Seth Daniel Farwell
The legendary Seth Daniel Farwell, a.k.a. “Monkey” or “Chachi,” of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away on Oct. 1, 2020, due to post-surgical complications.
Seth was cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him and was best known for his larger-than-life personality, brilliant smile and dedication to the communities he served — and he served many.
Seth never met a stranger; his compassion for others truly saved lives. Seth led from the front, led with his heart, lived bravely and loved boldly. He was selfless to his own detriment and fiercely loyal. Throughout his journey of life, he abided by one simple rule: love is the simple and complex answer to all of the problems one faces.
Seth was the youngest son of JoAnn (Strickler) and Daniel Farwell. He graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy and answered the call to serve our great nation. Seth completed the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training Class 215, followed by additional grueling training to be named a SEAL/Special Operator Corpsman under the umbrella of the Naval Special Warfare Command, with multiple years of service to follow. He continued to serve his country as a defense contractor, providing security for many high-level dignitaries.
He spent years afterward training law enforcement (mainly SWAT), federal agents and military personnel in tactics, ensuring they were able to do their jobs and return safely home to their families at the end of the day. Seth was an elite warrior and student of life, who earned the ultimate honor of receiving his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in July 2020. Desiring to instill the values and morals of a service leader, he established the Renzo Gracie Ju-Jitsu Academy in Coeur d’Alene, in 2018, where his legacy continues.
Seth was an incredibly proud husband and father and is survived by the love of his life, Jennifer (Gormley) Farwell, as well as his 2-year-old son, Atlas Farwell, and many other family, friends and teammates. Seth leaves behind a network of brothers and sisters from every walk of life, with bonds and memories that weave together the trials and tribulations of wars fought, battles won, and lives changed for the better because of the simple fact: we loved Seth.
In his own words:
“I have been BIG LUCKY so far. Life mistakes, and war … but still a good life (thank you God). After a few big ouches and some serious dark days losing friends, I admit some hard days, a few where I figured what’s the point? Yet, life – it has this amazing quality mate! It keeps happening man! No matter how hard it gets. Like Rocky says, 'NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU GET HIT, just keep getting up.’ And you know what? It always gets better. Not only did it get better, it eclipses all your lows and keeps climbing to make a new high. Life never quits; only you do. It gets better every damn day. So, get with it … and hang on. The ride continues and keeps surpassing expectations.”
A funeral mass for Seth will be held at 1300 on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Coeur d’Alene, for local friends and family. A celebration of life will then be held, again to start at 1300, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, on the family property. Monkey would enjoy a proper sendoff and all are welcome.
The family would appreciate all stories, photos, and/or videos to be shared at: thelegendarysethfarwell@gmail.com.
A fund has been set up for the benefit of his son, Atlas, and donations can be made at:
https://navy-seals-fund.networkforgood.com/projects/111100-the-legendary-seth-farwell.
Arrangements entrusted to Bell Tower Funeral Home.