Tom B. Farren
May 7, 1949 - November 30, 2007

"My condolences to Sherry and family and to the Saint Mary's community as well. Thanks Tom for the golf tips (they have come in handy :) "

"I was shocked when I read the announcement on the MIAC website. He is a legacy at SMU reaching beyond golf, soccer and hockey. His family is in my thoughts and prayers. Farewell Tom! Every game of golf is now a great game."

"Uncle Tom I went to your service and it was amazing..Ill miss going down there over the summers and being your summer daughter. Now we all know that God has a great coach up there so I hope your teaching him well like you did for everyone down here! I love and miss you!"

"The thoughts and prayers from everyone at Concordia College are with the Farren family and all those he touched at St. Mary's. Tom was one of the great people in the MIAC and always made the long trip to Winona worthwhile as he would always greet me with a smile - no different than anyone else who encountered Tom. His legacy will carry on through all the people he touched throughout his life. Life in the MIAC was better because of Tom. I only wish that there were more people in the conference and world like Tom."

"Great Coach, loved by all! We will miss him!"

"I had the pleasure of spending time with Coach F at the hockey rink. He dedicated a lot of time and energy to SMU. Thanks to the Farren family for sharing him with us. Your family is in my prayers."

"I was lucky enough to work at Saint Mary's with Tom from 1998 until 2003 as a fellow member of the athletic staff. His passing shocked and saddened me. The SMU community will clearly not be the same without him. Tom was always someone who had a smile and a kind word. He was someone who was always more than willing to talk about sports or how his golf game was on that particular day or week. His pleasant demeanor and welcoming personality are traits I will long remember."

"To the Farren family-- My deepest sympathies for your loss. Tom was not only a great players' coach but a good friend too. It would be years between visits and he still great me with a big smile and hearty handshake. The school and its students have suffered a great loss. The world has lost one of the "Good Guys" in Tom."

"On behalf of my wife, daughter and myself, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Farren family. While I didn't know Tom personally, we have been members of the St. Mary's student/athletic family for 1 going on 2 years. My daughter Dana, a women's soccer player, was deeply moved and very upset at the loss of Coach. She is also very close with some of the hockey players and has attended many of the games that Tom helped coach. Tom was part of a fine institution, in fact he was an institution of higher learning for the many student athletes that he coached and mentored the lessons of life. His reach extended beyond golf and hockey. Such is a tribute to who he was what he meant to this university. He will be irreplacably missed. He and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Dan, Mo & Dana Winkler"

"Coach F, Thanks for everything at my time at SMU. You will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out the Farren Family."

"I can't think of a more genuine being than that of Coach F. Growing up around the SMU hockey rink as a youth player, I new I could always count on him for a laugh and warm smile. I will long cherish the memories of him and feel blessed to have known him. Even as an opposing collegiate player, he couldn't have treated me with greater kindness and hospitality. I looked forward to our 5 minutes of conversation prior to the game and the handshake that followed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his many friends, players, and the Farren family."

""

"Tom was always one of those guys with a smile on his face. Win or lose, good team or one that was struggling, he was always polite and genial to deal with. College athletics needs more guys like him. My deepest sympathies to his family at home and at St. Mary's."

"Coach Farren was more than a golf coach to me the past three years, he was a great friend and a person I could always count on to make a bad day better with his great lessons on life. I will always remember his big smile, and his ability to light up a room with his love and sense of humor. I will never forget the wonderful times spent with Coach Farren on and off the golf course, and I think anyone who met him will take the same memories with them as well. Coach, you will be greatly missed by everyone who knew you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you."

"My thoughts and prayers are with Coach F's family during this difficult time. He will be missed by many."

"Tom was truly a great person. He was fun to be around. I knew him through coaching. You could tell he had a passion for the kids he coached. He had their respect. It was obvious when around him. He will be dearly missed by many."

