Edward Campbell Farmer Jr.
August 20, 1918 - August 16, 2015

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Edward Cam Farmer, Jr. lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He was a hardworking and honorable man who served others both abroad and within the community he loved. A devoted family man, Cam deeply loved his wife and children, and there was nothing that thrilled him more than witnessing his family grow to include his children and grandson. He was a stranger to none with a large group of friends with whom he loved pursuing some of the things he enjoyed. Although he will be deeply missed, Cam leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will never be forgotten.

The year 1918 is often remembered as the year that WWI came to an end. With victory for America and our allies, we were recognized as a world leader for the first time and poised for greatness. With the eyes of the world focused on our shores, we led the way in innovation that transformed the way we lived our every day lives. This same year was a year to remember in the lives of Edward and Beatrice Campbell as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer held the city of Muskegon, Michigan, firmly in its grip in 1918. The big day finally arrived on August 20 when they announced the birth of the baby boy they named Edward C. Jr. As the oldest of four children, he was raised in the family home on Clinton Street alongside his sister, Judy, and his brothers, Samuel and Jack. Edwards father was the city attorney for Muskegon, Michigan, while his mother was a homemaker.

Always known as Cam, Edward was a bustle of activity right from the start. He was a Boy Scout and remained active with the program for the rest of his life, too. Willing to work hard, Cam sold magazines door to door to earn spending money as a teen. He enjoyed being at the family cottage off Scenic Drive on Lake Michigan where they slid down the dunes on old rugs. Cam also did a lot of sailing out of the White Lake Yacht Club. As a student he attended McLaughlin Elementary School, and he also spent a couple years at St. Johns Military Academy in Wisconsin before returning to graduate from Muskegon High School. From there Cam went on to Dartmouth University in New Hampshire. He initially studied architecture and other subjects, but he eventually leaned towards law. It was also while in college that he developed a love for snow skiing.

As a young man, Cam signed up with the United States Marine Corps while in college, and he did his officer training during the summers. After graduating in 1941, he started his active duty as an officer. These were the days of WWII, and in 1942 he was sent to the Pacific region where he fought in the battle for Guadalcanal. The fighting was very intense, and Cam was wounded in battle and eventually sent to New Zealand to recover. After he recovered, he served in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska until the end of the war in 1945. In recognition of his service, Cam received three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Combat Star. At the time of his death, Cam was thought to be one of the last surviving soldiers from that battle.

With his military duties fulfilled, Cam returned home in 1946 and enrolled in law school at Northwestern University. After graduating, he returned to Muskegon where he worked at a local law firm for a time before starting his own practice. Cam then worked as a trial lawyer for 18 years before running for District Court Judge. He then spent 24 years serving as a well respected judge before retiring in 1994.

While he was busy establishing his career, Cams personal life became very exciting when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Kim Harrington, and they met in 1955 while he was on a skiing vacation in Aspen, Colorado. She was 12 years his junior and from Chicago. Cam made quite an impression as he took her for a dog sled ride on one of their first dates. It wasnt long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Cam and Kim were married on September 24, 1955.

They lived in a few different places before purchasing a large home on Jefferson Avenue near Muskegon High School. Together they welcomed four children into their hearts and home including Betsy in 1957, Alice in 1958, Michael in 1961, and David in 1963. Cam deeply loved his family and treasured every minute they had to spend together. Cam remained active in the Boy Scouts, and he enjoyed being a part of it with his sons, too. As a family the Farmers loved going out on their sailboats, and Cam taught his children all to sail. There were also winter ski trips to Caberfae in Cadillac and summer trips to Colorado and New Mexico. Cam had his own artistic flair and liked to draw and carve little figures out of soap for the children.

Cam and Kim had a large group of friends and were active within the community including as members of the Muskegon Country Club where Cam golfed regularly. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, he received the Silver Beaver Award. In addition, Cam was a member of the D.A.V., History Club, and former member of the Muskegon Yacht Club. He and his wife loved traveling and made trips all over the world to places such as the Amazon River, Antarctica, India, London, Scotland, Asia, and Singapore just to name a few. At times they even organized and hosted group trips to see Broadway shows in New York City. Once their children were grown and all through college, they moved from their big house to a home in Glenside where they remained until last year when they moved into assisted living. Cams mind was very sharp into his 90s, and other attorneys still sought his opinions as recently as last year. Although he was very wise, he was from the old school, never learning to use a computer or the ATM.

A hardworking, generous, and kindhearted man, Edward Cam Farmer was the sort of man everyone seemed to know. He lived life to the fullest each day and made a significant impact in the community he called home throughout his entire life. A loving family man and loyal friend, Cam will be forever missed.

Edward C. "Cam" Farmer Jr. died on Sunday, August 16, 2015. Cams family includes his wife, Kim; daughters, Betsy (Ken) Sommer of MA, Alice Farmer of Chicago; sons, Michael (Aileen) Farmer of OR, David (Phoebe) Farmer of PA; grandson, James. Cam was preceded in death by his brothers and sister. Services will be held onThursday, August 20, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Military Honors. Interment in Restlawn Cemetery. Visit with Cams family and friends on Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Boy Scouts of America or the Muskegon County Council of Veterans.

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