Robert Brooks MacFarland

Robert "Bob" Brooks MacFarland, of Hull, MA, 87 years young passed away on March 6th 2024. He is survived by his wife of 25 years Jeanne MacFarland.  Jeanne lovingly and selflessly took care of her husband in his last three heart-wrenching months.
Bob was a lifelong resident of Mass. He primarily lived in Wollaston, Duxbury and Hull.  He loved the ocean where he felt at home. In his younger years he would swim in the ocean for  miles each day from March thru November.

Bob was an inventor with at least one invention (the sickle hook) on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. He also owned several businesses over the years including; MacFarland and Sons Hardware Store, A Country Store and Ice Cream Parlor. And a realty company as well as MacBilt for his inventions.

Bob loved outdoor activities from snow skiing to basketball to swimming to kayaking, His absence leaves a void deeply felt yet his memory cherished, particularly among the denizens of the YMCA where Bob, the institutions longest-standing member since the tender age of 15, frequented until December 2023, spanning an astonishing 72 years. To him the "Y" was more than a gym; it was his sanctified mission field, where he tirelessly shared the gospel, enriching countless lives through the power of his personal testimony.

Bob's most fond memories were of Duxbury, Camp Chappa challa, Gurnet and Saquish. His happiest times were when he stayed at his cottage on Gurnet. Bob also loved to travel and owned many time shares over the years. He was a master craftsman who restored old and vintage items and houses to their original glory days.

Bob was a man of humility who readily acknowledged his past errors, yet his essence was defined by forgiveness, prayerfulness, and boundless love, extending his aid to others when possible. 

Bob outlived his first wife Martha MacFarland, of Florida by one day shy of 2 years. They were in close contact and enjoyed talking on the phone for long periods of time.  They had two children, Denise of Central Florida and Scott of Southeast Florida. They shared six grandchildren, two great grandchildren with another on the way.

Bob was also in close contact with his 2nd wife Pauline Platter of Mass.  They had two children Melissa of Texas and Jeremy of Montana.  They share two grandchildren in Montana.

His unwavering devotion to his Christian Faith and sacred scripture resonated profoundly with all who crossed his path. In times of distress among family and friends, his recourse was prayer, never hesitating to impart wisdom of scripture and boundless love of Christ, for it was his fervent devotion and abiding passion. His faith was not just a belief but a guiding light through his left trials and triumphs, leaving an indelible mark on those blessed to share in his presence and conversations. Bob's reverence for scripture was profound, a wellspring he eagerly shared with any receptive heart.  "Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wise, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in you hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16)

Now liberated from earthly pains, Bob rests in heavenly splendor, his soul rejoicing in the divine presence he yearned for, a realm he spoke of with eager anticipation throughout the journey. Bob's family will be having memorial service at Life Community Church in Quincy at a later date.