Farran, Roy Alexander, DSO, MC.

Major Roy Alexander Farran, DSO, MC two bars, passed away on June 2, 2006 at the age of 85. One of the most highly decorated soldiers of World War II, Roy was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross – two bars, Africa Campaign Star, France/Germany Campaign Star, Italy Campaign Star, General Campaign Medal, Queen’s Gold Jubilee Medal, Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal, Canada 125 Medal, Officer and Chevalier of the Order of the Legion of Honour – France, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Officer of the Order of the United States Legion of Merit, the Italian Gold Medal, Italian Partisan Star of the Garibaldi, Greek War Medal and the Gold Medal of Bologna.

A true child of the commonwealth, Roy spent his youth in India until he returned to England and attended the Royal Sandhurst Military College. His colourful Military career saw action in the Western Desert, Crete, Italy, France, Norway and in post-war Palestine. As an early member of the Special Air Services (SAS), Roy pioneered behind-the-enemy lines operations. In August, 1941, Roy escaped from a German prisoner of war camp in Greece to return to fight in the Battle of El Alamein in North Africa. His biographical chronicle, ‘Winged Dagger’ was a post-war bestseller and is today considered a military classic. In 1949, Roy worked in Southern Rhodesia where he met his Canadian born wife, Ruth Harvie Ardern. He left his Herefordshire farm in England to immigrate to Canada in 1950 where he started a dairy farm in Springbank. Roy was an accomplished journalist and spent many years with the Calgary Herald and established the North Hill News in 1951. He was the publisher of many Alberta weeklies under his motto “without fear of favour”.

He was an Alderman for Calgary North Hill from 1961 – 1969. He was an MLA from 1971-1979 holding the cabinet portfolios of Telephones and Utilities and Solicitor General. Roy was well known for his columns in the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Herald and his lively talk show on CFAC radio. Roy was active in the community and held directorships with the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Hospital Board, Fanning Centre, Calgary Zoo, Calgary Winter Club, and many others. He was the energy behind the creation of Fish Creek Park and Nose Hill Park. As an accomplished author, he wrote nine books. A linguist, he spoke 7 languages and was a long time supporter of the Alliance Française. He was Chairman of the Alberta Racing Commission for 14 years and was a passionate horseman and outdoorsman. He was a model father sharing his wisdom, adventures, horses and his love of the outdoors. He was predeceased by Ruth, his wife of 51 years, and his brothers, Rex, Ray and Kit.

He will be forever loved and remembered by his children, Sally, Peter, Terry and David; his grandchildren, Christopher, Sean, Meghan, Kristy, Allyson, Leigh and Thomas; great grandchild, Elliott; and longtime friend, Andre Lorent. Special thanks to his compassionate caregivers, Anna Lisa, Dory, Belinda, Lynette, Wendy, Donna and Jeannete. Funeral services will be held at St. Anthony’s Church, 5340 – 4^th Street SW at 10:30 am June 12, 2006. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anthony’s Parish.