John C. MacFarlane
1947 - 2013
John C. MacFarlane
1947 - 2013
Obituary
Guest Book
John MacFarlane Obituary
John was born on January 18th, 1947 in Staten Island, New York to Robert and Margaret MacFarlane. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1964. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston in 1972 with a BBA in Accounting. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served his country as a CAPT , 2nd Battalion, 6th Artillery based in Germany. John was a Certified Public Accountant and member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He was an active outdoorsman, avid golfer and dear friend to all who knew him.
John's business accomplishments include management positions at Ernst and Young, executive level experience in international oil and gas and environmental service operations, including manufacturing, chemicals and services with Baker-Hughes, Inc., TETRA Technologies, Inc. and Anchor Drilling Fluids. Most recently, he was a founder of Milestone Venture Group, a private equity company based in Houston and served on its Board of Directors.
John's legacy of community service is extensive. Since 2006, he served as a volunteer and leader for Houston Public Media. He was the current Board Chair for this group holding prior positions as President and Vice-President. John, with the involvement of other board members, helped take forward a vision to unify public radio and television. His involvement led to the creation of Houston Public Media. His leadership led to substantial support from the businesses community such as the International Association of Drilling Contractors.
John leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years, Leslie J. Flynne, his brother Robert "Bob" MacFarlane and sister-in-law Linda, sisters Peggy Leimpeter and brother-in-law Peter of San Ramon, CA and Kathryn Ault and brother-in-law Barry of Cumberland, WI.
He also survived by sons J. Craig MacFarlane, Jr. and daughter-in-law Dana; Scott E. MacFarlane and daughter-in-law Deborah; five grandchildren--Demi, Blake, MacKenzie, Sophia and Connor; and his sons' mother, Billie Claire Linton.
He will be remembered by all as a man who loved, lived and shared to the fullest. Time spent with John and Leslie was time spent enjoying life whether on the golf course, cooking at home with family and friends, or traveling abroad. He loved his golf and was fiercely competitive, as in everything he did, and was ever magnanimous whether in victory or in rare defeat.
Visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079 on May 23rd from 6-9 pm with Deacon Bob MacFarlane, his brother, presiding.
A Funeral Mass celebrating John's life will be held at Saint Michael's Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056 on Friday May 24th, 2013 at 10 a.m. with Reverend Monsignor Frank H. Rossi presiding.
Interment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston TX.
It was John's wish, and is Leslie's sincere hope, that in lieu of flowers donations be made to one of the organizations that he was passionate about so that his memory will live on. Those organizations are:
Houston Public Radio/John MacFarlane Endowment, MD Anderson Cancer Center, or Houston Hospice.
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
c/o Dr. Anne Tsao Lung Cancer Research Fund
P.O. Box 4486
Houston Texas 77210-4486
www.mdanderson.org/gifts
For additional information on memorial funds, please call (713) 792-3450 or 1-800-525-5841. Please include the name of the person you wish to honor with your memorial gift.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tom Clinton
July 3, 2013
John was a class act. I'm honored to have known him!
Becky Kringel
May 28, 2013
Leslie and family, John will be missed by all the people he touched over the years including mine. He gave me my start at Baker Hughes and was a great leader and mentor. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dixie Russo
May 27, 2013
Leslie, I don't know if you remember me but I worked for John in the early 80's and he was one of the best bosses and mentors I ever had. He taught me many things about life and work and has always been in my thoughts over the years as I have continued on a path he encouraged me to take. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. God's blessings and strength be with you all.
Carol Heitz
May 27, 2013
I worked for John in the early years of my career. He was a strong leader, kind, patient and had a great sense of humor. I am grateful to have learned the ropes from this man. Leslie, I am sorry for your loss.
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May 26, 2013
Leslie, Harriet and I were sadden to hear that John had passed. He was a good friend and great neighbor. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I wish we were not out of town now, but we wish you all the best.
