Obituary of William Bill MACFARLANE

MACFARLANE, William “Bill” August 5, 1914 – Fife, Scotland August 29, 2013 – Calgary, AB William “Bill” MacFarlane beloved husband of the late Janet Mary MacFarlane passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at the age of 99 years. Bill was born in the community of Lumphinnans in Fife, Scotland on August 5, 1914, the 1st day of W.W.I to Mary and Daniel Macfarlane. In 1920 the young family made a bold and courageous move and immigrated to Canada. When Bill was six years old the family moved to Coleman, AB where they first settled and later moved to the Drumheller Valley. As a young man Bill served in W.W.II from 1939 until 1945 and was proud to be a Canadian Veteran. After the war Bill made his home in Calgary, AB. Bill Married Janet (Karr) in October of 1951. They were married for almost sixty years! In 1954 the young couple were first blessed with the arrival of their daughter Mary and in 1958 they welcomed the birth of their son Dan. As a family camping was a regular summer activity with adventures travelling to the United States, British Columbia and various places in Alberta. As well, gardening and yard work were summertime activities enjoyed. In the winter months skating, taking the kids tobogganing and making backyard skating rinks filled the days. In later years, Kananaskis became a destination for all seasons. Winter saw Bill cross country skiing and summers he enjoyed camping and cycling the many trails. Bill took great interest as he watched the park develop and grow while keeping its beauty. Picnic lunches were packed for most family outings and greatly enjoyed. Some of Bills other interests and activities included skating, fishing, golfing, gardening, playing the harmonica or accordion, and he was always interested in what was happening with the weather. Music featured significantly in family gatherings with the MacFarlanes and the Karrs and was something Bill enjoyed up to the current times at the Whitehorn Village and the Clifton Manor. Dogs were also an important part of the family. Bill loved animals and had a soft spot for them. As the years went by the family enlarged and now included family gatherings with Mary’s in-laws, the Seftons from Melfort, SK. This expanded travel horizons as Saskatchewan became a regular destination in yearly travels. Then with Dan’s in-laws, the Drapers here in Calgary, the family tree grew again. Along came two grandsons first David then Brad who added great interest and enjoyment to Bill’s life. Bill enjoyed and looked forward to attending school programs and concerts and then band concerts in later years. Some highlights of his travelling years were a trip to Expo ’86. Then in 1987 a trip to Disneyland and San Diego, California and over Mesa, Arizona where he met up with family and friends. Bill recently celebrated his 99th birthday at which time he enjoyed a Peter’s hamburger, fries and a chocolate milkshake. The meal was topped off with chocolate cake with five candles that he blew out! It was a great party to celebrate 99 years of a long and healthy life. So much to be thankful for! The MacFarlane family would like to give a special recognition to the staff at the Whitehorn Village and to the Clifton Manor for the wonderful care our beloved Bill received. Bill is survived by his daughter Mary MacFarlane-Sefton; his son Dan (Cathy); his two grandson’s Dave (Sarah) and Brad (Kayla) MacFarlane; his two sister-in-laws Louise Pietila (Karr) and Ermalynn James (Karr) as well several nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his wife Janet in 2011; his mother Mary in 1962; his father Daniel in 1980; his brother Dan in 1937 and his son-in-law Bill Sefton in 2009. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre North) on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s memory can be forward to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 781-1978, www.heartandstroke.ca or to the Calgary Humane Society (S.P.C.A.), 4455 – 110 Avenue SE, Calgary AB, T2C 2T7 Telephone: (403) 250-7722 ext. 309 In living memory of Bill MacFarlane, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E., Calgary, AB Telephone: 403-248-8585.