Remembering Roger Farwell, School of Architecture alumnus

Local architect Roger Farwell (BArch 1977), known as a philanthropist, community builder and champion of the arts, died August 4 in Wellesley Township in a single-vehicle crash.

As a senior partner with WalterFedy, he was involved in countless projects across the region, from Waterloo Regional Police headquarters and the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre to the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Conestoga College’s Cambridge campus and the Waterloo Region Record’s former office at Market Square.

His work earned him a place in the Grand Valley Construction Association’s Hall of Fame.

Farwell served with countless local agencies and organizations over the years including the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Waterloo Regional Police Children’s Safety Village and Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region.

In 2009, Farwell was named winner of the annual Barnraiser Award by the Waterloo Region Record in recognition of his contributions. He was nominated for the honour by Rosemary Smith, who at the time was the chief executive officer of the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation.

Farwell received numerous other awards and accolades, including the Waterloo Award, the city’s highest civic honour, the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award, and the Michael R. Follett Community Leader Award from the chamber of commerce.

Waterloo Region will miss his significant contributions and tremendous commitment to the community.