Michael H. Farney ’56

Mike died Sept. 26, 2019, in Lincoln, Mass. His work experiences on ranches and his family’s love of the outdoors shaped his life. Summer jobs included working as a stunt double in Western films and horse guiding in Aspen.

At Princeton Mike majored in American history. He was a member of Campus Club and president of the Outing Club. He served as a captain in the Marines in Okinawa and in northern California taught troops in winter warfare skills. Mike taught American history at Pomfret School, worked at Princeton’s Office of Admission, and led biking and canoeing trips. 

In 1968 Mike earned an MBA from the Harvard Business School. After working for the New England River Basins Commission, he started Lincoln Guide Service in 1972, the Charles River Canoe Service in 1973, and the Weston Ski Track in 1974. Mike wrote a cycling guidebook, New England Over the Handlebars.

Mike and his wife, Ethel, raised their family in Lincoln and enjoyed outdoor experiences and summer music festivals. He sang for years in the Trinity Episcopal Church choir and for many years in the Concord Chorus. Mike is survived by his wife, five children, and seven grandchildren.