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McFarland, Amy Ann 43 Nov. 09, 1969 Nov. 17, 2012 The amazing life of Amy Ann(Fehrenbacher) McFarland began in Portland Nov. 9, 1969. The family moved to Canby in 1976, and she attended Canby Union High, where she met her future husband, Dusty McFarland. They graduated in 1987. Dusty went military and Amy, the smarter of the two, went to Western Oregon State College, graduating in 1994 with a degree in American Sign Language Interpreting. She went on to become a major positive force in the ASL and deaf community. They married 33 years after meeting on Sept. 9, 2006. Amy danced through life with a smile, warmth and grace that few of us will ever experience again. Amy is survived by her husband, parents, brothers, nieces and her special dog family. A memorial service will be held on Dec. 8, 2012 at the Flower Farmer in Canby.
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This was the beginning of Amy's Freshman year, 1st period in English class.
I will always remember how excited Amy showed with her beautiful exuberance of being in class! What a beautiful student of the Almighty. Amy was so positive and beautiful. In fact I found students like Amy energized class activity.
I still remember that 1st period beginning of the first day of school...ALL because of Amy...God bless you Amy---forever!
Tom Weiland...teacher,Canby High School
School
November 20, 2023
There still isn't a day that goes by where you don't pop up in my thoughts or feelings. I still see you when I hike or am in nature. My heart still aches from your absence. I will find you again like last time. You're very missed, sugah'bear.
Dusty McFarland
Spouse
March 11, 2021
Richard High
November 15, 2020
She was the most sweet, refreshing , eager high school student that one could have during 1st period in the morning. Now Amy is one in some 5,000 youngsters that this teacher had in class over 26 years... at Canby. She is a bright light shining in the Heavens above us. Honey, your star continues to enhance our lives.
TOM Weiland
Teacher
November 18, 2019
I feel her presence when anything involves coffee or tattoos in my life, my time was spent with Amy mostly 1988-1992, before she kinda became famous at Western. She was the one in our trailer (dorms) that I most connected with, we stayed friends despite much competition for her friendship over the years and went to Belize at 30. I will always remember our magical taro card reading on the beach in Belize. She had an amazing spirt, I will always miss that!
nora Church
Friend
November 15, 2019
I am still in disbelief that within the next 36hrs, it will be one year. I never realized how much a world can change or how much relationships be altered with the dimming of a light so bright. The idea that I can't share something goofy at the end of the work day still boggles my mind and feels surreal. Thank you, my love, for all the wonderful memories and a love I will carry with me the rest of my life. I am, however, a greedy man and I miss you and want to make more memories along with a lot of hand holding. I miss you.
November 16, 2013
I still think of Amy from time to time, though I rarely had the pleasure of working with her as an interpreter. It saddens me greatly that she and her winsome smile are no longer on this earth.
November 16, 2013
I am at a total loss, I first met Amy the very first year she became a fire fighter, i was going through apps and came across hers, called her on the phone and she was totally excited. It worked out she became a member of my crew on my fire truck, we became very close friends, with Amy there was no way you could not love her, in the years i knew her i dont think i ever once seen her get mad. When i left fire fighting we lost contact and i was sitting here the last nite thinking of old times and old friends and decided to see if i could maybe find her on face book, my shock and my total sadness in finding out that she had passed , im still in shock that such a king and beutiful person is gone. i will never forget her smile, it never left her face, i wish i would have stayed in contact more, and im very thankful she found you dusty, it sounds like you both cared very much for each other and i am truley sorry for your loss. my best wishes to you and all the family, i know Amy is smileing down on all the special people in her life god bless you Amy, you were always a shineing Angel
Keith Watkins coos bay or
keith watkins
November 14, 2013
Amy
She was an amazing person. I knew Amy from Firefighting and in college while living in Salem. Her, Todd and I were all roommates for a few years and shared a lot of memories. Dusty I am really sorry and my family will keep you in our thoughts as you go through this loss, Amy's family our hearts are with you as well.
Amy inspired me to be better than I could have ever thought, she taught me patience, and a type of love for everything that I could never even think of achieving. Her outlook on life was one of a kind. I spoke to her after her marriage to Dusty; She told me how happy she was and how amazing her life with him was. So I know she was a very happy person and truly loved.
