He was the stepfather of music megastar Elton John. "Derf," as John affectionately callled him, was caring and supportive. When John's mother, Sheila, married Farebrother, they moved into flat #1A in an eight-unit apartment building called Frome Court not far from both previous homes. It is here that Elton would write the songs with Bernie that would launch his career as a rock star. William A Bong, was created in 1971, and had one director, Sheila Farebrother, Elton's mother.

Fred Farebrother died Friday, June 11, 2010 after a long illness.

Source: eltonjohnallsongslist