REVEREND FARLEY R. MAXWELL
November 15, 1937 ~ August 19, 2015
The Reverend Farley Maxwell, age 77, of Portland, OR passed away peacefully on August 19, 2015 surrounded by his family. Farley is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Maxwell; his daughters, Robin Maxwell Payment and Anne Maxwell Hammond; his son, Julio Maxwell; six grandchildren; his brother, Winston Maxwell; and sister, Celeste Rose.
Farley will be remembered for his faithful service to others and his dedication to social justice. He served as pastor of Waverly Heights United Church of Christ in Portland for many years and retired after serving as pastor from 1984 to 1997 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Vancouver, WA where he took a very active role as the church became one of the first Open and Affirming congregations in the UCC. After his retirement from the church, Farley and Mary served several years as missionaries in Kathmandu, Nepal.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2015 at First Congregational UCC in Portland located at 1126 SW Park Ave.
Please sign Reverend Farley's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Remembering Farley fondly and hoping Mary is well.
Jo Waddell
Friend
August 22, 2023
Farley was man of integrity and extraordinary motivator, he changed lives of hundreds if not thousands. Farley you will be missed.
Basudev Bhattarai
Friend
December 22, 2018
in the 1980's Farley was a mentor in our Peace and Justice movement at our Lady of Lourdes Parish iin Vancouver. We valued his passion advise. Often we met at his house, having long and ardent discussion on how we could make a difference. WE presented him with our Award for Peace and Justice." He said it meant the world to him. Many of us will never forget the"Hour of Prayer, at his 'Congregational Church, '(3AM) when, at that time, we joined the entire world in prayer, and song. Archbishop Hunthausen was there, along with pastors and parishioners of area churches. He organized a wonderful and moving 'ceremony for peace.'
Donna Quesnell
October 2, 2015
Farley contributed greatly to the cooperative praying, working and service of the Vancouver faith communities and graciously opened his church facilities for interfaith gatherings and events. May he enjoy the Lord's blessings with those whose life of faith and love he enhanced by his spirited leadership.
Michael and Maryann OBrien
September 7, 2015
Farley and Mary joined us at Colonial Heights CC as soon as they got settled back in Oregon. Farley had fallen into a cravas mountian climbing in S. America and while he waited for recue decided he should go to his first church. I was involved in the broken leg by telling him that he should have a Docter remove the metal pins that where stickjing out through the skin of his leg. (and Mary was a nurse) Farley and Mary Joined the group of young people of the church and helped us celebrate birthdays, weekends at the Coast and dinner gatherings.
All the Zillions of friends will miss you Farley, but all will know from your teachings that God and his Love will welcome you home!!
Mike Headley (with tears in my eyes and
love in my heart)
Myron D. (Mike) Headley
September 5, 2015
So many memories of Mary and Farley. Beginning with Spirit Lake at Camp Meehan, then in Vancouver. Thank you for your support, Farley, through marriages, life changes, decisions, etc. Such a fine man and kind mentor. Especially appreciate the support and love for ALL human beings and acceptance for each individual.
Jo Waddell
September 5, 2015
Farley was an important member of our family - he married Skooter and Dana McCaron and Don and I - both marriages are true blessings. Thank You Farley - God's Peace.
Corky Senecal
September 3, 2015
As a friend off Mary's I was only slightly acquainted with Farley but was aware of his may contributions. Mary recently told me that Farley designed the Emergency Plan which Nepal used after their recent earthquake. What a wonderful testament to his life of service.
My favorite image of Farley is the day the docents came back from a day trip. We dropped Mary off in Vancouver and there was Farley waiting for her on his motorcycle. Mary mounted up, put on her helmet and away they went. It always brings a smile to my face and reminds me how adventuresome their life together was.
You are in my thoughts, Mary.
Christine Nelson
September 2, 2015
Farley was a wonderful pastor to our parents, Steve and Rhoda Page, and we came to know him through them. Indeed his heart was huge with love, compassion and understanding. His life continues to bless this family. Our love to Mary and their children.
David and Patty Page
August 31, 2015
I enjoyed Farley's company at Hoodoo...the gentle fourteen year old in the bit ski boots. I visited him again as the leader of a big congregation...that same gentle spirit reaching out to others.He was a good man, who did much good. I remember him and smile, grateful that I passed his way.
Janice Johnson
August 31, 2015
I first met Farley at YMCA Camp Meehan at Spirit Lake in the med 50's. He was an outstanding counselor. Always peaceful, strong and thoughtful - a capable mentor for young men. Later we served together on the Portland YMCA Camping Committee. Farley lived a Christian Life - a brilliant example that it can be done even in today's complex and tumultuous times. Condolences to the family - My life is better because I knew Farley
Bob Stayton
August 31, 2015
Farley was one of the finest men it's ever been our pleasure to know. Our sincerest condolences to Mary, his wonderful wife and to his entire family.
Roger & Debra Perry
August 31, 2015
If, I have the right person, I remember Farley from Camp Silver Creek, operated in the Silver Falls area by the Salem YMCA. Always a happy guy. I seemed to recall a shaggy dog story about a furry thing. Kurt Engelstad, Silver Creek alum, Gresham, OR
August 31, 2015
My dad had a passion for life and experiences. He will be sorely missed and will always be loved.
August 31, 2015
Farley married my husband and I 39 years ago at the church in Portland. Our ceremony was wonderful and filled with laughter and joy. One year later, Farley did something so amazing for us, that it would have been impossible to repay him for his kindness. When our first child was born very prematurely, Farley asked me if there was anything that he could do for us. I asked him to walk in the world for her, since she would never get the chance herself. He left the hospital that day and walked by the river and in one of the forested parks in Portland. He did this for our baby and for us. It was an act of kindness that I will never forget and be forever grateful to him for. He knew the true meaning of service to others in love. Our condolences to the family on their loss.
Ronald J. and Elizabeth LaSalle
August 30, 2015
Farley served in Vancouver but was known and loved widely as generous and humble and peace loving leader and human being. They don't come any better.
Eric Canon
August 30, 2015
Remembering Farley with fond memories from Vancouver UCC. A very gentle, thoughtful and kind man who was an example of service and living life with conviction. Prayers of condolence, love and for healing to Mary and his family.
Jeanie Beary Stolle
August 29, 2015
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