Warren Avery
May 25, 2013
Leslie - I was so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a great friend and business associate during our years at Baker and also after my retirement. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Laura Gaines Foster
May 25, 2013
I remember John from Memorial High School days. He was such a kind person. My heart and sympathy to his family in their time of great loss.
Dan Kinshella
May 24, 2013
John was a great mentor, boss, and friend. I will miss him dearly. My sympathies go out to all of his family.
Dan Kinshella
Gary and Bari Spesard
May 24, 2013
Leslie - wish we could have been with you as you were with us. Gary and I send our love and thoughts.
Joyce Erfurdt Crumb
May 24, 2013
Leslie, I am so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Soy & Joe Bill Butler
May 24, 2013
Leslie, Soy and I were so sorry to hear about John's passing. He was such a good friend and mentor during the time we were together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Soy & Joe Bill Butler
May 24, 2013
Leslie, Soy and I were so sad to hear of John's passing. He was a great friend and mentor during our years together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ross Johnston
May 23, 2013
Leslie, I am very saddened to hear about the passing of John. You and John were always so good to me, he was a wonderful man that will be missed by so many, along with the community which has truly lost a rare asset. I can only pray that the comfort from others in this time of sorrow support you and help you see what a difference one life has made to so many and what a blessing one person could be.
I love you Leslie, you are one of the most inspirational people I've ever met. Please know that my heart is with you during this time of sorrow.
Daisy Yu
May 23, 2013
Leslie,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself and know you have memories, supports, and prayers.
Love and Hugs
George Pugh
May 23, 2013
Craig,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. I enjoyed working for and with him at Southwest Guaranty. He taught me a lot and I know he will be missed by all who knew him.
Mary & Jerry Philen
May 23, 2013
Leslie and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. John was such a great guy, and I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity to have known him for the past thirty years. Every two weeks while cutting his hair and trimming his beard we would talk about family and life. He was such an inspiration to all.
He will be greatly missed!
God Bless You!
Bill & Debbe Smith
May 23, 2013
Leslie and Family,
John was indeed a great friend to me and many others. He was a person of integrity and honor and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Mac was always there for those who needed help and guidance. He was an inspiration to me and many others. Thank you MAC. We will all miss you.
Our deepest sympathies to John's family. Our prayers are with you.
Rich and Connie Myers
May 23, 2013
To John's family, our condolences and best wishes. We are sorry for your loss.
From a fellow golfer,John was a competitive player and he will be missed. His kind always are.
May 23, 2013
Leslie, Patty Ann and I want you, Craig and Scott to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember the wonderful times we've had with you and John. Buck & Patty Ann
May 23, 2013
Leslie,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John. Please know I am praying for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Ruth Ann Aldridge (Richardson, TX)
Sydney Crawford
May 23, 2013
I wish the best for family and know that John is looking over you from his lofty position in heaven. John will always be in hearts and will never be forgotten. God bless you and watch over you.
May 23, 2013
JACK J. WYCHE
May 23, 2013
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE McFARLANE FAMILY
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.
JACK J. WYCHE
Kim Parker
May 23, 2013
Leslie- I am sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers. God Bless, Kim Parker
Sara Moren
May 23, 2013
Leslie, Craig, Scott and Family,
John was such a blessing to work for and to know. He always had a smile on his face and was very gracious to those around him. The few stories he told me about his family were filled with love and admiration.
John was a wonderful and exceptional gentleman who will be terribly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Gary Bennicoff Sr.
May 23, 2013
Leslie, It was a real pleasure working with John (Mac). Always upbeat and a fine gentleman. God bless you and your family.
Marsha Parr
May 23, 2013
Leslie and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. After all you did to help us when we went through the same thing with Guy D., this is precious little. May you find peace in the fact that John is pain free and that you are loved.
James McNally
May 23, 2013
One of the truly good guys that I have ever met has been called up to Heaven. I wish he could of stayed with us for a longer period of time. Mac helped me alot both personally and professionally. He had the ability to sense when you needed help and he was always willing to go the extra mile to provide help. I will miss his wit and personality. God has a great companion with him now. John Mac has always been cool and he still will be in Heaven. My condolences to your family John Mac as this will be a great loss for them to overcome; but they will do so because your memory and inspiration will lead them again.