"We will all miss your great generosity and smile--RIP"

"Our condolences to Sherry and the entire Farren family. Just know we are thinking and praying for you all. God Bless"

""Coach F" was one of the kindest and most thoughtful persons you could ever meet. He put everyone elses needs and concerns ahead of his and dedicated countless hours to the students and athletes of St. Mary's. "Coach F" was a friend and an insipration - he will be missed. We should all have a litte bit more "Coach F" in the way we live life. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family."

"We would like to wish all of Tomâ??s family and friends our condolences. He was a great coach and teacher, but most of all he was a great person. Tom will be deeply missed by all of his friends and colleagues throughout the MIAC."

"Enjoyed playing golf with Tom and Mike at St. Mary's Golf Tournament. What a great guy. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with the family."

"Coach Farren, You will always be a great friend and will be missed so very dearly. There was never a dull day at the rink both playing for you and coaching with you. I know Gino and Harks were there to welcome you into heaven and I'm sure you all shared some good laughs. Your memory will live on forever. Thanks for being a friend and mentor."

"Dear Farren Family: Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. This is such a tremendous loss to anyone who knew your dad. Peace, Beth Kinsella"

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family."

"I'm very sorry to hear about Tom, you will all be in my prayers and thoughts."

"Although Mike and I did not know Tom very well, Brandon spoke highly of him. We enjoyed sitting with you and Tom at the boys DeMolay banquet last year. You, Paul, and family are in our prayers."

"What a tragic loss to the St. Mary's family. Coach F was a great man, coach, and friend to all. God Bless your family, and our thoughts and prayers are with you all this holiday season. Love, The Douglas'"

"Our son, Jesse, was blessed to have had Tom as his golf coach, hockey mananger, friend and mentor for the past 4 years. Through Jesse we were fortunate to have have the pleasure of knowing Tom. He was such a calm, caring and gentle man who always looked at the bright side of things. Our many visits with him on the golf course or at the hockey arena were always a pleasure. We are moslty greatful for what he has left behind and the everlasting impact of his presence in Jesse's life. He will truly be miss and remembered as a great man who loved his family,friends and SMU. Unfortunently, we will be uable to attend the services. Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you all. He will be forever missed."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. Sherry, you and Tom were like my second family during my college and tennis years. You always told us to do our best and encouraged us with your quiet presence. Thanks! You will truly be missed."

"Tom was one of a handful of people in this community that really helped to establish hockey for area youth. As a kid, I knew Tom back in the early '80s and remember him as a kind, approachable man who gave a lot of his time. It was nice to read that Tom stayed involved in hockey for so long. I'm sorry to hear of your loss."

"Tom was always so nice to our family. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Farren family."

"Sherry, our parayers and thoughts are with you and your family durning this sad time. We enjoyed going to Little Falls for the craft shows.I remember the time Tom came along and we had such a good time joking around. He really had a wonderful sense of humor.I know he will be sadly missed by all."

"My prayers go out to the Farren Family. Coach Farren's commitment and loyalty to SMU was remarkable.My memories from my days at SMU are all about people, and Coach Farren is definitely one of those peole that made the fabric of SMU so special. He will be truly missed."

"My thoughts and prayers go out to Coach F's family and friends. We would always hover around Coach F as he shared stories in the equipment room. He would have to kick us out because too many players would be crowded in the small room as he was trying to sharpen skates. He was a great guy that everyone wanted to be around to brighten up their day. Coach F will be deeply missed by the SMU family."

"I would like to extend my condolences to Coach F's family and all the SMU family affected by this sad news. He was a very special person. He took the time to teach me the game of golf when I was the only girl in the class. He was so patient and encouraging I owe my love of the game now to him. God Bless."

""

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the Farren family. Coach F was one of a kind, and I am proud to say I knew him. Thanks for everything!"

"He didn't say much, but always had a smile on his face. The family of Coach F, including his extended SMU family, are in my thoughts."

"Rare is the person who can much such an impact in the hearts of people as Coach F did in the small amount of time I knew him. I looked forward to working hockey camp shifts just to stop in and find out "how Tiger was doing". His love for his family was so obvious. My sincere sympathies for your loss."

