Tributes paid to Atlantic Canada's fish farming champion Susan Farquharson
Former ACFFA boss has died aged 65
Tributes have been paid to Susan Farquharson, former executive director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA), who passed away on Friday at the age of 65.
Current executive director Tom Taylor, who succeeded Farquharson earlier this year, said his predecessor had led ACFFA with integrity, purpose and vision.
“Susan was the longest-serving executive director in ACFFA’s history, leading our organisation from 2015 to March 2025,” Taylor said in a statement on the ACFFA website.
“A passionate advocate for sustainable aquaculture, she championed science-based innovation and collaboration across our sector. Her leadership helped shape the future of finfish farming in Atlantic Canada and was instrumental in helping to advance the groundbreaking Fundy Salmon Recovery partnership which has achieved the highest returns of inner Bay of Fundy wild Atlantic salmon in 20 years.
“Beyond her many professional achievements, Susan was a mentor, colleague, and dear friend who will be deeply missed.”
Glenn Cooke, owner and chief executive of Atlantic Canada-headquartered fish farmer Cooke Inc, said: “Sue will be fondly remembered as a dedicated and energetic leader. In her nine years at the helm of ACFFA she was instrumental in the regulatory modernisation and growth of the aquaculture sector, which now supports over 8,000 jobs in the region.
Not only was Sue a friend to me and to many in our company, she was also the sister of our Cooke team members and our colleagues, Andy and Ian. Sue will be missed tremendously.
“Sue was passionate about using aquaculture science and technology to help recover wild Atlantic salmon populations and was known far beyond Atlantic Canada as a driving force in the development of sustainable aquaculture to help feed the world. As the Deputy Mayor of the Rural Community of Fundy Shores, she lent her leadership to advocating for her coastal community.
“Not only was Sue a friend to me and to many in our company, she was also the sister of our Cooke team members and our colleagues, Andy and Ian. Sue will be missed tremendously.”
A life lived with purpose
An obituary posted on the website of the St George Funeral Home, New Brunswick, said that Farquharson died peacefully at home on November 7 with her family by her side.
“A person of integrity, intelligence, kindness, and compassion, Susan lived her life with purpose and heart. She was a devoted wife, cherished mother, adoring grandmother, and a respected professional whose generosity touched everyone she met,” stated the obituary.
It added that Farquharson built a distinguished career reflecting her lifelong dedication to environmental stewardship, resource management, community, and gender equality. She mentored countless professionals, inspiring them to reach their potential.
Before joining the sector in 2015, she held an executive role at the Canadian Rivers Institute at the University of New Brunswick and led numerous environmental and resource management projects across Atlantic Canada. She also worked with the Canadian Coast Guard, the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, and multiple municipal governments.
“Susan gave generously to her community, serving on a local service district advisory committee, as a director of a regional service commission, and as Deputy Mayor of Fundy Shores. Her leadership earned her several honours, including the New Brunswick Environmental Leadership Award, the Gulf of Maine Visionary Award, recognition as the second honorary member of the Canadian Rivers Institute, and the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Championing Gender Equality (VIVE Business Champion 2025),” stated the obituary.
Unwavering devotion
It added: “Her love of life and continual learning carried her around the globe - from bustling cities to quiet corners of the world - where she collected memories, friendships, and stories. Travel and study were her ways of connecting to the beauty and diversity of the human spirit, and she encouraged everyone to do the same when opportunity arose.
“Susan will be remembered most for her unwavering devotion to her family, her dedication to her community, and her ability to make every person feel seen and valued. Her life journey took her far and wide, but her heart always found its way home - in the love of her family and the lives she touched.”
A celebration her life will be held on Friday, November 14 at 2pm local time at the Christ Church (Anglican) Pennfield. Farquharson’s family has requested donations in lieu of flowers to the St George Animal Rescue or the ALS Society of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in her memory. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), is an incurable and fatal neurodegenerative disease.
