MacFarlane, Eric

Eric MacFarlane was born to Malcolm and Janet MacFarlane in Rothes Morayshire Scotland on March 18th, 1931, and he left this earth on September 15th, 2023.

His large family laid the foundation for a man who would spend his life putting his family and community first. He began his apprenticeship to become mechanic at the age of 15 in Aberlour Scotland.

At the age of 21 he boarded a boat for a new adventure in Canada where he would work on farms in Saskatchewan and Alberta. It was in Lethbridge that he met his wife Lydia (Bubbles) and on May 21st, 1955, they were married. They lived in a few places but stayed in Lethbridge until 1965 when they packed everyone up and moved to Nelson where they really put down their roots. Eric and Lydia had six children, Heather (Bill), Janet, Mary, Dirk (Carlene), Eric (Debbie) and Miriam. Eleven Grandchildren, Sixteen Great Grandchildren and two Great Great Grandchildren.

Eric was the kind of person that people naturally gravitated to. He was gregarious and had great stories and jokes, was quick with song and could usually be found surrounded by children.

Eric was a long-time member of the Legion but on coming to Nelson he found the Eagles Lodge Aerie #22 where he found community and a drive to give back to the residents of Nelson. Eric was a member for 58 years and he received many accolades locally and provincially. Eric held many positions, President, Past President, Chaplain, and Trustee. Secretary was the position that he held for 35 years only retiring in 2020. He has left big shoes to fill, and the Aerie will endeavour to do their best to fill those big shoes.

There will be a graveside service at the Nelson Cemetery on October 7th at 1:00 p.m.

In Lieu of Flowers and Cards please donate to your favourite charity in his name.

May the sunshine be warm upon your face. May the rain fall softly upon your fields until we meet again. May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.