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Michael McFarland Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael McFarland
Mike in his RV with Snoop=ž
Christine McFarland
February 16, 2021
My heart...
The McFarland family one Christmas, and my favorite photo of them all... everyone smiling and laughing!
February 27, 2013
Sarah McFarland
February 24, 2013
February 24, 2013
We have passed the 2 year mark now,amd I guess I've learned a few coping skills that help sometimes. When your name comes up (and I do talk about you a lot just as I always did), I picture you in WI with Christine having a wonderful life, playing golf when it's not too icy, etc. The hardest times are the birthdays, holidays, and this time of the year.
Beth, Glenn, Sandi, Mac and I went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse this year in your honor.
I found out that the group Rush has a new CD out that I'm sure you would love. I plan to get a copy for us.
We miss you so much but are thankful for the years that we had with you. You will always be in our hearts.
Love
Mom
Beth Haefs
February 22, 2012
And time marches on. Sometimes we curse it and sometimes we wish it would move faster. Learning to live without you this past year has been very difficult for everyone. I can't hear a Boston (or a long list of things that I hear or see) without immediately hurting, knowing you're gone. I was looking through an old trunk a week or so ago, and found birthday cards and Christmas cards that you had sent over the years, and I cried as I read your comments in them. I found old photos n such, and it just isn't right that as the baby in our family you are gone. I hope you know that in your short life here on this earth, you deeply impacted all of us, as well as anyone who knew you. You were, and always will be, known for your exemplary character and gentle spirit. You left a gaping hole in our lives and you will ALWAYS be missed. I love you Mike. Save me a seat and a great big hug!
Paul Blanton
February 22, 2012
Mike remains in my thoughts and prayers. I knew Mike so little, yet he influenced me so much.
Sarah McFarland
February 21, 2012
In reading the message I left yesterday, I somehow managed to leave out one of the most important people who have helped Dad and I this year - Glenn's wife Sandi. She is so loving and patient with us and never acts as though we have overstayed our welcome. She is always there if we need her. Most important of all is how much she loves Glenn.
We love you Sandi.
Mom & Dad
A photo of our last time together in Irving at Glenn's house when your Aunt Betty died.
Sarah McFarland
February 20, 2012
It's been a year now since we lost you and we've tried to celebrate your life this year by remembering all the great times we had together rather than on our sorrow. For your birthday, Glenn came to North Carolina and we celebrated by going to the new NASCAR Hall of Fame and having dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Glenn, Beth, and Theresa help Dad and I as we struggle daily. Theresa's kids, Kathleen (age 3) and Sarah (age 3 months) have brought untold joy to us. Seems like only yesterday that you were that cute little blond headed kid that wanted to do everything that your big brother did. We love you. Mom and Dad
Katie Suit
February 27, 2011
Dearest McFarland Family,
Michael is now more alive than he ever was when we had the pleasure of his company. I pray God will comfort all of us left behind as we learn to walk without Michael's presence to lift us up.
Beth Haefs
February 27, 2011
And now we go on... to work, sing, and play. For all appearances, back to normal... but forever changed by the void we feel in our hearts. We will smile and laugh, work and play, but we will also remember... sometimes with tears, sometimes with laughter, sometimes with amazement... the funny, wonderful, loving, kind spirit of Mike McFarland. And that spirit will live on forever inside of all who knew him.
Christine, my heart hurts for you and the loss of your best friend and husband. I will miss those big bear hugs that always made me feel so safe from the world, and that smile and his calm understanding way, and his drive and determination. I am so glad that he was happy, and I know he loved being married to you and all the fun yall had.
Aunt Sally and Uncle Mac, no one should ever ever ever lose a child, as there is no greater pain. Michael was a great man, as professed by coaches, coworkers, and friends who knew him at various times, and by a small but deeply loving family. Yall raised him and coached him, his entire life... as he regularly shared his life with you as an adult... to be that great man, and I know you have always been proud of him, but you should also be proud of yourselves for his life is a reflection of you. Know that there are not many young men who would pass up a night with friends for a family dinner and poker game, or at least not admit to it.
May God bring you and all of us comfort and peace. Michael lives on forever in all of our hearts and his legacy lives on in the compassionate actions of everyone he touched, as they pay it forward as well. Michael and "too short" were never used in the same sentence, until now. May God continue to bless all who knew him, and will never forget him.
