Obituary: Bret Farrar, beloved Lakewood Police Chief

Editor's note: Lakewood Police Chief Bret Farrar’s wife sent us his obituary. We are posting it here because so many people have asked to see it. Farrar was Chief of Lakewood when four officers were murdered in a coffee shop in 2009.

Bret Alan Farrar, age 59, passed away on Tuesday September 12th, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife Cindy Salazar, daughter Samantha Farrar and brother Blaine Farrar. Bret was born on February 9th, 1958 in Seattle, WA to Ben and Mary Farrar. He graduated from Foster High School in 1976, where he met the love of his life Cindy Salazar. They married on August 28, 1982. On April 4th, 1990, they had their daughter Samantha. Bret was well-known by the public as the charismatic Police Chief for the Lakewood Police Department. He began his career in 1988 as a Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy, and joined the Lakewood Police Department in 2004 when it was originated. He took the position as Chief in 2008, a year before the tragic shooting of 4 police officers on November 29th. During such dark times, Bret was consistently a pillar of light for the community. He put forth unity and peace above all, bringing together his department as well as the city of Lakewood. While he is known for his accomplishments in the field, anyone close to him knows his family always came first. His wife and daughter were his world, and they were a storybook trio for the ages. Whether it was Samantha’s figure skating competitions, secret trips to Disneyland, or walking the beaches of Maui, they ventured as a family and their love for one another permeated throughout. In his free time, Bret enjoyed golfing with friends, playing pickle ball with Cindy, traveling with his family and was a classic-car enthusiast. Bret was a strong leader, loving father, and had the sense of humor to win over anyone. A private memorial service for family, friends, and law enforcement will be held on September 23rd at 4:00 pm.

“Where there is deep grief, there was great love.”

In lieu of flowers the family asks that remembrances be sent to:
Lakewood Officers Charity
Fallen Officers Fund
PO Box 98298
Lakewood WA
98496-8298

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