Darien High Hockey Player Remembered As Great Teammate, Hard Worker

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

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

"He was just a great kid," Kreppein said to Patch. "Always had a smile on his face, always kind and respectful. He was a great teammate."

The community was rocked April 12 when Farmer, a Darien resident, died suddenly at the age of 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 infectious smile, laugh and sense of humor," as well as "a quiet leader in all facets of his life, but particularly when he played his favorite sports: hockey and golf."

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

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

Kreppein, whose son is Farmer's age and also plays hockey, said he has known Farmer since the beginning of his youth hockey career. Having lived near each other, they often would carpool to games together.

"He was always a great player, a great teammate, a great friend," Kreppein said. "It makes it even harder because he was such a great kid. It's a tragedy."

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

Beyond the rink and the links, Farmer had many friends from all areas of his life, whom he cherished and was also cherished by.

He was also deeply regarded by his coaches and teachers, one of whom would ask him every day "what's it like to be Henry Farmer today?" He was considered by many to be a role model, always exhibiting a hard work ethic, good sportsmanship and a sheer love of everything he set out to do, according to the obituary.

"He was such an immensely amazing person and will be missed beyond measure by his family who love him more than words can ever express," the obituary reads. "Henry lived his best life every day, and those of us who were privileged enough to know him were so very lucky to be a part of his life."

Kreppein said the past week has been difficult for those we knew and loved Farmer, either as a teammate, friend or family member.

"It's been a hard time," Kreppein said. "The hockey community has been great for support. A lot of people area really hurting because Henry was such a great kid. He was 16, which is so sad that he was right in the middle of those high school years and will never get to play another game or do another thing 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, Auntie Ann (Mai) Farmer and cousin, Jackson Farmer; his Auntie Allison Kelly and cousin, Preston Davis; and his Aunt Brenda Friedler and Uncle Noah Davis. He is also survived by his many second cousins, with whom he spent many summers enjoying time 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 can donate to Friends of DYHA, the Darien Youth Hockey Association's scholarship fund which helps offset the cost of playing hockey for families in the area.

Kreppein said it was "a great honor" that DYHA was chosen to celebrate Farmer's legacy and memory.

Much like Farmer was always there for his teammates, his fellow youth hockey players, coaches and all who knew him will continue to come together to honor an athlete, student, friend and son who always strove to give his all, both on and off the ice.

"That's the best thing about being a part of the hockey community...when tragedy hits, you see people kind of rally around, and I think that's great," Kreppein said. "Hopefully the Farmer family feels that and feels the support that everybody is feeling for them. I think it's a great thing."

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