Amy and I met on a fire in southern Oregon outside Roseburg. She was the last person up the hill but had a huge smile and was joking. We later met in Salem and attended college while rooming in our various apartments to finally the home on mockingbird lane (which I believe was her mothers). The time I had with Amy will always be remembered and marked, she had an impact on my oldest sons life as well.
No matter all the odds and the trials she always smiled and that's what I will remember.
CF
March 15, 2013
Amy brightened my college days with her stellar smile, her contagious laughter, and her awesome hugs! I miss her happy presence in this world. ?
Susan (Kelly) Hockema
December 8, 2012
Amy was my roommate at Western Oregon (WOSC)before it was a University and before she decided on a career of sign language interpreting. It was early on in 1989 in Trailer O (the double wide mobile homes that Western bought from the dismantled Raneshies cult in Oregon to use as dorms) There was 12 girls in a double wide mobile home, most of them from towns in Oregon I never heard of, thinking I was very worldly growing up in Salem and not from a town that only had a few schools and maybe a Burgerville. Amy was the one I connected with. She being from Canby wasn't what made her sophisticated in my naive understanding, it was things like, she took me to a rockie horror picture show in Portland and a David Bowie concert at the Tacoma Dome. Amy was always on the go looking out for the next adventure and we had a lot. Our friendship went on for the next 23 years until our last visit in June 2012. She once told me in tears, right after I lost my boyfriend from a tragic death in 1990 "your so sad, I just want to know what to do for you." My wonderful memory of introducing my 2 year old to her in June and her smile has given me the peace that I so longed for back then. I will miss her throughout my life and only she can "really get" some of the funny things we did and shared and this makes me sad but I will always be thankful I knew her.
Nora Church
December 7, 2012
Amy was a joy to be around in high school. She was the laughter that kept others going. I was not close friends with her, but she was ALWAYS the one to smile - whether she knew you or not. The Thespian's were a tight-knit group back then. I was happy to find that Amy and Dusty found each other again after so many years. My sadness was lifted when I saw the vibrant pictures that Dusty posted. Same ole Amy. Bless you, Dusty.
Tonia Edmiston-Saine
December 1, 2012
Amy and I went to school and graduated together. I remember her always smiling, happy and full of light. She added that light to her friends. Amy left an impression that has lasted for over 30 years. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Russell James
December 1, 2012
Amy's spirit is one of the strongest I've ever had the great fortune to know. Her strength, her ability to see the bright side in all things and to ALWAYS find something to laugh about has been an inspiration to me.
I am just so grateful to have met her and the world is a better place for her being here.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Lisa Roessel
November 29, 2012
Such sad news. My sincere condolences to Dusty and the rest of Amy's family. I suppose it has been 30 years since she was my student at Ackerman. Always kind to me and the other students. She always took her studies seriously, but never herself.
The World is a better place for her having been here and a poorer place for her leaving us far too young.
Paul Farrar
November 28, 2012
Our hearts and prayers are with the family.
Elva and John Murray send their love.
suzanne regan
November 27, 2012
Amy, you were always a GEM! Every time I go on a cruise I always asked and made sure that you would be one of the terps! You're the most valuable terp and most of all a true FRIEND!
I sorely will miss you and your sweet smiles and sense of humor!
God Speed Amy!
Love and hugs,
Linda from California
November 25, 2012
To Dusty, Linda, and all of Amy's family, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I will always remember her smile and how much fun she had with her nieces. Hopefully, you will find peace in your hearts as time goes on and you reflect on her life.
Ali Elmi
November 25, 2012
Amy, we have never met but I have heard so much about you! Your light was so bright ~ you have definitely left your heart print on so many is us! My hope and prayer is that your light will shine on in each of us as we carry that torch of goodness and adventure into every moment! Heartfelt deepest gratitude! Heart2Heart HUG Angel Amy!! To Amy's husband and family ~ prayers of strength and hope flowing as you continue to move forward. I'm sure you can feel Amy always close by. H2H
Bobbi Bach
November 25, 2012
Amy.... We were shocked finding out you had to go that soon.. We admired and love your infectious smiles..... You often there interpreting for us many years even at WOU, surely had great time with you there at WOU.Much love and prayers...
TJ Campbell-Carson
November 25, 2012
Quick to laughter, great hugger, open, ready to forgive, sparkling, passionate advocate, loyal friend. I will miss you.
