Albert ‘Mark’ Farwell

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(May 19, 1954 - July 16, 2013)

Albert “Mark” Farwell died on the evening of July 16, 2013, in Clark. He was 59.

Mark was born May 19, 1954, in Powell. He was the first son to Albert (“Ab”) Morse Farwell and Georgia Mae (Van Home) Farwell.

Mark and his younger brother, John, were born and raised at the house at Kamm’s Corner in Badger Basin. Ab Farwell was an original homesteader on Heart Mountain, raising Texas Longhorns and farming barley and sugar beets.

Mark graduated from Powell High School in 1972. Despite his father’s protests, he decided against a life in agriculture and spent 40 years in the oilfield. In that time Mark became the kind of hand others looked up to and strived to be like. Mark was a great teacher and broke out a number of drillers that are now tool pushers. He was very close to his hands and considered them family. Mark will be remembered by his take-no-grief attitude, his wit and dry sense of humor; no one could tell a Sven and Ole joke quite like he could. His stories are legend. Mark was truly one of a kind and greatly respected.

Mark married Candice (“Candy”) Wontulock on Sept. 5, 1988, in Baggs. Mark’s job in the oilfield took them to many places in Wyoming and Colorado, and they eventually moved to the Farwell farm when Ab retired to Powell.

Mark had two daughters, Jennifer Lynn and Kristin Diane, from his previous marriage to Mary Ellen (Harrison) Farwell. They were one of his many great loves. He was an avid gun enthusiast who not only collected, but built custom guns. He was a lifetime member of the NRA.

Another great joy was his dogs. Throughout the years, Mark had several border collies, each sweeter and smarter than the last, making his current dog, Jessie, his pride and joy. Jessie is known and loved throughout the oilfield and has been considered by some to be a valuable member of their crew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Morse Farwell and Georgia Mae Farwell.

Mark is survived by his wife Candy Farwell of 26 years; daughter Jennifer Lynn (Vernon) Songer of Trego, Mont.; grandchildren Kayla and Tiffany Ruddy and Kathrine Baughman; daughter Kristin Diane Farwell and her partner Jeffrey A. HahI of Austin, Texas; brother John R. Farwell of Powell; and nieces and nephews Megan Lynn (Josh) Krup of Gillette, Tommy Farwell of Powell and Tiana Justine (Mike) Crow of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also survived by 247 cats, his bouncy border collie, Echo, and his constant oilfield companion, Jessie.

Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at Thompson Funeral home in Powell. Memorials may be sent to Bighorn Federal Savings in Powell to help offset the cost of services (http://www.bighornfederal.com)

An informal potluck gathering will be held following the service at the pavilion in Washington Park to celebrate his life. Friends are encouraged to bring photos and memories to share. No suit and ties required (he wouldn’t have worn one for you either).

Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be posted online at www.thompsonfuneral.net or sent to P.O. Box 807 Powell, WY, 82435.

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