Harry "Mac" Lloyd McFarland

Harry Lloyd "Mac" McFarland of Prineville passed away at home on June 14, 2021, after a long and valiant battle, succumbing to the infirmities of old age.  He was 90.  To light a candle for Mac or leave an online condolence for the family, please go to:   www.whisperingpinesfuneralhome.com

Mac was born on July 29, 1930, in Ambridge, Pennsylvania to Lewis and Ella McFarland, the oldest of four sons -- all of whom were Army veterans.Mac began a career in the Army in 1949 and after 8 years as an enlisted man Mac was selected for attendance to Officer Candidate School; he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Infantry Branch, in 1957.  Mac had assignments across the globe, serving at various times in Okinawa, Korea, Germany and Vietnam.  Here his service earned him the coveted Combat Infantry Badge.  He taught M60 Machine Gun tactics at the Fort Benning Infantry School in the early 1960s -- even briefing then-Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara and other dignitaries while his staff provided a hair-raising live-fire demonstration.

Mac retired from military service on August 1, 1973, as a Lieutenant Colonel.  His final duty station was the Presidio of San Francisco, a place he always loved.  He was a fiercely proud veteran and American.  

It was at the Presidio of San Francisco that Mac met his soul-mate and future wife, Rosalie.  They were married in December 1973. Over the course of their 50-year relationship, they had many adventures, often traveling the United States via car and RV and visiting their many friends and extended family.  They were rarely separated and had a strong, loving bond to the very end.

In early-1981 Mac moved the family to Prineville, a place he fell in love with on a beautiful May morning as he drove out of the Ochocos. He had been on a 10-day scouting trip with his son Howard when he saw the gorgeous valley, the fantastic rimrock, he knew he'd found the place to settle.  He loved hunting and fishing, and the incomparable nature and beauty of Central Oregon provided him with many years of adventure in these pursuits.

Mac was a proud member of the Prineville Golf Club for over 40 years. He made many friends there, and loved the tough, technical little course. He had a pretty solid game even into his 80s.  He cherished his time at the PGC and the camaraderie of his Monday Men's Group.

Mac was a formidable husband and parent.  He did run the household like one would expect an Infantry Officer to run it.  He roared often while he reared his children but he always sought to make any mistake a teachable moment.  He held great affection for his wife and children and was a forgiving and generous father. He was well-loved and respected by all his family, and was a noted family historian -- keeping n contact with scores of friends and family going back 70+ years. He had a fine mind and memory and rarely forgot a name.

Mac is survived by his wife Rosalie (Odum) McFarland, a woman he loved with all his heart, and his daughters Dawn Martino (Alan) of Bend, OR and Diana Idleman (Brett) of Sand Springs, OK as well as his sons Alan of Billings MT and Howard of Prineville.  He leaves behind his loving granddaughters Jennifer Rynning (Nathan) of Seattle, and Kate Pidwerbecki (Charlie) of Jackson, CA.   

Mac is also survived by his youngest brother Melvin (Jeanette) McFarland of Baden, PA.  He was predeceased by brothers Howard and Richard McFarland, and oldest son Barry McFarland.  He is also survived by his best friend of many years -- confidants since Vietnam -- BG John Nicholson of Williamsburg, VA.  

A simple man, Mac requested that no services be held.  He was content to have his family with him during his last days, and we will celebrate his life with the many photographs and memories he created for and with us. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local organization benefitting American Veterans -- Mac wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

God Bless...

Whispering Pines Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.  3168 NE 3rd Street - Prineville, Oregon  97754       (541) 416-9733

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.