Obituary: Kenneth Arlen Farner, 93, The Dalles
By Dan Farner, Mona Harwood, Nancy Farner & Jim Farner
Kenneth Arlen Farner peacefully went to be with our Lord on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, surrounded by his loving children during his final days.
Ken lived a remarkable life marked by deep community involvement, business leadership, ministry dedication, unwavering devotion to his wife, and steadfast support of his children and grandchildren. His trust and dependence on God anchored every aspect of his life.
Those who knew him well will also remember his enthusiasm for board games and his love of discussing current events.
Born on October 22, 1931, on his grandparents’ homestead in Melba, Idaho, Ken was raised by his parents, Virgil and Mabel Farner, who were respected ranchers and farmers in the Boise valley. When World War II began, ten-year-old Ken stepped up to work full-time alongside his parents, demonstrating the strong work ethic that would define his character. He grew up in the agricultural communities of Melba and Lakeview with his sister Virginia and brother Tom.
Ken earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Idaho and served honorably in the Army. His career in agriculture led him to work with Farm Credit in multiple locations: Caldwell, Idaho; Great Falls, Montana; Oregon City and The Dalles, Oregon. He worked for Columbia bank from 1988 through 1996. He enjoyed those eight years and was thrilled when the bank chose to create a bank credit card that had the town’s picture with Mt Hood in the background. He continued to use the card!
On August 28, 1955, Ken married Phyllis Paulson in Caldwell, Idaho. Together, they raised four children—Ramona, Nancy, Dan, and Jim—while actively participating in farming, community service, and church activities. They enjoyed connections with Calvary Baptist, Gateway and the Quakers. He especially enjoyed leading and being involved in Bible Studies & was personally involved with Intervarsity as a college student and throughout his adult life. He served the community through Hope International, World Affairs Council, TD Government of Affairs, Rotary, Library Foundation, Port of the Dalles, Wasco County Democrats and was on the founding team of The Dalles Habitat for Humanity.
He & Phyllis took over hospital supplies to Africa for the Project Mercy from the Rotary Club. He served at theTashkent Institute of Agricultural Mechanism & Irrigation with seminars on agricultural, water rights and financial topics six different times from 1998-2005. He also worked with USA AID in Ukraine (when it was part of the Soviet Union) & Ethiopia.
Ken’s wife, children, and extended family feel blessed and deeply grateful for the time they shared with him. He is survived by his four children: Ramona Harwood, Nancy Farner, Dan and Sheron Farner, and Jim and Heidi Farner; eleven grandchildren: Corby Harwood, Larissa Poppen, Judah Harwood, Kenny Harwood, Michaela (Farner) Dutscheck, Zach Farner, Anna Farner, Adon Farner, Wesley Farner, Josh Farner, and Rachel (Farner) Watt; and seven great-grandchildren: Zoe Poppen, Elsa Harwood, Isaiah Poppen, Christopher Harwood, Isabelle Poppen, Sara Farner, and Jack Farner, with another great-grandchild expected.
Ken’s life exemplified service, faith, and love. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched and the family who will carry forward his values of generosity, community involvement, and unwavering faith.
Friday, June 27th from 2-6 pm: Viewing at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home, 1100 Kelly Avenue, The Dalles.
Saturday, June 28th: Celebration of Life at 1 pm at Gateway Church 1111 Dry Hollow Rd., The Dalles.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations towards The Dalles Habitat for Humanity at 111 E 5th St, TD or O.S.H.U. Foundation Fund: O.S.H.U. Brain Institute, P.O. box 29017 Portland, OR 97296.
