Bill Farnham
July 31, 1936 – November 16, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William “Bill” Hathaway Farnham Jr. Surrounded by his family, he passed away on November 16, 2023, in Orleans, MA. Bill was 87 years old.

Bill was born on July 31st, 1936, in Cambridge, Massachusetts to William and Mary Farnham of Milton, MA. Bill was raised along side his three sisters: Elizabeth (Betsey), Ann, and Mary (Polly). Bill was a member of the class of 1954 at Milton Academy and of the class of 1958 at Harvard University. Bill deeply valued his education and connection to his alma maters. Following his graduation from Harvard, Bill spent 4 years in the US Navy; transformative years that he spoke of with pride.

Bill married his beloved wife of 63 years, June Fenn Farnham, on August 6, 1960. Together they raised three sons: Charles (Laura), Robert (Kristen) and Edward (Katherine) at their home in Carlisle, MA. Bill adored his grandchildren; William and Elizabeth; Nicholas, Henry and Audrey; Stewart and Meghan.

Bill started his professional career at the Digital Equipment Co. before leaving for a 28-year tenure at the Imtra Corporation. At Imtra, Bill’s passion for boating shined through as he contributed greatly to the growth of the company with his signature “can do” mentality; a virtue that still thrives within the company’s culture today. Bill took immense pride in his time spent at Imtra.

Bill was a man of many passions. He enjoyed winters filled with golf and tennis in Vero Beach, FL and summers spent boating in Marion, MA. He was a particularly avid duck hunter and shared many fond memories of his times spent out on the water. Bill enjoyed socializing and sharing stories with friends and family.

The family home in Orleans, MA served as a haven for Bill. Growing up, Bill spent his summers exploring Nauset beach’s dunes and surrounding bays, cultivating his love for the ocean. Later, he shared a special time here with his cherished wife June, their three sons, many nieces and nephews, and eventually his seven grandchildren. Amongst friends and family, Bill loved the many gatherings, cocktails, and hours spent gazing out at the ocean.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lower Cape Outreach Council, Gifts of Hope – Lower Cape Outreach Council (lcoutreach.org), in Bill’s honor.

A celebration of Life will be held at a future date.