Richard M. McFarland Sr.

Richard Macomber McFarland, Sr., of Westport, CT., died peacefully at home on July 24, 2008 at the age of 84. Born September 10, 1923 to the late George Fiske and Phyllis C. (Macomber) McFarland, Richard was raised in Portland, ME. In 1947 he married Virginia Fitz-Randolph Ripley of New Milford, CT., his bride of 57 years. He is survived by his sisters, Barbara Cummings of Keene, NH, and Priscilla Diane Cordeiro of Portland, ME, his two sons, Dr. Richard M. and his wife Joan McFarland II of Norwalk, CT, Kirk D. McFarland of Tucson, AR., daughter Jane R. McFarland of Acton, MA., and four grandchildren; Sara and Kate McFarland, Alex and Ryan Dill. He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia, on January 4, 2005.

Richard was a retired chemical engineer and executive recruiting consultant. He received his BChemE from Rensselaer Poly Technic Institute in 1944, and completed his post-graduate work (1946-1947) at the University of Michigan. After a long career in the chemical industry, he became an associate at Heidrick and Struggles, Inc. (NYC), and later (1980), founder and President of Brissenden, McFarland, Wagoner & Fucella, Inc. (Stamford, CT.).

Richard was an ensign in the USN from 1943 -1946, and later a lieutenant commander from 1951-1953. He was listed in Who's Who and a member of the Memorial Landmark Club, Cedar Point Yacht Club, Nutmeg Curling Club, American Chemical Society and Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

He will be remembered for his consistent and traditional values, his professional dedication and for his commitment to family and his pet''s. We are all blessed to have shared time with him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 13 at the Universal Unitarian Church, 10 Lyons Plains Rd., Westport, CT, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. All who knew and loved Richard are invited to attend. Memorial arrangements will be coordinated by Rick and Joan McFarland of Norwalk, CT.