Bobbi Bowman
November 25, 2012
Many tears fell with Dusty's news that Amy had passed. Could it be true? No way! Her energy and her light could have gone on forever.
I first met Amy at WOU, when she was a staff terp. She terped for a couple of my grad classes. One of the best terps ever, hands down. She loved her work, she loved ASL, Deaf people, she just loved it all.
She loved it too much, maybe - once when she teamed with Mel and Deb K, I caught them doodling fart jokes in their terp notebook. I was shocked - that's what they write in terp notebooks!? But of course ... Only Amy would.
She loved her work so much, she had a bloody GREAT time. While working, she always stayed professional. During breaks, she was always up for a bit of mischief. She really was a BLAST to work with.
I can't believe we had to let that light of hers go so soon. But ... Somewhere else, she's making people laugh and using her other incredible talents to serve.
Karen Brush
November 24, 2012
When I first met Amy at about 1 week old I felt she was going to be special, and sure enough....Great Smile, Smart, Friendly and Outgoing. She will be sorely missed.
Mike Reilly
November 24, 2012
Amy effervesced with joie de vivre. Her infectious enthusiasm for life spilled over into everything she did, including interpreting. (Her laughter was equally infectious.) I had the distinct pleasure and honor of working with her on many occasions. I always came away from those sessions feeling lighter and brighter. Amy cared about people in a selfless way that is becoming rare these days. She will leave an enormous void in our hearts and in the interpreting/deaf communities that can never be completely filled. God bless you and keep you, Amy.
Bill Burt
November 23, 2012
We will miss Amy and her beautiful smile greatly. May she now find comfort and peace in heaven. Unfortunately, life was too short for her. We are sorry to see her gone.
To her family, we are sorry for your loss and hope that in time, you also find comfort and peace in your hearts as you think of her.
Ahmad & Farah Elmi
November 23, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Amy in College. She was one of the most charismatic and unique people I have ever met. I feel blessed to have known her.
Charles Glasby
November 23, 2012
Dusty, I am so sorry for your loss. Amy was a shining gem among interpreters. I will sincerely miss her.
Larry Littleton
November 23, 2012
I knew Amy in college. Sadly we lost touch after school. We were neighbors, coworkers, and good friends! She was a very loving and special person. Beautiful on the inside and out. It is tragic that she should be gone so soon from this world and I am forever thankful that she was a part of my life.
Amy Mower
November 23, 2012
“Ripple in still water, when there is no pebble tossed,nor wind to blow. That path is for your steps alone.”
-Ripple from the Grateful Dead
I will always have fond memories of you Amy. I hope you are dancing in heaven.
~ Marjorie Bush- Bixel
November 22, 2012
Amy touched so many peoples lives with her wit and kindness and love of life. We will all miss her so very much. I am happy that she is now able to breath and is not suffering anymore. She was my hero and will always be. Love and miss you bunches! BIG LOVE
Zia Lisa
November 22, 2012
One of the finest people it has been my privilege to know.
--Ernst "Seeth" Laemmert
November 22, 2012
Amy, you brought joy to everyone and will be greatly missed! Mariah Laitinen
November 22, 2012
Thank you Amy for being my friend. My life was better for knowing you.
God bless the ones you leave behind.
Rich Hines
November 22, 2012
Amy was one of the best friends you could have in grade/high school. Always smiling and there for you - and oh so crazy fun at times. I was so happy for both of you, Dusty, when you were married. Although your time together was too short, it is wonderful you found each other and she had you there by her side. Thinking of you!
Brandi Morgan (Hunt)
November 22, 2012
Our beautiful, witty, bubbly niece remains strong in our hearts.
Marianne Fehrenbacher
November 21, 2012
Amy, you were one of those so truly yourself. So lucky those who knew or were acquainted with you. No pretense to disfigure the truth of you, or dim the light of you. And the sad blessing of that is that your absence is sharper, more painful, more noticeable to those who love you best. So now they, and those in the periphery, must take turns being a soft place to rest during the hardest times of grief over losing you. XO, Toots.
Linda Krusmark
November 21, 2012
You will so be missed in this world. Always with a smile an a helping hand to help with anything. I will so much miss you. I do know that you are an angel looking down on us all. I do miss you Amy.
