Robert F. (Bob) Farrington, Jr.,

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Robert F. (Bob) Farrington, Jr.,

February 13, 1952 ~ April 9, 2018

Robert Felix “Bob” Farrington, Jr., a nationally regarded leader in urban planning, community and economic development passed away Monday after valiantly battling cancer.

Born February 13, 1952 in New Orleans to Merle (Fitzpatrick) and Robert F. Farrington, Sr., he graduated from the University of Houston, where he met his wife of nearly 43 years, Maria Stillman Farrington, and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Texas-San Antonio.

Bob was vice president for economic development with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, then the first executive director of the San Antonio Downtown Owners Association, where he helped plan a major extension of the San Antonio Riverwalk and revitalization of the city’s historic core.

In 1992 Bob and his family moved to Utah, where he was the first executive director of the Downtown Alliance of Salt Lake City. Downtown saw dramatic growth during his 15-year tenure, with achievements including First Night New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Farmer’s Market, Salt Lake Music Festival and cultural events as part of the 2002 Winter Olympics. He served as chairman for the award-winning Downtown Rising and led efforts to bring TRAX downtown.

Bob later served as Salt Lake City’s economic development director, where he led recruitment of large industry to Salt Lake City, creation of neighborhood business districts, planning for the Utah Performing Arts Center, and the largest downtown office expansion in city history. He was adjunct urban planning professor at the University of Utah for 18 years, served on numerous local boards, and earned state and national awards.

As a Big Easy native, Bob knew good food, good music, and made a mean bowl of gumbo. He loved spending time with family and friends, and was an avid outdoorsman.

Bob loved seeing his sons marry, and being a grandfather. His legacy of civic and business improvements is exceeded by the relationships he built and nurtured with family, friends and business associates.

Bob is survived by his wife, Maria Stillman Farrington; sons Robert (Erin) Farrington III of Seattle, Wash. and Charles (Juliana) Farrington of Salt Lake City; grandsons Jordan Farrington and Nico Vilhena of Salt Lake City; sister Susan (Leon) Huntoon of Melbourne, Fla.; brother Philip (Mary) Farrington of Eugene, Ore.; numerous relatives in Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Georgia, California, and Hawaii; and amazing friends in Salt Lake City and Texas.

Services were held April 13 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Remembrances can be made to the Bob Farrington Memorial Scholarship at the University of Utah Department of City & Metropolitan Planning.