FARWELL Mr. Walter Henry Farwell Jr. of St. Augustine, FL passed away September 17, 2015 after a brave battle with cancer. Walt was born on August 5, 1952 in Jacksonville, FL to his parents Walter and Gloria Farwell. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his older sister Jo Anne Farwell Meehan (Jim). Walt is survived by his children Lindsey Farwell and Ryan Farwell, and by his sisters Marlene Farwell Eckert (Bill), Helena Farwell Pearce (Ron), and Sandy Farwell Kemp (Rob). Walt was a hero, friend, and inspiration to many, and will be remembered for his compassion, service, and gentle nature. One of his great hobbies was to fix anything that he could get his hands on, and there was nothing that Walt couldn't fix. He built many homes from the ground up, several of which still house his relatives and loved ones. A true family man, Walt was a devoted father, and a loving brother and uncle. Walt served a 25-year career in Fire and Rescue. He was one of Florida's first paramedics, and the youngest firefighter to be named Captain. The last 16 years of Walt's career were with the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. He was assigned to Rescue 8, now known as Rescue 25. Walt received the prestigious Silver Medal of Valor for always putting the lives of others before his own. Always a joy to be around, Walt left everybody smiling with his quick humor and legacy of love. He lived his life for other people, both inside and outside of his career with the Fire Department. Always willing to teach and help others, he volunteered his time as a Scout Master with the Boy Scouts of America. He radiated love, and shared it with everyone he met. Friends and others whose lives Walt touched are invited to a visitation to be held at 1:00 PM and a memorial service to be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 25, 2015 at the Jacksonville Memory Gardens in Orange Park with Pastor Wayne Young officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Walt's name to the Jacksonville Retired Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 8897, Jacksonville, FL 32211

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walter_farwell_memories@jaxfla.us

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It is with the very deepest sadness that I post tonight that my old ridding partner, the best Firefighter/Paramedic partner you could have, passed away. Ret. Capt. Walter Farwell was one of the best there was in the JFRD. I ask all my Brothers and Sisters to raise a glass to Capt. Farwell and say a prayer for his family. He is one of the few Firefighters on this job that put his own life before his own in a very bad fire, years ago, to save a life and recieved the Departments highest honor for it. He was that type of a Firefighter every time we went out on a call. To him there was no split between Rescue and Combat. He just always went ahead and did what had to be done. I will see you on the top floor partner. RIP, you fought the good fight and its time now to rest with the Lord.

I have fond memories of sitting next to Walter on the school bus for many years! Nice guy!

I met Walter and George on Rescue 8 in 1984 while getting "Rescue ride time training for EMT certification".  I was a rookie firefighter and their professionalism and dedication made a lasting impression on me.   I still tell the stories of the calls we responded to.  Walter and George were a great team.  I wound up being on Rescue 5, now 35 for 19 years,18 with Captain Buddy Dux and 1 year with Captain Ron Jolley and Captain Danny Cribbs and I retired a couple of years ago.  Thank you for the memories and may God bless your family and friends.  James Morgan " Jammer"

FWhat a SHOCK!!!  Walt has been a close friend of mine since early High School.  I will never forget all the good times we had “hanging around” together in our younger years.  I’m sure going to miss you, buddy…..now, take the long deserved rest in Heaven that you so deserve.

Dear Friends and Family of Walter,

My heart hurts to hear of your loss.  I remember Walter from high school and that he was always a gentleman.  After high school I didn’t see Walter again until 1974 when he attended me in his ambulance after I had received multiple knife wounds

one summer night.  We never spoke again until we met at our Forrest Class of 1970  -  35th Reunion.  

I’m so proud to hear of Walters accomplishments and that he is truly a hero.  I know he will be missed terribly.

My prayers and deepest sympathy are with you.  

 Patty Seifert (Pat Prentice)

Union Grove, Alabama


I'm sorry to hear that Walt has passed away!  He was a great inspiration and example to me in my early years in the fire service!   Worked a number of shifts on old Rescue 8 at station 25 with him as my preceptor while I was a Paramedic student.  He was a good man!

I Remember Walt from school and he was a great guy. Very sad to hear of his passing. We will get to see him again when it is time. .