- Date Of Birth: March 8, 1935
- Date Of Death: June 17, 2023
- State: New Mexico
Gerald E. Farm, 88, of Farmington, N.M., passed away after a long illness on June 17, 2023.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Sharon R. Farm, 87, and daughter Kim Rivera. Son, Kirk Farm passed away in Oct. 2001. Gerald had 2 brothers (Bud and Gene Farm), and several nieces and nephews.
Kim’s most loving gratitude goes out to her precious husband, who had to take over everything at home, as Kim is 100% disabled, and caring for both of her parents at the same time for so many years took all her time and energy. Also, ONE dear friend deserves sincere thanks from the Farms, Mr.
Gerald was born in Kearney, Nebraska, to Paul and Ruth Farm. He went into the U.S. Navy and was a Naval photographer after graduation from high school. After his service in the Navy, Gerald went to college, which is where he met Sharon. They were married on August 9th, 1959.
They made their 1st home in Loveland, Colorado, where son, Kirk G. Farm was born in 1961 and Kim K. Farm was born in 1964. Gerald taught art at a local college and worked for Hewlett Packard as a
commercial artist. However, Gerald’s life-long dream was to become a full-time professional artist.
Shari, who’d gone to college and earned a teaching degree, had been a stay-at-home mother, but fully supported her husband’s dream. In 1968, they and their 2 children, Kirk and Kim, moved to Farmington, N.M., as the only teaching job at that time just happened to be in Bloomfield, N.M., which is where Shari first started teaching, ending her long, dedicated teaching career at Country Club Elementary School. Gerald started his professional art career in 1967, and he became a very esteemed artist until he finally had to stop painting at age 82 due to his illness. Shari never regretted working full-time, as she always stated, “the world is a better place with Jerry’s beautiful art in it.” She was his biggest fan.
Before Gerald’s 2 children went to Junior High, Gerald saw how dangerous the Farmington schools had become and refused to do nothing — so he ran for and became President of the Farmington School Board to change the schools to make them safer for his own 2 children, and everyone else’s children. The schools were indeed made safer under his leadership!
Gerald was also on the San Juan College Board with his dear friend, Dr. Henderson, for several years, also having many art shows at the Henderson Fine Arts Center (and all across America).
Gerald and Sharon travelled Europe in the 197% to study the “old masters” of art — a dream of
Gerald’s. Gerald became a truly fine artist! He was nicknamed ”The Norman Rockwell of the
Southwest” for good reason. He painted life as he saw it, but in the Southwest! He GREATLY admired.
Norman Rockwell and wrote him and was written back by Mr. Rockwell, which he framed Mr. Rockwell’s letters, as they meant so much to him.
Gerald Farm, husband, father, fine artist, friend, and always a gentleman. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him! “Say not in grief that he is no more but live in the thankfulness that he was”.
