David McFarlane

David J. McFarlane, died peacefully on Saturday February 13th, in the loving care of the Country Center for Health in Newburyport, at the age of 86.

David died in the way he lived. In the moments before he passed, hospice said his heart was still very strong, he wouldn’t have gone any other way. He lived with a strong heart and died with one too. David battled Dementia in his last several years, but never forgot what gave him life, his family. He is survived by his wife, Zaida McFarlane, who stood strong by his side through his care, as he did for her through their life; his children Karen O'Neil, Laura Lippert, Steven McFarlane, his step children Marshal Neal, Martha Svedberg, Mary Hogan, and Mark Neal; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his siblings Anna Lynch, and Paul and Brenda McFarlane. 

David and Zaida saw life as an adventure, they pushed themselves and each other to accomplish everything they set out to achieve. 

David lived 1,000 years in the 86 calendar years we had with him. He was an accomplished doctorate in engineering, who was active in civic affairs having served on the City Council, and within his church. He was a young-hearted adventurer, with a constant craving to learn any and all this world had to offer.

David was always on a quest, an adventure, for the things he believed in. He served as a Boy Scout Leader, and was a pinnacle member of the Methodist church, helping them from bible readings, funding, to even fighting for handicap zoning. 

He was a proud veteran, who served with the Air Force, and forever served his fellow veterans thereafter. David always marveled in the outdoors, embarking on triathlons, marathons, skiing, hiking, and even jumping out of an airplane. 

As Shel Silverstien says in one of the worn out books by the recliner, that David read to his grandkids over and over, “Put something silly in the world that ain’t been there before”, and that's exactly what he did, always acting like one of the kids.

When we’d race up the sand dunes and climb the lifeguard towers, he would call out Caesars “Veni, vidi, vici! I came, I saw, I conquered!”- You conquered Grandpa. 

Services and burial will be private. The Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950 is assisting Mr. McFarlane’s family with his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in David’s name to Susan G Komen http://www.info-komen.org/site/TR/DIYFundraising/HeadquartersSite?px=26028942&pg=personal&fr_id=8591

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