Jeffrey Farrugia

Jeffrey Farrugia – The Captain of His Own Adventure

After a year-long, hard-fought battle with cancer, Jeff reluctantly set sail on his final voyage on March 7, 2025, much to his reluctance and with his preferred co-captain by his side. Those who knew Jeff best suspect he’s already found a great smoking spot, a boat to captain, an interesting stranger to befriend, and a shortcut out of whatever formal gathering the afterlife may have planned for him.

Born May 13, 1958 in Toronto, Jeff was rarely found indoors, always finding a reason to be out—whether running errands, tinkering in the garage, or simply striking up conversations with strangers. He had an undeniable need to keep moving, but no matter where the day took him, he always wanted the reassurance that home—and most importantly, his wife—were right where he left them, ready to welcome him back. A lifelong adventurer, he spent his career in aviation working from both Toronto and Vancouver airports for Air Canada and many other aviation companies, traveling the world and collecting stories, friends, and memories.

Whether for work or pleasure (which, for him, were often the same thing), he was happiest exploring new horizons—preferably with an aisle seat for easy movement and a fellow passenger within reach. No stranger stayed a stranger for long, as he had a knack for sparking conversations that could turn a routine flight into a lively exchange of stories, ideas, and laughter. He made every journey as much about the people as the destination.

But Jeff’s love for the skies was rivaled only by his passion for the sea. When he wasn’t soaring above the clouds, he was at the helm of his own boat, charting a course through oceans, rivers, and any waters that promised a good catch. Each journey brought him back to the boyhood adventures he cherished in his parents’ homeland of Malta, where his love for the open water first took root. Whether reeling in crab traps or new experiences, he believed life was best lived in the moment with the wind on his bare head, salt on his skin, and a cell phone in his hand.

Though he loved adventure, nothing compared to his love for his wife, Amy. So much so that whenever she had a work-related trip, Jeff was miraculously always “available” to accompany and carry her bags. He insisted this wasn’t because he couldn’t bear to be without her—it was just that the world was far less interesting in her absence. His frequent, shameless trailing became legendary among her colleagues, who learned to expect his presence at every conference, hotel lounge, and post-meeting gathering, always armed with a good story and a friendly gesture.

Jeff faced storms and open seas with fearless determination, but there was one thing he skillfully dodged: meetings. He could navigate international airports and choppy waters with ease, yet the moment a formal gathering, church service, or structured event loomed, he had a habit of disappearing—usually with a casual, “I’ll just be outside for a smoke,” right as things got dull. If there was a back exit, you could bet he knew exactly where it was.

But of all his adventures, his greatest joy came from his family. As a proud father of six and grandfather of nine, he approached parenthood and grandparenthood with the same passion and curiosity he had for exploring the world. He was the kind of dad who could turn a simple errand into an expedition and the kind of Nunu who believed that a treat for a child was not one candy but many different kinds of candies to be shared and enjoyed all at once. Whether teaching his grandkids how to fish, how to tell a great joke, or how to find joy in the little things, he made sure his love was felt in a way only he could.

Jeff is survived by his devoted wife, Amy Allan, who spent 37 years loving him, laughing with him, and trying to keep track of his whereabouts. He also leaves behind his six children: Tracy (Matt), Kristie (Tyler), Dane Allan, Lillian (Luis), Dee, and Lance (Montana); as well as his nine cherished grandchildren: Rylan, Liam, Rose, Grace, August, Mikala, Macs, Lawrence, and Vincenzo.

He also leaves behind his mother, Maria Farrugia, and his beloved mother-in-law, Wanda Allan. He is survived by his siblings, including his lifelong friend and sister, Grace Hayes (Frank), as well as Charlie, Gina, and Maryanne, along with many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vincenzo; his father-in-law, Gary Allan; and his dear brother, Barry.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor his adventurous spirit—take a spontaneous trip, strike up a conversation with a stranger, or skip a meeting in favor of something unforgettable. After all, if Jeff taught us anything, it’s that life is meant to be lived on your own terms, with the sun on your face and the horizon calling your name.