Obituary of Harold E. MacFarlane

MacFarlane: Harold Eldridge It is with deep sadness that the family of Harold MacFarlane announce his passing on September 27, 2011 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance-Chatham Campus at the age of 89. A long time resident of Chatham, Harold was born in Arnprior and was the son of the late George and Mary (nee Hunt) MacFarlane. Beloved husband of 66 years to Jean MacFarlane (nee Grand). Dear father of Michael and Joanne MacFarlane, Terry MacFarlane, and Donna Jean Holly (nee MacFarlane). Proud grandfather to 7 grandchildren: Jason (Sofia), Kristen (Mario), Andrea, Lyndsie (Joel), Shannon, Andrew, Amanda; and 4 great-grandchildren: Avri, Landon, Collin and Keaton. Harold will also be dearly missed by several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Jack. Harold was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the R.C.A.F. in the Code and Cypher Dept. He was a former employee of Navistar, serving for 34 years with the company before retiring in 1980. In his youth, Harold was active in many sports. He was the recipient of the Government Boys Junior Pole Vault Champion Medal for Eastern Ontario. He was the founder of the Chatham Maroon Hockey Team and was co-owner of the Micmac Hockey Team, as well as a scout for the Sudbury Wolves. Harold loved the game and treated his hockey boys as his own. He was past President of the Chatham Minor Hockey Association and was recognized by the Ontario Hockey Association for his tireless efforts. Harold was also inducted into the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame. Harold was Adjutant for the Chatham Kinsmen Air Cadets. He was an active member of St Paul’s Congregational Church, as well as the former Thamesview Lodge. Harold was a volunteer and supporter of the Crohns and Colitis Foundation. He was presented with the Commemorative Medal by the local Member of Parliament for his volunteer work. Harold will be forever remembered by his family and friends as a true Humanitarian. Harold loved his community. His many acts of kindness, those large and those never spoken of, will continue to resonate in Chatham for many years to come. Visitation will be held in the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St. Chatham on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, September, 30, 2011 at St. Paul’s Congregational Church, 450 Park Ave. W. Chatham from 10:00 a.m. until the Funeral Service at 12 o’clock. Rev. Dr. Margaret Moriyama officiating. Cremation to follow with interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations to honour Harold’s life can be made to Chatham-Kent O.S.P.C.A. and would be appreciated by the family. A tree will be planted in Harold’s memory in the McKinlay Woodlands……..A Living Memorial at the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area. The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, yet echoes on in sweet, soulful refrains. For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains." McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, Ontario. (519)351-2040