Herbert Farlie

It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Herbert (Herb) Sydney Farlie on December 16, 2021 in his 100th year.

A pillar of Bala, Herb leaves behind his children Diane (Gianni) Lametti, Gordon (Maggie) Farlie, Karen (Dino) Roiati and Robert (Kristan) Farlie.

Herb loved a good story and none were more fascinating to him than those told to him by his grandchildren Crystal, Mathew, Kevin, Anna, Kyle, Rachel, Quinn and Abby.

Herb also leaves behind his dear sister Margaret "Peggy" Husband and her family. Predeceased by brother Anthony (Tony) Lamdin, sister-in-law Marie and brother-in-law Ted.

Born in Dartmouth Nova Scotia on July 20, 1922 to mother Olive Louisa Howard and father George Herbert Farlie, Herb moved to Willowdale in the 1930s during the Depression. He joined the Army at the age of 17 as a way to help his family financially during this difficult time. He worked as an Artificer repairing canvas and once the war started he managed a workshop that repaired boots for the soldiers. He was also stationed in Churchill, Manitoba before being sent to Kingston and Montreal.

An unofficial town historian, Herb came to Bala for the first time in 1944 with friends and enjoyed good times at Dunn’s Pavillion while staying at Mrs. Brush’s rooming house. His second trip to Bala involved staying in a tent on Maple Street where the community centre is today. His love for Bala was immediate and he began thinking about how great it would be for his family to have such a nice place to come after working so hard during the Depression. Herb bought a property on the Moon River in 1947 for $600. Together with the help of his family they built a cabin, and in 1952 Herb purchased the property that has become known as the Bala-Hy Motel and Cottages. The business grew over the years and even this past season you could still find Herb behind the desk in the motel office answering the phone with his trademark greeting.

His vision and dream for his Bala property fulfilled the dreams of many. He was so dogmatic, so determined and it was all he ever talked about, right up until the end. We hope he is at peace knowing that his legacy will be enjoyed by many more generations who are grateful for his gift to all of us.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who helped Herb to stay in his home as long as possible. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the dedicated and caring staff and volunteers at Andy’s House Hospice. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing facility in our community and in lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Andy’s House.

Visitation will take place at Cavill-Turner Funeral Home in Gravenhurst on Tuesday, December 21 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Cremation has taken place and a private family funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 22 at Trinity-All Saints Anglican Church in Bala.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Visitation will be conducted in 30/45 minute intervals. All who are not family,  must RSVP with ALL names of those attending. Please RSVP below for your desired timeslot.