Wednesday, July 17, 2002

The vaunted quality of life in Fayette County has been diminished by the passing of Tom Farr.

I was privileged to know Tom and to have his unassuming leadership on my board of directors during my almost 10 years with the Fayette County Development Authority. If I could have custom-ordered a perfect board director, it would have been him. Always prepared and aware of what needed to be done, he would arrive on time, do what was expected of him, then quietly leave to attend to his next responsibility. He made enormous contributions to the authority.

Tom's tireless work for his community and his towering ethical standards seem out of date for our times. It is ironic that he left this life at a time when local bickering is at a zenith and American corporate shenanigans dominate the news.

Tom was all about being positive and had no time nor interest in negativity. He never wrote a rambling letter to the editor castigating others nor did he ever make a spectacle of himself in a public meeting. He just rolled up his sleeves and worked for the good of the county he was born in. He knew firsthand what Fayette County was like without paved roads or restaurants or any of the amenities that have drawn tens of thousands of new residents here.

But for all his strengths, Tom Farr was not an entirely good man nor an entirely caring man. He wasn't particularly good at being the center of attention or in making sure that he got recognition for his many contributions to his beloved community. And he didn't care about that.

Turn the page, Fayette County. You have lost one of your best and brightest.

John Boothby

President and CEO

South Fulton Chamber of Commerce

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