February 25, 2011
:(
Debbie Patchak
February 24, 2011
My Dear Niece Christine,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know you two completed each other and could tell you were so very happy together. Please know it was my honor to know Michael and I am praying that God will help see you through all the pain. Remember the good times you had together and know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm so sorry!
Aunt Debbie
Chris kienbaum
February 24, 2011
Christine, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I can't be with you today, but please know I do care so much and will be here for you when you need me.
February 24, 2011
Dear Christine, We are soooo sorry for the loss of your husband. You have our most heartfelt sympathy. You two did so many things and traveled to many places. One trip, both sets of parents and brother and wife shared your adventure to Alaska,it was a wonderful trip. Anyone could see the joy and love between the two of you. Our sympathy to the McFarland family with the loss of your son and brother. Thoughts and prayers for you all. Michael save us all a spot. Diane and Duane Riehle
Cindy Wellman
February 23, 2011
Christine,
I was hoping never to have to tell you how sorry I am for your devastating loss, but that day has come. There are so many of us here who cry with you for losing Michael much too soon. You two were the greatest couple and every day that you had together was a gift from God. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Please know that our thoughts and prayers follow you, today and always.
Dave Zaremba
February 23, 2011
It's a sad day to hear that a golfing buddy has passed away at such a young age. I hope heaven has wide fairways as you would like to try a differnt approach to the green. Even though I only knew you a short time it was always an adventure riding together in the golf cart and pairing up as golf partners. I was looking forward to this summer with you and the other guys for our Booze Cruise (sorry soda & candy bar) on my boat on Lake Beulah. I will also miss your insight on the golf swing and now you can ask in person. Thanks for be a freind.
Glen Burk
February 23, 2011
Mike,
As I read through the posts, I think it says so much that people from your past (even your ex wives) all came together to honor your memory and celebrate your life. Past differences cast aside to cherish your life and the great man that you were.
I can't help but think that you would love reading the comments written here. I can see him smiling with remembrance as he read each entry.
I knew you through Theresa, and was glad we kept in touch over the years. I always thought you were stand up human being, a great athlete, and a wise guy (in more than one way).
I hope you found happiness in this life and that we will all meet again around the softball field in heaven someday.
Karen Butara
February 23, 2011
Mike:
May you find peace in Heaven, whatever Heaven might be to you. Those whose lives you touched will keep your memory alive and you will live on through them.
To the family and friends, I wish you faith and hope during this time of loss. Find comfort in knowing that your son/brother/husband/friend is no longer suffering with pain. His body and his spirit are healed.
Ken Stephens
February 23, 2011
I met Mike working at Smith Alarms back in the early 90s. He was a young kid then, but he was mature beyond his years. I never met a happier kid in my life. He loved his family; often refusing happy hour invites to go have dinner with his wife, parents and brother and play penny ante poker at their house in Garland. He was the only 22 year old that didn't go out drinking, but would happily spend a day tinkering on his beloved red Firebird in his dad's garage or fishing Lake Lavon. He admired his big brother and wanted to be just like him. You couldn't help but look up to Mike (and not just because he was a giant), but because he could talk to the angriest customer and have them calm and happy at the end of a call. I don't know that he ever knew what a special person he was, but everyone who ever met him saw it. Rest in Peace, Big Mac.
Keaton Collins
February 23, 2011
To the McFarland Family, may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Mike will always be in our hearts and in our memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! God Bless.
Renee Marino
February 23, 2011
Michael, you were a great friend to me. You and your family showed me what it was to love and to be loved..... I will have a hole in my heart for ever...
The kids and I have great memories and oh soo many movies to look back and to remember some of the happy days.
I'm a better person for having you in my life. Thank you
Ric Denker
February 23, 2011
My deepest sympaties for Ray, Sarah and your families.
Brenda DiMaggio
February 23, 2011
Christine,
Michael's true love, soulmate, and best friend. It saddens me to know that your time together was cut so short. Hold on to all of the happy memories you carry because they are the legacy of your love. Remembering how the two of you met and knew in such a short time you were meant to be together, all of the exciting adventures you experienced with each other, and the wonderful life the two of you built together will help you in this most difficult time. Michael was one of a kind. I will miss his witty comments that he was always so quick to respond with. (Just that thought makes me smile.) When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange. Thank you Christine and Michael for those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you Christine.
Sarah Brooks
February 22, 2011
I only met Michael one time & am sorry that I didn't have the opportunity to get to know him. Christine, please know that you are loved & that you are not alone. I pray for Michael's comfort in his new home. & I pray for you during your time of immense grief. May God and all of the beauty in this world bring you some sense of comfort.