May 22, 2013
Leslie and family, offering prayers of support and comfort to you! We will miss Johnny Mac so much. He was a gentleman and never failed to have a smile and friendly word for us. I am so glad we were able to spend some time with him at the JDRF golf tournament recently ... we will always remember him with a golf club in hand! - Sharon & John Chandler
David Linder
May 22, 2013
Leslie and your entire family, My Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love Always,
David Linder
Matt Tielkemeijer
May 22, 2013
May our heavenly father bless all the family, friends and colleagues of Mr. Mcfarlane in his passing. Being around John always encouraged me to be the best person I could as that was the way he treated me. I thank you sir, rest in peace.
Bitsy Christal
May 22, 2013
Leslie, my prayers are with you now. Love, Bitsy Christal
Bob & Pam Ramsey
May 22, 2013
Leslie and Family.... Thank you for all you have done. It was always a pleasure to work along with John on the "Rebuliding Houston Together" homes. And other projects we became involved in. Leslie, you're special..... especially to Pam.... you've been a big part of our lives for a long time as has John.... May God Bless and comfort you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol Robles
May 22, 2013
Leslie, My Prayers go out to you and the whole family. His loving memories will be with you always.
Debbie Huston
May 22, 2013
Craig; my prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Farr
May 22, 2013
My heart goes out to the family.
May 22, 2013
We will always miss you, and you are pain free now. Jo.L. Keener, MHS 64
Dow and Russelle Heard
May 22, 2013
In loving memory of John, we send our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Terri Young
May 22, 2013
Craig, Dana & family,
May you feel Gods arms around you and give you comfort at this time. Sorry for your loss.
THEODORE ZAPATA
May 22, 2013
Many many thanks to God and the family for sharing such a fine individual, it was a real pleasure knowing John here at Adobe. To Craig, be strong and take care. Your friend here at Adobe.
Theodore Zapata,
Adobe Equipment/Br 1
Parts Department
Bill Milner
May 22, 2013
John, I have truly enjoyed our relationship over the years. You and Kelly have been like family. It won't be the same without you Buddy. Your family has my heartfelt sympathy and continued prayers. God's speed, John.
May 22, 2013
Your the greatest man I ever had the pleasure of working for..Your a real inspiration to me in the way you always had time for a smile and time to listen even in your struggles.
Your a thoughtful leader and I can't say enough ..
RIP "Mac"
My deepest condolences to your family and friends.
Tammi
May 22, 2013
TO THE GREATEST MAN I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING FOR..YOUR AN INSPIRATION TO ME AT HOW THROUGH ALL OF IT YOU ALWAYS HAD A SMILE AND TIME TO LISTEN...
YOU WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY ALL.
MY CONDOLENCES TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY AND FRIENDS RIP "MAC"
YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON!!!
Cheryl Stark
May 22, 2013
Leslie and family - I'm very saddened to hear of John's passing. I was associated with him during my tenure at Baker-Hughes in the early 90's. I always found John to be cheerful, helpful, and a real joy with whom to work. He will definitely be missed.
Tita (Parker) Horrell
May 22, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. I remember John well..he was always so nice and had a terrific smile. At Memorial High School Class of 64, John was one who flew under the radar but one who everyone knew.
PHIL ODOM
May 22, 2013
SEMPER FI - FELLOW VETERAN
THANK YOU - FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
You are one of our heroes.
We will remember you always and miss you dearly.
Take your Warrior's rest for a duty well done.
I wish to extend to members of your family my deepest sympathy on their loss. May the force of GOD be with them as they walk through this difficult time. May the loving promises of our LORD and Savior comfort them and give them strength.
As a grateful Veteran, I leave my sympathy and hope you accept this as a small token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one to our Country.
SEMPER FI
U. S. MARINE AND VIET NAM VET
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13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079
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