VINALHAVEN — Arthur T. “Russ” Farnham passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his Vinalhaven home on Friday, June 18, 2021, with his loving partner and young son by his side. He was 44.

Russ was born in Bangor on December 10, 1976, the son of Randall W. Farnham and Cynthia P. Gowan Farnham, now Seekins.

He grew up in Bucksport and moved to Vinalhaven at the age of 12. He attended Bucksport and Vinalhaven schools and graduated in 1996 from Vinalhaven High School. Possessing a strong work ethic, while in high school Russ lobstered with many captains out of Vinalhaven. Over the years he worked in just about every fishery, but he was most proud of his work with Captain Ambrose Alley, whom Russ considered his mentor.

Russ enjoyed snowmobiling, family vacations to Florida and listening to music. He was a constant tease to anyone he knew; if Russ didn’t nag you, he didn’t love you. His favorite line to his son AJ was, “If you’re gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough.” Russ’s philosophy was “Only the strong will survive.” He loved nothing better than to be out on the water seining for herring. Eric Lutes and John Lymburner, who fished with Russ, were among his closest friends.

Russ was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, John and Thelma Farnham; his best bud, Jeremy Philbrook; and his cousin Derick Warren.

He leaves his father, Randall Farnham and his wife Virginia of Vinalhaven; his mother, Cynthia Seekins and her husband Melvin of Frankfort; his partner of several years, Ryann Warren; three sons, Corbin, Brian and Arthur John “AJ” Farnham; a step-daughter, Maevis Bryant; a brother, Andrew Farnham; two step-brothers, Ricky Seekins and John Seekins; maternal grandparents, Floyd and Shirley Gowen of Bangor; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Thursday, June 24, 2021, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

A graveside service will be held Monday, June 28, 2021, at 11 a.m., at Browns Head Cemetery, Vinalhaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Autism Society of Maine, 72 B Maine St., Winthrop, ME, 04364 (www.asmonline.org).

To share messages of love, remembrance and condolence with Russ’s family, please visit the Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.