Redlands' Dave Farmer, 90, to be inducted in CIF-SS Hall of Fame

Redlands’ Dave Farmer, 90, is receiving a huge honor.

Farmer is part of the just-announced 2025 CIF-Southern Section Hall of Fame class.

He will be honored at a luncheon at The Grand Conference Center in Long Beach at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Farmer is believed to be the oldest active high school referee in the nation.

Informed of Farmer’s honor, former Redlands High football coach and quipster extraordinaire Jim Walker said, “If you talk to him, ask what it was like officiating Jim Thorpe. But, seriously, Dave is a guy who committed his life to helping kids. There’s not too many of them around anymore, and we need more of them.”

A 1956 University of Redlands graduate, Farmer taught physical education and driver’s education for 38 years while coaching multiple sports.

Farmer has officiated a variety of sports for 69 years. Those sports include football, volleyball, basketball, and softball.

Away from the classrooms and athletic venues, Farmer began a small landscaping and sprinkler business to support his late wife during her battle with Alzheimer’s, and he continues to run the business. Proceeds from the venture now go to his great-grandchildren’s futures.

“Known for his tireless work ethic, upbeat spirit, and love of athletics, Dave Farmer embodies what it means to dedicate a lifetime to sports, students, and service,” said a CIF-SS news release. “He remains active, respected, and deeply admired – an extraordinary example of perseverance and passion.”

Farmer, despite a fungal infection of the bone that caused one leg to grow longer than the other, led Chaffey High to its first Citrus Belt League baseball title in 1952. As a junior pitcher at the University of Redlands, he fashioned a 13-0 record. He also played two years of basketball and one of football for the Bulldogs.

Farmer taught for one year at Fontana High, then spent 38 years at Redlands Unified – first at Redlands Junior High and then at Moore Middle School. He retired from education in 1994.

Farmer married his college sweetheart Judy and the couple had four children. He officiated because he needed the money.

“My first football game was a JV one at San Jacinto High,” Farmer told this reporter in 2021. “I made $8. Then I drove to Barstow for a varsity game and I got $10.”

Other 2025 CIF-SS honorees are: Randy Bell, Joe Conte Sr., Jon Hamro, Rich Shearer, Bob Walton, Mark Calentino, Alan Clinton, Fred DiPalma, Ken Drain, Eddie Hackett, Myron Miller, Gwen Ritzau, and Bob Timberlake.