Often when tragedy and sadness comes into my life I bury myself in work and keeping busy. That certainly has been the case this past week and a half when the news came down my uncle David Farrington passed away on Monday, November 25. But now reality is hitting as the funeral is a day away. My mother’s sister Karen and Uncle Dave let me live with them when I worked at WCCO radio in 2000, and to say it was like having a second set of parents would be an understatement. They made me feel at home every time I was there, either for a long or short stay.
Not only were they welcoming to me when I worked in the Twin Cities, but since I have covered sports in the Fargo-Moorhead market since 1996, especially for KFGO, if it wasn’t my friend Collin’s house, I often stayed at Karen and Dave’s home. Often my friends would say to me, “what did you do while you were down there besides the (Twins/Vikings/Wild/Gophers/T-Wolves) game? Go downtown? Meet up with anyone?” I would say “No, just hung out with my aunt and uncle, had a few beers and b.s.’d watching TV.” I think it is safe to say my 20-30-something friends looked at me goofy, and maybe thought I was boring (and I can be), but I truly enjoyed those conversations.
Aunt Karen, Uncle David and I would talk about politics, sports, what our friends or family were up to, and bring up the news of the region or world until the “wee-hours” of the night. Some of the most interesting conversations would be about his time being in law enforcement, especially as Chief of Police for the city of Burnsville, MN and dealings with people in my profession of mass media; especially journalists trying to get “the scoop.” I will miss those talks, but I am grateful that I got to have one last good “family room” chat with Uncle Dave the night before Barnesville played in the state football semifinals a few weeks ago. There is no doubt Aunt Karen and I will keep those conversations going in the future.
I am lucky to have a close family on both my dad and mom’s side. My relationship with David’s sons, Mark and Tom is great, as well all of my cousins. Because of that this passing of Uncle Dave hits hard because he is the first aunt or uncle I have lost, and the reality of mortality for this generation of extended parents in your family (which aunts and uncles are) after losing my grandparents a few years ago really smacks me in the face.
Time will make this easier for everyone in my family, especially for the Farrington family; and one thing is for sure, his legacy as a great husband, father, grandfather and police chief is something that will live on forever.
Rest easy Uncle Dave.
David G. Farrington
Farrington, David G. of Burnsville died on November 25, 2019. Preceded in death by parents, Patricia & Ted Farrington; grandchild, Faolan Farrington. Survived by loving wife of 46 years, Karen; sons, Mark (Ali) and Tom (Faith); grandchildren, Danielle, Adalyn, Camilla; siblings, Terry (Carol) Farrington, Mary Patricia Metzger; and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. David was a founding member of the MN Emerald Society. He was a graduate of St. John’s University and the FBI National Academy, with a Master’s Degree from the University of St. Thomas. David was dedicated to serving others and enforcing the law with integrity. He had a 33-year career with the Burnsville Police Department, including years of service as Chief of Police. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00AM, Wednesday, Dec. 4, at St. Thomas Becket (4455 S Robert Trail, Eagan) Visitation at 9:30AM until start of mass on Wednesday. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials preferred to MN Emerald Society, The National Kidney Foundation, or the Glioblastoma Foundation. O’Halloran & Murphy 651-698-0796
