• Obituary
butcher, an entrepreneur developing his dog team tour business. He was a great showman for his business, selling what Alaska has to offer to thousands of people visiting from all over the world. He talked about raising his family and running the first Iditarod.
He was a fisherman and also established his own marine transportation company, Farley Marine. Howard's love for the sea was passed down to his children, as they enjoyed fishing together as a family, with all of his children working as deckhands on the fishing boats at one time or another both for subsistence and commercial purposes. Howard and three of his sons are Merchant Mariner Captains credentialed by the United States Coast Guard. Howard was a teacher to his children and loved every one of them, all of the memories they created together will be gratefully memorable.
As a man of faith, Howard found solace and worshiped at St. Joseph Church in Nome, Alaska. His devotion to his religion was an important aspect of his life.
Beyond his work and family, Howard had a passion for co-founding the Iditarod in 1973 with Father of the Iditarod Joe Redington Sr. Howard ran the first Iditarod and finished to a large crowd of Nomeites to welcome him home. Howard and Julie were proud supporters of the race and hosted racers and their families in their home. Howard and Julie were managing the end of the Iditarod Race in Nome for 20 years. Howard said, “Every person who finishes the Iditarod is a hero. This is when people find out they can do spectacular things.”
Howard and Julie were both presented with the 2021 Historic Preservation Award. Awarded by Alaska Association for Historic Preservation, Inc. In Recognition of Excellence in Historic Preservation in Alaska for LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVOCACY. He advocated preserving his historical home on Second
Avenue, the Sally Carrighar House built in 1904, and the Iditarod the Last Great Race by having a meet and greet during the month of March every year at the Nome Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum.
There are so many stories that he would tell of his life, and he was a great man who honored his long life with a cheerful outlook. Here is to another good day Julie!
Howard is survived by his children: Beth Ann Moffett, Kenneth (Lisa) Farley, Jeffrey Farley Sr., Linda (Brian) Phelan, Christina Farley, Jessie Lynn (Michael Sr.) Campbell, Marion Mimi Farley, Chugie (Jessica) Farley, Melissa King and Harvey Farley, along with bonus children. His grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: Kyle Lee, Christopher Lee, Paulette (Russell) Akers, Jaxon, Axle, Melanie Lee (Cody), Brandon Lee, Leilani (Ben) Quesnel, Chloe, Maya, Lani Farley, Jeffrey (Sara)Farley Jr, Julian, Samantha Farley, Olivia, Kadi (Billy)Holdsworth, Lily, Calvin, Michael Matherne, Audrey Matherne (Charlie), Chucky Chinnis, Marie Ann (Luciano)Martinez, Sapphire, Calista, Gideon, Amy Campbell (Brian), Opal, Nicole
Campbell, James Hamel, Lorraine Rainy Hall (Gray), Auki, Ari, Kallie (Tomas)Paniataaq, Mary Lou, Elizabeth, Katie King (Jesse), Penelope, Toby, and one more on the way.
Howard was preceded in death by his wife Julie, his parents Leslie and Jessie, his sibling Carol Johnson, and grandchildren Michael Campbell Jr., Jessica Carr, and Timothy Matthews.
In honor of Howard's memory, charitable donations should be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
May Howard Lee Farley Sr.'s legacy live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.
A memorial service will be on February 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Nome, followed by a reception at the Nome Recreation Center.