SALEM, NH: William F. Farnham, 71, died Wednesday at Lawrence General Hospital following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Farnham was the husband of Rosemary T. (Arsenault) Farnham.

Born in Ballardvale, MA August 25, 1936, Mr. Farnham was the son of William J. Farnham of Lawrence, and the late Emily J. (Barrett) Farnham.

Mr. Farnham attended school in Lawrence and Methuen after which he entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Korean Conflict. He worked at Raytheon Corp. retiring after 21 years of service, and continued to work part-time for the past nine years at International Auto Parts in Windham, NH. He was a member of St. Josephs Church in Salem, and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed music and particularly karaoke where he was known as "Mr. Bill". He was an avid reader, enjoyed studying military history and sports.

Besides his father and wife of thirteen years he is survived by his son Sean Farnham and his wife Julie of Townsend; granddaughter Amanda Lynn Farnham of Fremont; sister Barbara Farnham of Salem; brothers Kenneth Farnham and his wife Mary Lou of Methuen, Franklyn Farnham of North Andover, John "Jack" Farnham and companion Judy Crawford of Panama City, FL, Joseph Farnham of Newbury, MA, and several nieces and nephews. William is also survived by his wife Rosemarys children Kenneth R. Arsenault and his wife Suzy, Karen Sullivan and her husband Jay, Jeff Arsenault and his wife Ellen, and five grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. The interment at Pine Grove Cemetery. Calling hours will precede the funeral from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843.

Online condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com