History & Staff

Andrew joined the Farnstrom Mortuary staff in August 2012 with six years of previous funeral service experience in Salem. He makes his home in Independence, where he loves the small-town culture and the kind, caring people. Andrew enjoys the opportunity to care for the community and bring people together in their time of need.

A tea-drinking extraordinaire who enjoys participating in Civil War reenactments, English Country Dances, wind racing and rock climbing, Andrew is a patient man of many talents. He works tirelessly to perfect every aspect of the funeral process to ensure families have the tools they need to get through the tumultuous process of life and death.

Tim has been in the funeral industry for over 24 years. His career started in Oregon where he was born and raised most of his life. His experience started early and Tim served a three year apprenticeship before attending Mt. Hood Community College where he graduated with his sciences degree in Funeral Service. Tim’s interest in the funeral industry began when he was young, with most of his family involved in the medical field, Tim figured that becoming a funeral director/embalmer would be a good fit due to his love for anatomy and caring for others. Tim enjoys helping guide families through one of the hardest experiences of their lives by providing tools to create the perfect way to memorialize their loved ones. When Tim is not working he loves spending time with his dogs, traveling, hiking, fishing, kayaking, flying, camping and just getting out in what the great northwest has to offer.

Garry joined our funeral home in 2012, but has served Salem area families since 1977. He has worked with many of the same families throughout his career and feels it has been very rewarding to continue to serve them today. Born and raised in Salem, he is active in the community through his memberships with the Courthouse Athletic Club and the Salem Active Business Promoters.

Garry graduated from South Salem High School in 1975, and continued his education at Chemeketa Commuinty College, Western Oregon University and Mt. Hood Community College.

In his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting and working out with friends. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Starla, and going on their annual trips to Hawaii.

Leigh brought strong administrative and customer service experience to our team when she joined the staff in May 2008. Born in Portland, she is fifth-generation Oregonian who was raised on a self-sustained farm in Wilsonville. She is active in her community through the Willamette Riverkeepers.

Leigh lives in Independence with her daughter, Malaya, and their cat, Boots. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, swimming, boating, and touring the Oregon wine country.