Charles Vancleave
November 21, 2012
Although I didn't know you as an adult,even as kids you had such a beautiful smile that warmed people's hearts. I can see from others' comments that you continued on doing just that. You are a beautiful spirit gone too soon.
Colleen McCarty (Short)
Colleen McCarty(Short)
November 21, 2012
I will always remember Amy's bright smile that lit up a room. Her wonderful personality that made everyone laugh. She will be forever missed! May God Bless her family and be with them in their times of sorrow.
Kelly Allen-Guthrie
November 21, 2012
Dusty,
May you find comfort in the love and support of family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
LaRae and John Jarboe
November 21, 2012
You are missed Amy! Love always.
Chris Black
November 21, 2012
Those amazing eyes. They light up my dark moments and bad spots. Always have-always will. I would hurt this bad twice over to love that way once.
I really thought I knew how wonderful my honey is but I had no idea of the extent of her touch went. It takes a lot of people to carry the amount of love that she gave out freely. Amazing falls short.
I love you, sugarbear. Don't think this little hiccup is gonna keep me from chasing ya. =)
Dusty McFarland
November 21, 2012
Love you Amy! I know you are dancing and breathing free...Fly with the angels my friend - show 'em whatcha got!!
Aimee Bochsler
November 21, 2012
We will never forget you Amy. Your sense of humor and undeniable spirit will always be with us. Hugs to you sweetie.
Tammy Richards
November 21, 2012
Love you Amy! We will miss you! You and your beautiful smile and crazy sense of humor! I am sure Dad and Rick Schaub were there to meet you with open arms! We will never forget you beautiful lady!!
Becky Delzer-Holbrook
November 21, 2012
I had returned to teaching at Canby Hugh in the fall of 1975, and I'll always remember Amy in a freshman class of Comp. I, in fact' I remember her vibrant present in the 1st row (next to door) of classroom. I had mentioned something to the class about giving them a cake if they performed well during the term. Amy"s hand shot up and with beautiful eyes (brown) twinkling said, " Oh, I want to be here for that cake!" She made my day into a light of pure enthusiasm. I had just returned to teaching after being away for 4 years. We had other classes together and if I remember correctly Amy may have been one of the characters in the Hobbit play production. I loved Amy because she was the most supportive young students I ever had...God hold you and carry you to everlasting happiness!
Tom Weiland
November 21, 2012
I haven't seen Amy since she moved away when we were 7, but I've thought of her through the years. I was saddened when I turned the paper today and saw her picture. I recognized her immediately - that same smile that I have in a picture of a bunch of little girls at a birthday party. My deepest sympathy go to her husband and family.
Priscilla (Williams) Klockner
November 21, 2012
I feel your wonderful spirit, Amy! You'll be missed so dearly...
Dawn Wilson
November 21, 2012
Her beautiful smile caught my eye and for some reason I needed to say "God has another new angel in his arms." God Bless the family.
Rita Magionos
November 21, 2012
One of the last times I saw Amy was at a party at Jeff and Mel's, oxygen equipment and all cracking jokes and saying "If you see my face turning blue please get off my oxygen tube I can't breath" got a laugh from everyone. That was Amy she never gave up she faced every one of life trials with love and laughter. God speed on your new adventure Amy we miss you.
Mikell
Mikell Benham
November 21, 2012
You are right, Dusty! Amy ROCKS and IS magic!!! We are very lucky to have Amy in our lives. She is damn special, has beautiful smile, and is a great friend. I will cherish her in my heart. I pray for you Dusty. Cherish wonderful memories in your heart. HUGS.
Andrea Berry
November 21, 2012
Time…..moves slowly…..
footsteps weigh heavy……..
feeling our way
with sadness…..
of a life cut short
and with joy…..
of a bright spirit
our gift....
to have known.
A part has passed
a part lives on……
forever…..
in our hearts
rch
I remember my last conversation with Amy……and how deeply she shared what the world looked like……how amazing the leafs on a tree in our courtyard were…..how wonderful the sky looked……the appreciation of every single moment………….this was a gift to me……and to us all……not to forget …..how wondrous each moment we have is……….
Thank you Amy………….for that………….and for every unique moment I was able to share with you………
Richard
Richard HIgh
November 21, 2012
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