OAKLAND – Ralph, or as most of his family called him “Jr.”, 86, passed away quietly at Oak Grove Center in Waterville, where he had been a resident for 2 ½ years. Ralph was born on Dec. 13, 1936, to Ralph E. Farnham, Sr. and Mattie Mae Furbush of Oakland, ME.

He was always sharing that his sister, Jane, was born on his birthday 22 years apart.

Ralph graduated from Williams High School in Oakland where he played football with his brother, Donald (Popeye). After graduating high school in 1956, he had a few jobs and then took a position with National Cash Register (NCR) which he retired from at age 57. Serving his country, he served his country for three years in the Maine National Guard, until his honorable discharge in January 1963. Ralph married Donna Bickford, the love of his life, on Jan. 13, 1962.

Ralph enjoyed serving on the Oakland Town Council for a total of 36 years. He enjoyed his time on the town council spending. He continued until his wife, Donna, who had been diagnosed with PSP, could no longer be left home alone. He also helped set up the town museum, researching and putting together informational signs of the items on display. Ralph also spent time volunteering for the museum to be open in the summer a few hours a week. He was a social butterfly and enjoyed meeting everyone who visited the museum.

Horse racing was one of his loves and during the summer fair season you could find him betting a few dollars and often winning. Ralph enjoyed dancing at the Fox Den or the Melody Ranch on Sunday nights with Donna. He did this for years. His favorite country artist was Lorrie Morgan, and her songs were always playing whenever he drove. He and Donna liked to travel to Branson to see the shows, to Dollywood, and to visit Donna’s cousin in the Boston area. At Oak Grove, he often talked to staff about his dancing days. He enjoyed watching the Grand Ole Opry, sports, the news, and the weather channel on TV. Ralph loved animals with his last pet being, Princess, the cat plus the many birds, chipmunks, and squirrels he fed.

He was devoted to his wife and took care of her at home for several years until she took up residence at Lakewood Continuing Care. He was there daily spending most of the day with her until she passed on January 15, 2015.

Ralph is survived by his daughter, Lynn Farnham. He is also survived by his brother, Vaughn, his sisters, Jane Butler and her husband Craig, and Jean Rasar and her partner Warren. He is also survived by his in-laws, Raymond and Lorraine Robinson. He had many nephews and nieces but was particularly close to Brittany, Lydia and Jeb. Ziggy Streznewski was a good friend who helped Ralph stay home longer. They also had Sunday dinner nights where Ziggy would bring whatever meal Ralph desired.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Donna, and his brother, Donald.

Visiting hours will take place at Wheeler Funeral Home on Nov. 3, 2023 at 3 p.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 4 p.m. Burial will be at Lewis Cemetery on Nov.10, 2023 at 10 a.m. .

The family would like to thank the staff at Oak Grove for the care and understanding of Ralph. He could be a little stubborn and grumpy, but he liked to tease and get people to smile.

Arrangements are in the care of Wheeler Funeral Home 26 Church Street Oakland Maine where memories may be shared, and an online register book signed by visiting http://www.lawrybrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations may be made to:

Oakland Firefighters Association or:

Waterville Area

Humane Society

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