Windsor booster and long-time business owner Ted Farron dies

A long-time community booster in Windsor, and a man whose smile could light up any room, has died.

James Edward “Ted” Farron was known by many in Windsor as the owner of Farron’s Gourmet Butcher in south Windsor, a business he operated for 35 years before his recent retirement.

“His only expression is a smile. And I've seen him towards the end of his journey. And never anything but a smile,” said Eric Farron, one of Ted’s six children.

Farron was also well known as a community booster, running various fundraising initiatives over the years, assisting The Hospice of Windsor-Essex, Easter Seals, the Downtown Mission and one of his true passions, Camp Brombal.

“He just really, really enjoyed being around people and helping to make things better,” said Eric.

Camp Brombal was a cause especially dear to Farron, given that he didn’t have much growing up, living at a boarding house at 15 years old and working to make ends meet.

“He understood it was about giving a hand up to those who started out in a less fortunate situation,” recalls Eric. “Initially when he became involved, one lucky youth got a bike at the end of the camp. And he said if I have anything to do with it, no one goes home without a bike.”

“Everybody wins. And he did that.”

He was very active in the boxing community, acting as one of Olympic boxer Mary Spencer’s coaches alongside Charlie Stewart. Spencer would go on to win three world championships and five Pan American gold medals.

In 2021, Farron was honoured by St. Clair College with an honorary Culinary Management diploma.

Farron also served six years on the college’s Board of Governors, including a stint as board chair from 2012-2013.

He was also made an honourary member of the Windsor Professional Firefighters Association, one of only four civilians to receive that distinction.

Farron was deeply involved with student physician recruitment, to help get the new medical school off the ground at the University of Windsor.

“He was tireless, but because he believed in the community. It was very authentic. And I think that's what people resonate with,” said Eric.

His dedication to helping with the annual Hospice Face-to-Face campaign recently came full circle.

“He recognized end to life as being at a time where people really need to retain their dignity,” said Eric, who notes The Hospice is where Farron spent his final three months. He died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, including Michelle, his wife of 40 years.

A celebration of life is in the works for anyone to attend, with the hope it will spark someone to fill the big shoes he leaves behind.

“Keep some of that community mindedness alive. I think we need some more of it. And hopefully that accomplishes that,” said Eric.

Ted Farron was 83.