Rene & Clarita Villalobos
February 22, 2011
Big Mike - They say only the good die young, and I can't think of any other reason for you to be taken from this world so soon. Remembering the good times - softball for the NCR team, gorging on those huge feasts Theresa used to cook, bowling league at the Triangle Bowl, and shooting pool at the little bar off Harry Hines (Club Schmitz) watching Monday Night Football. Good Times!
Cheryl Colmery
February 22, 2011
When Theresa told me you had passed, I remembered that Christmas Eve when we rescued every death row dog in the Irving pound and how we showed up at your house and kept bringing in dogs, until the vans were empty...and you said "What there were only 17 dogs due to be put down on Christmas?". That was a priceless moment and reflected the easy-going person you were. I'm sorry we lost touch, sad that you're gone, and wishing your family peace and comfort in this terrible time.
Jose & Shelly Medrano
February 22, 2011
My condolences to the family. We had some good times - you, Theresa and I - living together in Florida. All those times when you were the voice of reason, the designated driver...I wish you'd have joined us for a beer. God bless you, Mike and deepest sympathy to Mike's parents. I never knew a closer family than yours.
Mandy Hall
February 22, 2011
I can't believe Mike was called home so young. He was always a great guy to be around and everyone at school liked him. I pray that faith and family will help get everyone though this enormous loss.
Deepest sympathy and many prayers to the family.
Scotty Deel
February 22, 2011
Here's to you Big Mac. You have left this World a better place. Thank you for being a friend back in high school
Scotty Deel
February 22, 2011
With great sorrow did I find out about the short passing of Mike. He was a wonderful guy and remains so in memory. I met him back at Garland High School where we played football and had some classes together. Big Mac, as he was affectionately called, was a key member of the offensive line. Plays that had him as a lead blocker where "Mac Attacks". All around great person. He will be missed by a great many he knew him. Condolences to the Family. God Bless.
Beth Haefs
February 22, 2011
Michael, 41 years of memories come flooding, as I try to think of the right things to say. Ever since the day you were born, you've been my "little" brother, and you grew up to be fine young man despite my best efforts to corrupt you. You were always a gentle, caring, confident, positive, strong, and intelligent role model for my sons, and they are better men for all the time they spent with you. It is said that when you live in the hearts of those you leave behind, you never truly die. I believe your character also lives on through the people (and animals) who's lives you've touched. Wishing for those great big bear hugs... just once more. I love you and will miss you always.
Lee Rosenbaum
February 22, 2011
Miss you Mike...Wish I could've spent more time with you these past few years but I realize you are now in a better place. Hope to see you again someday (I'll bring the football for a little catch)...
Leonard Moye
February 22, 2011
It is a human emotion to feel sorrow when someone passes on: sorrow for the departed one; sorrow for the grieving family; even sorrow for oneself. Today, I also feel sorry for all the many people who did not have the extraordinary and wonderful opportunity of meeting, of knowing, of working with Michael R. McFarland.
Sandi McFarland
February 22, 2011
Michael was more than my brother-in-law...he was my Brother! I loved him dearly, miss him sorely, and will keep him in my heart always.
Jennifer (Willis) Bowman
February 22, 2011
Mike:
You were my hero when I was young. You never made fun of me for being a tomboy and were always ready to play ball with me in the front yard and talk sports. You were so tall, but so quiet and calm. When I was so angry at my step mom, you taught me that you didn't need to be loud or rambunctious to be respected. You showed me that it was okay to be me and no one else. I'm proud to say that my own husband is a lot like you (a comment frequently made by my family). Your work here is done, your pain is gone, rest now, Mike, until we meet again. Hugs to Mac and Sarah and your whole family. We will miss you.
Jim Wiggins
February 22, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the McFarlands on the loss of Mike. He was a great guy and I enjoyed having him as a brother in law. He had a great sense of humor and wonderful way about him that made people feel at ease. It seems so unfair that someone who didn't smoke, drink or do terrible things ended up with cancer and died so young. There was so much more he had to offer this world. Rest easy, Mike, and may your journey be swift.
Kerrin Kraft-Yates
February 22, 2011
Christine, my heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I will never understand why they leave us so soon. I hope the memories of you two together will help you cope. I hated to hear this sad news, I share your grief.
Randy Fletcher
February 22, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Michael's family. My prayers are with you as you deal with his loss. I have heard from many of our old high school and middle school friends expressing their sorrow and sympathies as well. May you find comfort in knowing he was thought of by so many.
