Dr. Alan Palmer Macfarlane

Dr. Alan Palmer Macfarlane  Alan Palmer Macfarlane, 85, died Thursday, July 11, 2002 of causes incident to age. He was born Jan 17, 1917 in Cedar City, UT to Menzies John and Katherine Palmer Macfarlane. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.Alan married Ruth Skidmore June 23, 1943. She died in May 1992. They had seven children. He married Cherril Black Sherwood April 16, 1993. He graduated with a bachelor's degree from Utah State University and a medical degree from Cornell University Medical College, New York City, in Dec 1943.  Following an internship at New York Hospital, he served as a medical officer in the U.S. Air Force from 1944 to 1946. He completed a residency in internal medicine at New York Hospital in 1949. From 1949 until his retirement in 1987 he practiced internal medicine at the Intermountain Clinic in Salt Lake City, UT. As a physician he was beloved by his patients, and was active in community medical affairs. He was Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He served in various capacities with the Utah Medical Association, receiving the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding leadership and service from the Association in 1982. In 1963 he served as co-chair of the state-wide oral polio vaccination program which led to eradication of poliomyelitis from Utah. He served in leadership positions on the LDS Hospital Medical Staff. He was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine. Alan was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many ward capacities. He served with his wife Ruth as a leadership missionary in Liberty Stake, and as Bishop of the Liberty 4th Ward. He and Ruth served as LDS missionaries to Hungary from 1987 to 1989, assisting in opening the mission and organizing the LDS Church in that country. For several years after his retirement he volunteered his medical services to the Missionary Department of the LDS Church. He also donated many hours of medical service to the community. Alan took special delight in the natural beauties of the mountains and deserts of Utah and the West. He had a passion for Utah history and loved singing in the ward choir. He was a kind, loving husband, father and grandfather. Alan is survived by his wife, Cherril; and six children, John (Kathleen), Jean (Bruce) McMullin, Paul (Wendy), all of Salt Lake City, Mary (James) Bryant, Schoharie, NY, Kevin (Helen), Pleasant Grove, UT, and Carol (Steve) McMaster, Rochester, MN; 23 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; his wife, Ruth; and a son, Brian. Services will be at Monument Park 13th Ward Chapel at 12 noon on Tues. July 16. Friends and family may visit 6-8 p.m. Mon. July 15 at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City, or at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to the Deseret Foundation, LDS Hospital, 8th and C Streets, Salt Lake City, Utah 84143.