of the guest who really thought Willie was at our wedding. SMILE We all love you Dear Uncle, and will miss you; you will be forever in our hearts! Rest in Peace... Lisa, Mike, Brandon & Allie
My heart goes out to you Brian, Debra, Gussie, and the extended family -- I was fortunate enough to land in Howard’s social circle circa 1980. I have so many rich memories of the farm, of hard work with friends, students, family tying French hybrids and stomping them later season, after which we cooked and feted and joked and laughed into the night. Howard became a hybrid friend-advisor who helped me navigate my transition to grad school (out of state) and life beyond. Although our lives intersected less in recent years, his influence is etched in my life, and for this I shall be forever grateful. Sincerely, Andrea Allen
I met Dr. Ferris when his wife, Barb, introduced him to me when I was in high school. We shared an interest in tools and equipment. We enjoyed sharing information about mechanical equipment. He was a kind positive influence for me. May he rest in peace.