"Coach F was was more than a coach or even a friend. He was a second father to so many of us who were a part of one of his teams. There are to many memories to list. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sherry and the family during this trying time."

"Coach F always put our needs as players in front of his own. He was such a positive and warm person. You always wanted to be around him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Farren family. We should all live our lives with the same enthusiasm as Coach F did. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten."

"Our sympathy and condolences to Coach Farren's family and the SMU community. Coach was a great mentor and wise teacher to our son and Big brother Bill. Thanks for touching the lives of many in a positive and memorable way."

"My deepest sympathies to Tom's family. I have known Tom a number of years through coaching golf and hockey at Gustavus. He always had a smile, regardless of the situation or outcome. That smile will certainly be missed, but his spirit will always be with us. I am very thankful for the help he offered me and the stories he shared with me over the years. Thanks Coach."

"Coach F was a great friend to me and my family. I have known him for many years and there is no one more passionate about the all the young men he mentored throughout the years. He will be greatly missed. But i feel honored to have got to know him for as long as i have. His spirit will live on through the people whom he has touched. We Love You Coach F."

"I have many fond memories of Coach F. He always made watching hours of hockey practice more enjoyable and was always willing to teach me new things. I am saddened to hear about his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of those who have been touched by this amazing man."

"Coach F was always there to talk no matter what it was that was on your mind. You knew he cared deeply about all the players he coached in all sports. I will never forget the great times I had with coach. A great mans life was cut short and my prayers are with the family and friends."

"Our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Coach F during this difficult time. I will always remember Coach F sitting in an empty stall telling his jokes and stories. He cared deeply for his players and the SMU hockey program. The SMU hockey family and community has lost one of their best."

"Dear Farren Family, I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Tom's sudden passing. Tom was one of the good guys! When I started coaching the men's team at Macalester College, Tom was always there to give me lots of good advise and help. In the last 8 years, we spent many hours coaching together, sharing stories and experiences. When things were tough, Tom was always there with wise and sage words. Tom was a fierce competitor, but was always fair and it was obvious he wanted the best for and expected the best from his team. I enjoyed my time with him at tournaments and will miss him. He was a friend! Respectfully, Martha Nause"

"SHERRY: Sorry for your loss, you and your family are in our Prayers. I bet my Mother is filling Tom in on all the misbehaven you to did at the craft shows HaHa. Tom and Marsha"

"i feel blessed to have gotten the opportunity to play tennis for coach Farren for two years. My thoughts and prayers are with the Farren family throughout this difficult time."

"Years have parted your Dad and I. I remember the days of outdoor ice when Mike and Joe were very young. You both were on the rinks of Winona with Dan and Keith. Your Dad was a wonderful and loving man who cared very much for all "his kids" on and off the ice. I know that care and concern extended to all during his years at SMU. His heart is as big as the sky for all that ever knew him. Rest assured that he is always with you in your heart-smiling down on the ice-and sharing his love every minute. My sincere sympathy to Mike and Joe and all of Tom's family. "

"I played for coach F on the hockey team while I was at St. Mary's. I will always remember how he was more than just a coach. He related so well with all the players. He was just "one of the guys". My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

"To all...God bless and prayers be with you all.Noah and I were saddened to hear the news!!Please keep us in mind for any help any of you may need. Your friends, Phil & Noah Naas"

"Tom, you were the best. You emodied everything that is good about small school college athletics. I know your golfers loved you and you had the utmost respect from your fellow coaches. I trust that your next putt will drop for birdie. Goodbye, buddy."

"No one was more friendly, honest, funny, and frank than Coach F. He told and lived it like it was...I only wished I stopped by to say hi more often. Taylor"

"Coach F will always be a part of some of the greatest times in my life, the time I spent at SMU and at the hockey rink. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Farren Family and those closest to Coach Farren. I will forever remember Coach F for his smile, support and inspiration. "

"Coach F. was an amazing friend and boss. I could always count on him to brighten my day; he played a big part in my experience at St. Marys and I will never forget his many stories,and advice. He was a great man and mentor and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers go out to his incredible family."

