Farris: 15 Years of Service and a Legacy of Caring

March 24, 2025

On most Thursdays, you can find Farris chatting with a new volunteer as he serves glasses of water to St. Anthony’s guests. For over 15 years, he has been a devoted presence, greeting guests, welcoming new volunteers and ensuring every meal is served with care. But Farris’ commitment to service began long before he put on an apron at St. Anthony’s.

Farris’ journey took him from a farm in the South to college, then to military service in Germany, where he met Trish, his late wife of 61 years. Together, they built a life spanning continents—raising seven children, welcoming seventeen grandchildren, and embracing service as a way of life.

Volunteering has always been second nature to Farris. In addition to his time at St. Anthony’s, he has spent decades assisting seniors with home repairs and continues to serve with organizations like Table of Plenty in Half Moon Bay, helping organize weekly meals. It didn’t take long before Trish joined him at St. Anthony’s, and together, they made volunteering a family tradition, even bringing their children and Australian relatives to experience the mission firsthand.

For Farris, St. Anthony’s isn’t just about providing meals—it’s about creating a space where people feel seen and cared for. His commitment to this community runs deep, but one moment in particular stands out. Some years ago, after the loss of a grandson, he found inspiration from a friend who had donated in honor of a loved one. Wanting to do something meaningful, he made a generous donation to fund a special meal for the guests: Australian meat pies, a nod to his wife’s home country and a way to bring comfort and connection through food. “It was a personal, meaningful way to give,” Farris recalls.

As St. Anthony’s marks 75 years of service, it’s people like Farris who remind us of what makes this place special. His dedication reflects the heart of a community built on generosity and care—a tradition that continues because of volunteers who show up, serve, and connect. And as long as there are guests to feed and new volunteers to welcome, you’ll likely find Farris here, doing what he does best.

Volunteers like Farris help create a community of care and healing at St. Anthony’s. Join us in making a difference—sign up to volunteer today.