Faron Charles Pyles

Faron Charles Pyles, 70, a thoughtful and generous optimist who devoted his life to the people he loved and others who depended on him, died peacefully at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore on May 12.

Faron’s designs as a Professional Land Surveyor can be seen across the state of Maryland, but especially in Cecil County. After founding Northern Bay Land Planning, Engineering and Surveying Corporation in 1992 in Rising Sun, Maryland, he spent decades helping clients preserve family legacies, thoughtfully develop communities and steward the land with care and integrity.

He served as president of the Maryland Society of Surveyors in 2005, when the society focused on developing a mentorship program and revising its strategic plan and bylaws. Faron also successfully advocated for a change to state law that limited the amount of time a surveyor could be found liable for a mistake. For years, he was the Maryland coordinator for the national Trig-Star competition, which promotes the surveying profession by recognizing high school students (and their teachers) who excel in mathematics, especially trigonometry.

Faron was born July 30, 1955, in Elkton, Maryland, to the late Charles L. Pyles and Irene Gyorko Ottenkirk. A 1973 North East High School graduate, he played quarterback for the first football team in school history. Faron was named team MVP his junior season and was a team captain as a junior and senior. He was an adept, self-taught guitarist who entertained friends and family during so many gatherings or slow evenings at home.

Marcia Liburdi, his sister, lives in North East, Maryland. Two sisters and a brother — Barbara Powell, Shirley Hower and Eldon Buell — died in recent years. Though Faron was the little brother, his family knew he could be depended on as a helper.

For more than 20 years, Faron shared his life with his wife and constant companion, Julie Campagna. Their time together was full of shared passions, from exploring the charm of new towns and hiking scenic landscapes to caring for their cherished pets. Whether traveling locally or venturing abroad to cities like London, Paris and Budapest, they embraced every adventure side-by-side. Faron found his greatest happiness in the company of his loved ones, including Julie’s family, who loved him like one of their own, and his sons, who brought out his warmth, humor and generous spirit.

Faron was the proud father of Alexander Aaron Pyles, 39, and Ian Tyler Pyles, 36, whom he raised in Rising Sun with their mother, Patricia Whitmer. The family share happy memories of vacations to Disney World, a cruise to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico, and summers at the beach and in the mountains. Nothing made Faron happier than spending time with his sons, whose accomplishments and character were a constant source of pride. Faron and Patricia remained close friends and business partners.

A lifelong fan of Baltimore sports teams, Faron passed this affliction to his oldest son, Alexander, and his wife, Shannon Pyles. Win or lose, Alexander and Faron were happy to spend many days and evenings cheering on the Ravens, Orioles and Aberdeen IronBirds. Faron also passed to Alexander a knack for telling stories.

Faron’s youngest son, Ian, inherited his father’s dedication to family, his work ethic, his interest in learning new things and a gift for bringing people together. Ian, joined by his girlfriend Liz Fitt, spent many weekends with Faron and Julie, happy to sit quietly or to explore a new place.

Family and friends will gather to remember Faron on Sunday, May 31 from noon to 2 p.m. at Market Street Brewery, 203 Market St Suite 110, Havre De Grace, Maryland, 21078.

Donations can be made to the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) in Faron’s memory.