"Farren Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers! Tom was an extraordinary man, who inspired everyone in his path. We are deeply saddened for your families loss, and pray for peace for each of you. God Bless you~The Lundquists"

"Coach F was such a wonderful golf coach to Tony who taught his team life lessons as well as golf skills. Ashley and Jodi will miss being his golf cart buddie. It was so much fun to watch the pride he had for his players and hear all his wonderful stories. He will be dearly missed. Our prayers are with your family."

"Coach F was more then my golf coach, he was my friend. He was the person that believed in me and never gave up on me, and that is something I'll never forget. Coach F was a great man that will be deeply missed. My prayers are with the Farren family."

"Coach Farren was more than my golf coach, he was my friend. He was my coach while I was playing golf at SMU from 1998-2000. After my time at SMU I always looked forward to seeing the team and Coach Farren at the SJU invite in St. Cloud. It was so much fun to ride around the course and tell some great stories with Coach. I will miss going to the meet and chatting with him and seeing the pride that he took in his golf team. Coach Farren was a great man and a great golf coach, but he was an even better friend. My prayers and thoughts go out to Sherry and his entire family. He will be missed, but I guess God needed a good golf coach up there."

"Coach F was not only a great golf coach, but he was an even more amazing man. If there was ever anything that I could use help with Coach F was always there to help me. He was also my work study supervisor at the hockey arena. While working for Coach F we got to know each other very well and shared many great stories as well. Everyday that I had to work I knew it would be a good time because Coach F always made things fun. Also with Coach F being my golf coach for one year, it made my one year at SMU that much better. No matter how far we had to travel for a golf tournament Coach F always had great stories for us which helped pass the time. I believe that we are lucky to have known Coach F becuase he was such a great man and cared for everyone whether he knew you or not. Also he was always very open and always made the atmosphere a great place to be because he was such a fun-loving guy. This loss is unexpected to all and Coach F will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the Farren family in there time of mourning."

"Coach F was a coach, friend, family member and mentor. At SMU he was all of these. When I first came to SMU I wasn't planning on playing golf but there is no quit in this man. He called and emailed every day encouraging me to come and play. I finally decided to give it a shot and I will never regret it. Coach F was an amazing person, his hard work and determination to make us all better, not only in golf and hockey, but as individuals will never go unnoticed. Coach F didn't care whether we won, lost or tied he just wanted us to do the best that we could all the time. He taught me more than I ever could have asked for. His stories and jokes will go down as legendary. He inspired me to become a better person as well as a better athlete. I will miss him dearly and I dedicate my last college hockey season to this incredible man. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Farren family and eventhough he is gone, his spirit and memories are here forever."

"To the Farren Family, You are in both my thoughts and prayers as I recently heard of Coach F's passing. He was a great man, Coach, Friend, and Engineer for fixing many types of hockey equipment. I can say he saved some of my equipment, all but not including my ugly skate boots skate blades, and shin pads more than I can mention here. The stories, memories, and events that Coach F filled are lives with will be trully remembered...God Bless your family and everyone that Coach F touched in his great life!"

"Coach's death has been a shock to the entire community, and as a four-year member of Coach F's golf team, it has certainly hit my teammates and I very hard. The Farren's are in our prayers, and I can't thank you guys enough for sharing Coach F with us. He bragged about his family to all his players quite a bit. He loved you all very much - but I'm sure I don't need to tell you that. When I think back at the four years that I was blessed to spend with Coach F, I feel blessed and grateful for all of the things he passed on to me. What amazes me most is that for every piece of advice Coach gave me about my golf through the years, he gave me so many more life lessons that make me a better person every day, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Coach, we love you and miss you. I will never forget you."

"My condolences go out to the Farren Family. Coach F always greeted me with a "Good Morning" and "Made it through another night" when I work out at St. Mary's during the summer. He talked about his family every day and how he loved being out on the golf course. He took pride in taking care of the ice every day and spent countless hours making sure it was ready! I am saddened at your families' loss and am praying for you. God Bless you!"