Callie Dettinger
February 22, 2011
My sympathies to Christine and the entire family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
February 22, 2011
Dear Christine,
We are very sorry for your loss, we are keeping you in our prayers.
Take Care,
Claudette and Christina
HHS Receptionist
Craig Blankenship
February 22, 2011
So sorry to here this news. Although time has seperated us, we had been friends as long as I can rememenber,from garner little league baseball all the way thru Garland High School. I remember Mike won an award at our 20 year reunion for traveling the longest distance from the persian gulf to visit the reunion.I will always remember his humor and looked at him as a gentle giant. His memory will be vivid in my mind. Farewell my old friend.
Larry Newberry
February 22, 2011
I remember him back in high school. One entry in this guest book says what I remember most "a gentle giant" May the journey with your heavenly father be grand!
Laura VanHook (Cecil)
February 22, 2011
I was so sorry to hear that he had been so sick. Truely too young to leave this earth. No more pain, nothing but peace now. May your spirit be relieved and soar to the heavens. Condolences and Strength I pray to your whole family. (GHS class of 87')
Kevin Cooper
February 22, 2011
I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Michael, but think the world of his parents. Our sympathies and condolences to his families. Our prayers are with you. Be strong and find peace knowing that you'll see Michael again one glorious day in Heaven.
Jason Miller
February 22, 2011
I am at a loss for words….Michael will be greatly missed both professionally AND personally. He was a man of qualities that few possess.
Cynthia Heim
February 22, 2011
Michael, I didn't know you but have often heard wonderful stories from one of my very best friends, Theresa. May you rest in piece and be the angel watching over those you love. To Mac and Sarah may you find solace in the warm memories you have in your heart. God Bless
Don Check
February 22, 2011
Michael always provided respectful and competent support and advice, both as a friend and a co-worker here at Toepfer Security. That, and his entertaining way of providing them both, will definitely be missed.
Robert Wiggins
February 22, 2011
Mike - you were always my favorite of Theresa's boyfriends. We had a lot of fun together playing Sega on my big screen tv during family get togethers. I still have the bookcase you made me for Christmas in 1993 - I use it to display my beer steins. Its one of my favorite things, actually, because, even though it was always a little uneven (nothing a matchbox couldn't fix), you took the time to make it for me. I'll have a beer in your honor at the pub tonight, Mike. You left us too soon.
Meagan Willis
February 22, 2011
Uncle Mike:
I can't believe you're gone. I was so sad when Mush told us you were sick. I will always remember going to Disney World with Jennifer and Mush when I was 3 and how much fun we had looking for Minnie Mouse cause I just had to have her autograph and getting stuck in the go cart ride because we had three people in that little car. You were so big to me then, but you were so gentle. All those summers in Irving - going to movies, Dave and Busters, the Malibu Race Track, the dogs, Six Flags, and motor home trips with Sarah and Mac...great memories. Thanks for being a part of my life and for being the wonderful person you were.
Wendy Steffey
February 22, 2011
Mike,
I remember how calm you were in every situation. We had some good times - getting dusted with poodle chalk at the Cobo Hall Detroit dog show in 2003, helping me get just the right look for my date with John (always brings a smile to my face), eating pizza and playing cards at the hotel with Theresa (you started me on Texas Hold Em). I wish we'd kept in touch better after 2004, but know that you were always well thought of and fondly remembered.
May God bless your family and comfort us all in your loss.
Judy Darling
February 22, 2011
We will miss you at work Michael. Rest in peace.
Theresa Weldon
February 22, 2011
Mike, my heart aches with your passing. We shared some good years together and I have many fond memories of our journey together. I'm so glad we were able to reconnect in 2003 and become friends. I like to envision you in Heaven playing with Merlin, Lassie, Kayla, Oscar and Midnight. As I told you last we spoke, I hope you are at peace and that you know how much you were loved. Godspeed.
Paul Blanton
February 22, 2011
Michael – What an amazing man. Professional, Courteous and Comical. A gentle Giant. I met and worked with Michael during the Toepfer / FIS Project in Orlando, FL. Truely, a dedicated and highly intelligent professional. I take special honor in that Mike made me feel more of a friend than a sub-contractor.
Annette Soball
February 22, 2011
It was a pleasure to meet and work with Michael on the Orlando project. He was always calm, steady and up for a laugh. He will be missed.
Eric Carlington
February 22, 2011
Michael was one of the good guys. He will be missed. With deepest sympathy,
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