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 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010 8:38 am |
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Local News 
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Bruce Karr, founder of The Farm ministry, dies at 60 SNOHOMISH -- Bruce Karr, an ordinary man who worked to change the world, passed from it Friday evening.The Snohomish native died after a lengthy illness, surrounded by family and friends in his beloved grandmother's farmhouse. He was 60. Despite all odds, he built a grass-roots ministry called The Farm that has helped thousands of people in the community -- and beyond. The Farm is well known for its elaborate Christmas and Easter celebrations, which draw hundreds of homeless families from three counties. In 2008, the American Red Cross of Snohomish County named him its Humanitarian of the Year. Karr often said The Farm is about unconditional love and acceptance. "I keep The Farm really simple: Feed the hungry, clothe the naked," Karr said last spring. "To me, Christianity is simple, and I like to keep it that way. I'm not a Bible scholar at all. It's just unconditional love at The Farm. People are wanted and valued. We don't judge people here." Karr, a working-class man, had a vision to build the farm 15 years ago. He nearly died from a heart ailment in 1994. The experience left him questioning what he had done in life that mattered. Against the advice of everyone, he sold his construction business and bought his late grandmother's dilapidated farmhouse. He said he didn't care about making money or status. He didn't, as he put it, want to have somebody build a statue of him so pigeons could poop on it. He did want to be an inspiration to others. The Farm started out as a youth group but later grew to serve the homeless and disenfranchised. Today a fully stocked kitchen is always open for anyone who needs a meal. Kids struggling to get their lives on track work off community services hours there. The ministry isn't affiliated with any particular church or organization. Karr didn't let rules and other people's expectations stop him from doing what he thought was right. He had a talent for making people feel they matter -- and meaning it. When he asked for help, people had trouble saying no. The Farm has hundreds of volunteers. Sometimes his family was surprised by how many people had heard of The Farm. Ryan Pike said if he mentioned his father-in-law's name around town, nobody would take his money. Even farther afield, everybody seemed to know about The Farm. Friend Blayne Greiner of Monroe said he once happened upon a man in a jungle of Guatemala wearing The Farm T-shirt. A few days before Karr's death, people as far away as England were e-mailing and calling for updates. "You think little Snohomish, Washington, but the number of lives he's touched -- it's amazing," Pike said. Karr was born Aug. 3, 1949. He grew up in Snohomish and attended Snohomish High School. He operated a successful auto body shop and then went into business selling manufactured homes with his brother, Larry Karr, in Everett. Later, he owned his own construction business. He married and divorced twice before marrying Vicki Stevens in 2005, who shares his passion for helping troubled kids and animals. She plans to carry on The Farm's work. Karr said his greatest accomplishments in his life were his children and his niece, Devon Walterscheid. He helped raised Devon after her parents' deaths in 1983. During his final few days, his children slept on the floor of the parlor near him, held his hand and talked to him. His family and friends gathered Monday afternoon for a goodbye prayer led by longtime friend and motorcycle preacher Dean Ekloff. His oldest daughter, Lisa Atkinson, held one hand and his wife held his other. Ekloff dabbed a bit of oil onto Karr's forehead, and, before saying the prayer, let Karr know it was OK to let go. "Soon Bruce will be running The Farm up north," he said. Karr is survived by his wife, Vicki; his children, Lisa Atkinson of Burlington, Todd Karr of Mill Creek and Karrie Pike of Moses Lake; his mother, Doris Olson of Snohomish; five grandchildren; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, George Karr, and his brother, Larry Karr. Karr's family is still working out the details of his memorial. |
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COMMENTS
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I just met Bruce about 3 weeks ago. What an amazing man !! His passion for this place and willingness to give everything for these kids was truly extraordinary. It is truly awesome to see God's work through Bruce and Vicki and all those who have been through and volunteer at "The Farm" I volunteered myself to do anything that I can to keep this legacy continue to be helpful to whomever needs it. So many kids are forgotten and left aside for many reasons and they valued and still value the workings at "The Farm". It is both my honor and privilege to even be affiliated with such an inspirational place and to be a part of such a legacy that Bruce has left behind.
Jon Addington | Jul 24, 2010 11:05 am | 1 replies | Request removal
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I had the chance to meet Bruce last summer as my two daughters and I did some volunteer work at the farm. What a great guy with a heart bigger than anyone could imagine. He created a place for kids to go and be safe, have fun, and learn about God. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on at the farm.
Clarence Gilbert | Aug 07, 2010 11:13 pm | Request removal
I never did meet Mr. Karr but I did get a tour and wandered the Farms grounds one sunny afternoon a couple months back. What he created has a wonderful atmosphere, a place where a kid can shrug off the stress of the speed of everyday life and be a kid. A place where an adult can forget about internet, traffic and slow down to breath. The Farm had a quality of stepping into another place like when you walk through Leavenworth. Great job Mr. Karr RIP.
