Charter Oak legendary Head Coach Lou Farrar coached for 39 years at Charter Oak.
(Covina) – Legendary Charter Oak head football coach Lou Farrar passed away from complications from Leukemia Sunday at the age of 73.
Charter Oak Football released this on Twitter.
“This morning Big Lou passed away peacefully from complications due to leukemia. He was diagnosed in April. His family will think of him everyday & are so grateful they had him as a guiding force in their lives & the lives of so many others. Funeral services will be shared soon.”
Farrar coached high school football for 52 years overall and 39 years at Charter Oak. He had 335 wins overall which ranks him sixth all-time in the California record books for high school coaches.
For the last few years there were numerous rumors and speculations that Farrar was going to retire. When I asked him about it at the Charter Oak Tournament in May of 2018 he told me how much coaching means to him especially when it comes to family.
“Yeah I thought about retiring but I can’t retire now. My grandson, who is going to be a freshman this year told me ‘I want to play for you Papa,” Farrar said. And so the legend remained on the sideline.
Farrar battled until he end before the disease wouldn’t allow him to continue.
Breaks my heart to hear this news. Truly a coaching legend. We may never see coaches like this again, in this day and age where coaches just don’t stay long enough to grow roots. RIP Coach if there’s a game in heaven I’m sure you have the headset.
I never played for or against Coach Farrar, but attended a few of the COHS coaching clinics that his staff used to give. He never claimed to have the magic potion for winning or success on the football field or in life, but he did share some very helpful tools. Great man, great program, great legacy. Rest well Coach.
Legend!
Remember to cherish these guys while they are here because they won’t be here forever.
Lou Farrar is synonymous with Charter Oak the way Marijon Ancich and Bruce Rollinson are with St. Paul and Mater Dei respectively. He will be remembered at the Covina school for DECADES, which is quite a feat in today’s world of disposable heroes. Much love and comfort to his family and friends.
This man was larger than life to many of us HS football freaks. Remember that awesome game in 2001 when CO rallied back to beat LA for the league championship, and then beat them again in the CIF final? Or the come from behind playoff victory over Westlake 3 seasons ago? That one was well worth the drive. So many others, too.
Thanks for all the great times, Coach. The CO family will miss you.
And to the Farrar family – thank you for sharing him with us and our kids. C Oooooooo!
Big Lou gave me my first coaching opportunity. He was a mentor, a guiding voice and a man of faith. Although I wasn’t there long my memories of Big Lou are of his devotion to the kids and his family. Over the years anytime I would see Big Lou he always came and said hi and asked how my family was doing. I’ll always be forever grateful to Big Lou and his family for the opportunity they gave me to realize my calling. I lost my father 18 years ago and it does not get easier over the years. But Dom, your dad will always be with you. My prayers and love go out to the Farrar family and the Charter Oak community. RIP Big Lou and God Bless.
My condolences to the Charter Oak and Farrar family! What a great coach!