Harold "Hal" Andy Farrier

Harold “Hal” Andy Farrier, age 83, passed away at his home on September 19, 2021, surrounded by his family. Hal was born on March 13, 1938, on a small farm outside of Brighton, IA to Marion and Tempest Farrier.

Hal married Carolyn “Kay” (McDanal), the love of his life, on January 11, 1969, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Hal attended the University of Northern Iowa and received his Bachelor of Social Science in 1960, furthered his education at Florida State University with a Master of Social Work and finished his impressive educational knowledge with a Doctoral Degree at Iowa State University in 1990.

Hal left a huge legacy and impact during his extensive time working for the department of corrections.  He began his career at the Iowa State Reformatory in 1965 as Director of Department of Social Services, continued as Superintendent at the Iowa Security Medical Facility until 1976 at which time he transferred to Mt. Pleasant State Mental Hospital.  In 1979, he was appointed by Governor Robert Ray to Director of Corrections for the State of Iowa.  Hal concluded his time in corrections as the National Marketing Director for The Durant Group before retiring in 2012.  Throughout his career, he continued to share his knowledge and expertise by teaching collegiate students across the state of Iowa.

Hal was involved with many prestigious professional affiliations and received many honors throughout his dynamic career.  One of the most noted was Outstanding Correctional Worker by Iowa Corrections Association.

A well-loved man, Hal enjoyed meeting new people from every aspect of life.  He cherished time with his family and friends and was the guy who could always brighten your day with his charisma, wit, and smile. Above all, “Pa” enjoyed spending time with his precious grandchildren. Hal was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and will be deeply missed by all.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Tempest Farrier; two children, son Andy and daughter Jackie; four brothers, Leo, Lester, Marion Jr. and Gerald; three nephews, Tom Pohren, Bill Behrends, Bobby Farrier.

Left to share his story are his loving wife, Kay, of Fairfield, his son Jim Farrier of Cedar Rapids, son Matt and wife Sara Farrier of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; three grandchildren, Luke, Avery and Sloane; five sisters, Betty Fahy of Scottsdale, AZ, Rennie Wakeland of Washington, IA, Wanda (Charlie) Lowe of Washington, IA, Joan Norton of North Liberty, IA, Kay (Dick) Pohren of Pleasant Plain, IA; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Hayden & Pat McDanal as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

The family would like to give a very special thanks to Pastor Frosty Van Voorst for his support and undeniable faith, Dr. Larson for his great care and to a special niece, Katie, who was there holding our hands throughout every step of this journey.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 23rd at Packwood Christian Church, Packwood, IA, with Frosty Van Voorst officiating, family & friends visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 PM. Burial following service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Brighton, IA.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice or Packwood Christian Church.

“You can take the boy away from the farm, but you can’t take the farm away from the boy.”