Gary Beane | Jul 24, 2010 7:55 am | 1 replies | Request removal
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I met the Karrs many years ago when they were involved in the mobile home business. I was a loan officer and they were so appreciative that I was able to help them in their ventures even sending me flowers. I lost track of them when I retired and was not aware of the Farm Ministies. I will make it a point to visit it in the near future.
Bruce was a good person and it is not hard to believe he has done such good work.
I wonder if Gary Beane who made a post message worked at a title company who helped me with the title ins. If so I would like to hear from him.
Eunice Richards | Jul 28, 2010 7:26 pm | Request removal
Isn't this the man who founded Eagle Wings Ministries? And the farm is where the Developmentally Disabled have their BBQ every summer I think. This was one amazing man.
TanyaLee | Jul 24, 2010 12:19 am | 2 replies | Request removal
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I do not believe he founded Eagle Wings Ministries, but supported it. A truly wonderful man. Snohomish was blessed to have him as a member of the community.
Ed Head | Jul 25, 2010 12:24 pm | Request removal
Thank you Ed!
TanyaLee | Jul 25, 2010 10:11 pm | Request removal
Bruce had such a bright outlook on people and life in general. I certainly never heard him make a bad comment about anyone or anything or even be discouraged. I remember the first time I volunteered at the Christmas event for the homeless thinking prior to everyone arriving that it was mass chaos and how were we ever going to be ready, here's Bruce wondering around with this hugh grin on his face just talking to all the volunteer's, not really giving directions just thanking everybody for being there and helping out. Well by gosh the buses showed up and everything came together, everyone got a great hot meal, all the kids got a present and a stocking, the kids that wanted to see Santa saw him, got a picture too. Bruce will truly be missed. All of us in the community of Snohomish need to step up and help Vicki keep the Farm going, it is a treasure that we are very fortunate to have.
I went down to see Bruce awhile back and he said that he sure hoped that he made a difference. Bruce, you made a tremendous difference in a lot of peoples lives, you will not be forgotten.
Doug Godfrey | Jul 25, 2010 12:52 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Just wanted to say Thank You to Debra Smith and Mark Mulligan for the Exellent Journalism you have demonstated over the past few years! My Family will forever have the wonderful articles and pictures to refect on in the years to come. Debra, a personal Thank You for becoming one of my Dad's trusted friends! He respected you greatly. I am going to miss him more than words can express but know he is with his maker and is already at new missions. Thanks to the Herald for allowing such articles to be published....so nice to hear about the Good things and not just negative. This world does have Great People doing wonderful things for others....we should always focus and put our energy on those works.
Karrie Pike | Jul 24, 2010 9:46 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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"I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" (Matt 25:40)
H DJ | Jul 24, 2010 7:48 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Our hearts go out to the family & friends of Bruce Karr. He has left a legacy to be admired !
Godspeed Bruce !
cheryl hadland | Jul 24, 2010 4:59 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Hi presence will be missed, a truly positive force for good in the community. I hope someone carries on his work.
Vaya con Dios Bruce.
Jim Wikel | Jul 24, 2010 6:47 am | 2 replies | Request removal
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Very sad to hear of Bruce's passing, he was married to an ex-sister in law and I've been following his life and work at the Farm. So glad he ended his life serving Jesus and has gone to be with Him.
jackie davis | Jul 24, 2010 8:22 am | Request removal
Did he have cancer? I remember the first time I went after going with the folks I take care of and the gentleman who was directing parking for all of us said that he and the family would appreciate prayers because the founder had just gone into the hospital and that he had cancer in his spine. I have never forgotten that everytime we go to events and wondered how he was doing and if he was even still with us. I am sure the guy said his name was Bruce. But I don't see anywhere in this article reference to his having events for the Dev Disabled at his farm. I will read it again though. If indeed this is the gentleman I am thinking of, It would have been nice for some mention in the article. Wow what a remarkable man. One of the things that impressed me were the young kids who were volunteering at the Farm. Blessings to his family!
TanyaLee | Jul 24, 2010 4:20 pm | Request removal
Mark and Debra, I appreciate this article - and the video - very much. Very encouraging... that humble phrase so deep... thank you.
Thomas Bolling | Jul 24, 2010 2:00 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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As he and I often would say, "I'll see you on the other side. Til then, there's work to be done!" Bruce is such an example of compassion that pushed human reasoning. He left a wonderful path for many to follow and the hearts of thousands have been blessed. What a sight to envision Pastor Ekloff being there to help him at the end and his children surrounded. My heart rejoices at the servant hearts seedn,and my heart breaks for the loss in your family. May the Lord lift you up and bring strength and rest as these days pass.
K & K Baughman | Jul 24, 2010 11:49 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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