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Posted by Don Thorpe

A MARVEL AT ANY AGE

On February 24th, Welland Rotarians and friends celebrated Fred Farnham’s 95th Birthday out in the cold winter wind. Fred as born in England and immigrated to Canada in 1957.
 
Fred’s second life began in 1968 when he was invited to play “Freddie the Clown” at Sunset Haven. He soon discovered his talent for making balloon animals and used his ability to create smiles in fundraising for Easter Seals and Lakewood Camp. In 1988 Fred was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow for his community service.  Finding some time in retirement, Fred joined the Rotary Club of Welland on July 1, 1996.
 
Ever since, he has been very active in Rotary programs such as RYLA, SLAPSHOT and the Youth Exchange Program. He was presented with the Rotary International Avenues of Service Certificate and the SLAPSHOT program even named an award in his honour.
 
He received his second Paul Harris in 2006, his third in 2009 and fourth in 2016. He was also the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. Fred continues to support Rotary, and, when COVID diminishes, we are sure that he will continue to serve the community to the best of abilities.