Ironman Farrar Sets Another Record

Frank Farrar, who was Governor of South Dakota from 1969-71, has in the years since become known for completing triathlons and “Ironman” competitions even into old age. Farrar’s penchant for fitness has helped him to set another record, as he is now the longest-living governor in South Dakota history.

Farrar was born on April 2, 1929 in Britton, South Dakota. He reached his 91st birthday on April 2, 2020. The record for longest life by a South Dakota governor was held by William H. McMaster, who died at the age of 91 years, 127 days in 1968, the same year Farrar was elected governor. On August 8, 2020, Farrar reached the age of 91 years, 128 days, exceeding McMaster by one day.

Farrar had not even had the second-longest lifespan until earlier this year; he surpassed W. J. Bulow’s 91 years and 44 days on May 17, 2020.

This blog has written in the past about two other records relating to Farrar. Although not the youngest governor, Farrar was one of four who took office while in his thirties. And, because he took office so young, and has lived to be so old, Farrar has been a “former governor” longer than anyone in South Dakota history; January 5, 2020 was the forty-ninth anniversary of his departure from office.

Via Sodak Governors