Farrell Lloyd McCarthy

FARRELL LLOYD McCARTHY Sailed away September 23, 2003 on the greatest adventure of all, the next life. Farrell was born in San Francisco on February 6, 1919 to Lloyd Farrar McCarthy and Mabel O'Farrell and moved with his family to Oakland in 1924. Since his earliest ambition was to become a cowboy, he spent his formative years on ranches owned or managed by relatives and far from his parents. After high school graduation, Farrell realized another dream, going to sea. He spent 7 years as a merchant seaman and 4 more years as a Third Officer during the Sino-Japanese War and World War II, twice around the world, visiting 42 foreign countries. When Farrell came ashore, he used his best talent to work briefly as an animator for Disney Studios. Mac married his first wife, Betty June Stevens and found work as a sign painter. Horse trader ED, a San Francisco car dealer, bestowed the moniker MAC TH BRUSH on him and Farrell soon had a flourishing business, best known for his Xmas work - joyful faces of Santa Claus on shop windows and sign boards. Always a camper and explorer, he read constantly about California and the Old West. Mac took up skin-diving in the late fifties and met Jacques Cousteau! He was a jeep-owner and drove the Rubicon Trail. His hobby of metal detecting gave him a place at the archeological dig at the Little Bighorn Battlefield. Farrell was a member of the Sailor's union of the Pacific, Masters, Mates and Pilots Association, Sign Union Local 510, F & AM Lodge 551, Original California Searchers, Mt. Diablo Metal Detectors, California 4-Wheel Drive Assn., and the Humboldt Historical Society. Always generous and warm-hearted, Farrell will be remembered for his cartoons and story-telling. Farrell is survived by his third wife, Elisabeth and many loving cousins. Rather than flowers, please send a donation to Round Valley Public Library, P.O. Box 620, Covelo, CA 95428 or the Friends of the Oakland Library. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, October 4, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA 94611. "Services of Marked Distinction"