Darien High Hockey Player Remembers Being a Great Teammate and Hard Worker

DARIEN, CT — As a hockey player, Henry Farmer’s coaching evaluations often described him as a hard worker who always did his best and supported his teammates.

According to Dave Kreppein, president of the Darien Youth Hockey Association, it was these characteristics and more that contributed to why Farmer was loved by so many, both on and off the ice.

“He was just a great boy,” Kreppein told Patch. “Always had a smile on his face, always kind and respectful. He was a great teammate.”

The community was rocked on April 12 when Darien resident Farmer died suddenly aged 16 due to medical complications, according to an obituary. Posted by Lawrence Funeral Home.

He is described in the obituary as “a light in many people’s lives, with his contagious smile, laugh and sense of humour”, as well as “a quiet leader in all facets of his life, but especially when he practiced his favorite sports: hockey and golf.”

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Farmer started playing hockey with Darien Youth Hockey at age 5, where he played for 11 seasons, mostly on a travel team. During that time, he met some of his absolute best friends and spent many hours bonding with them in locker rooms and at tournaments.

This season, Farmer played hockey for Darien High School as a varsity junior forward.

Kreppein, whose son is Farmer’s age and also plays hockey, said he’s known Farmer since he started his youth hockey career. Having lived near each other, they often carpooled to games together.

“He was always a great player, a great teammate, a great friend,” Kreppein said. “It makes it even more difficult because he was such a good boy. It’s a tragedy.”

Over the past few years, Farmer has also developed a love of golf and played on the Darien High School golf team last spring, where he was called up for his passion, sportsmanship and excellent trash talk, which the latter being considered a badge of honor. , according to the obituary.

Beyond the rink and the bonds, Farmer had many friends from all walks of his life who he treasured and who were also treasured.

He was also deeply regarded by his coaches and teachers, one of whom asked him daily “what is it like to be Henry Farmer today?” He was considered a role model by many, always displaying a hard work ethic, good sportsmanship and a pure love for everything he undertook, according to the obituary.

“He was such an amazing person and he will be sorely missed by his family who love him more than words can ever express,” read the obituary. “Henry lived his best life every day, and those of us who had the privilege of knowing him were very lucky to be a part of his life.”

Kreppein said the past week has been tough for those we know and love Farmer, whether as a teammate, friend or family member.

“It was a tough time,” Kreppein said. “The hockey community has been great for the support. A lot of people are really hurting because Henry was such a good boy. He was 16 which is so sad he was right in the middle of those high school years and I’ll never get to play another game or do anything else because something like this happens. I’m at a loss for words.”

Farmer is survived by his parents, Sima (Davis) and Chip (Henry L., IV) Farmer, his twin sister Lily, his younger sisters, Anna and Olivia; his grandparents: Hank (Henry L., III) and Linda (Smith) Farmer; his uncle Britt Farmer, aunt Ann (Mai) Farmer and cousin, Jackson Farmer; his aunt Allison Kelly and cousin, Preston Davis; and her aunt Brenda Friedler and uncle Noah Davis. He is also survived by his many second cousins, with whom he spent many summers enjoying time spent tubing, fishing and eating lobster in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He is predeceased by his grandparents, Gerard H. Davis and Roberta (Peretz) Davis.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 21 at 1 p.m. at Noroton Presbyterian Church, located at 2011 Post Road in Darien.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to Friends of DYHA, the Darien Youth Hockey Association scholarship fund that helps offset the cost of playing hockey for area families.

Kreppein said it was “a great honor” that DYHA was chosen to celebrate Farmer’s legacy and memory.

Just as Farmer has always been there for his teammates, his fellow young hockey players, his coaches and all who knew him will continue to come together to honor an athlete, a student, a friend and a son who has always strived to give everything, both on and off the pitch. ice.

“That’s the best thing about being part of the hockey community…when tragedy strikes, you see people coming together, and I think that’s great,” Kreppein said. “I hope the Farmer family feels that and feels the support that everyone feels for them. I think that’s a good thing.”

Henry Farmer’s full obituary can be read at www.lawrencefuneralhome.com.