Died May 28, 2024
LELAND- Hugh Arthur Farber, 90 years wise, a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather, transitioned to his everlasting home with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 28th, 2024. Hugh was born in Muskegon, MI on October 6, 1933, to Simon and Nehushta Farber. It was there that he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Betty June Johnson, with whom he exemplified 69 years of love and commitment.
Education through the discipline of learning was woven into everything Hugh pursued. Each of the four universities Hugh attended prepared him to receive a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Northwestern University, during which time he and Betty chose to have their first born, Cheryl. Upon graduation, they moved to Midland MI for employment with Dow Chemical, building a long dynamic career which leveraged his strong leadership skills and passion for ethical science. It was there in Midland his family was made complete with two additional daughters, Sue and Julie.
In 1973, Hugh and Betty purchased property on Lake Leelanau near Traverse City, and built their dream retirement home, developing many life-long friendships along the way. “Farber’s Harbor” will continue to be a beautiful oasis for family and friend gatherings and has generated precious memories for all.
Aside from his daughters and their husbands, Hugh’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were the pride of his life. He loved building memories with them and sharing his love of nature/fishing, using his hands and ingenuity to fix things with them, making his famous pancakes – one letter of each name at a time, and simply listening and encouraging them in their hopes and dreams along the way. He was a thoughtful listener and always had words of wisdom to share when asked.
Hugh loved the game of tennis, and enjoyed playing in a men’s league, as well as a double’s league with Betty, as part of a Midland Tennis Center membership. He often took advantage of playing outside with Betty and others during the summer months, and while highly competitive, was happy to hit the ball around with his kids – just for fun!
If you knew Hugh, you may have thought “fish” was his middle name. Whether on the Great lakes, Canadian streams, or quietly trolling Lake Leelanau, Hugh treated fishing as an “art” to be mastered. He enjoyed sharing his vast experience and knowledge of fishing with family and friends as well as local children during “Kids Fish Days” at Veronica Valley. He loved nature and worked to protect it through various volunteer initiatives, including acting as President of the Lake Leelanau Lake Association.
Hugh’s natural abilities with music started with playing the “tonette” in elementary school and quickly graduated to playing the clarinet, which he played in both the marching band and orchestra until his high school graduation. Later in life, he spent time daily on his beautiful Steinway Grand, which he refurbished with the help of an old friend. He and Betty also took advantage of local Orchestras, bands and other live concerts whenever possible.
Hugh leaves behind his amazing wife of 69 years, Betty ( Johnson) Farber; daughters Cheryl Endrenyi (Ken Figlewicz), Sue (Brent) Bailey and Julie (Pat) Green as well as grandchildren; Nicole (Shane) Forrister, Josh (Bethany) Bailey, Briana Bailey Zosso, Jacob Green, Hope Endrenyi, David (Kaylee) Green, Eric Drenckpohl, Aaron GreenandBradDrenckpohl. Hughwas also blessed with four great grandchildren; Milo Bailey, Sammy Bailey, Eirene Zosso, and Riven Green.
Hugh was predeceased by his parents, Betty’s parents (Ray and Lela Johnson), Sister (Dorothy Farber) and Sister/ Brother-in-law ( Joyce and Ron McKay).
The family will be hosting a celebration of Hugh’s life at the Leland Community United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 29th, with family greeting friends from 10:00 a.m.
In Lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider the “Kids Fish Days” (sponsored by the Lake Leelanau Lake Association), or another donation of your choice.
Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.
