Victor Alphonsus Farrell
1959-2015

It is with great sadness that the families of the late Alphonsus Farrell of Grand Falls-Windsor, NL announce his passing Saturday, September 26, 2015 at St. Jacques Island, Fortune Bay, NL.

Phonse leaves to mourn his loving wife Donna, his mother Genevieve Farrell of Sydney, Nova Scotia, Uncle Alphonsus Farrell of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Aunt Patricia Hickey of St. Jacques, Newfoundland. Predeceased by Step-daughter Kerrie Lynn Fewer and special Uncle Gerald Farrell. Left with fond and loving memories are sister-in-laws; Jacqueline (Shen) Ellsworth, Catherine (Joseph) Penney, Marilyn (Bob) Shallow, Peggy (Don) Paul, brother-in-laws; Raymond Hiscock, Shawn Hiscock, Rick (Margie) Hiscock, also a large circle of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. As well as a large circle of friends, and neighbors all over the Island. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Jim Maidment of Central Funeral Homes.

Phonse lived in the now resettled community of Bay Du Nord until he was 10 years old. Being the only child in the community at the time, he was homeschooled by his grandfather who had a major influence in his life. Values that Phonse held as a teacher were values that were passed on to him by his grandfather during that period in his life.

When Phonse decided to become a teacher, it didn’t come as a big surprise, given the fact that his grandfather, Thomas Farrell, was a teacher for 49 years in the community of Bay Du Nord. Teacher Tom as he was known, was also a community leader, preacher, philosopher, mediator and scribe to many generations of folks who lived in the community at those whom attended school. His influence has lived on in the success of those who had the privilege of being in his classroom.

Phonse’s belief in the inherent value and the acknowledged potential of each child regardless of academic background or ability was reminiscent his grandfather’s philosophy. This philosophy was a belief that, in a community you have many people with different strengths and needs, but in the end, everyone was valued and brought a gift to the table.