Description Robert Webster McFarlane

Robert W. MacFarlane

The death of Robert W. MacFarlane occurred at Sutherland Memorial Hospital on Sunday afternoon, May 14, after a long period of failing health.

He was born in Pictou 79 years ago, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. David MacFarlane.  After spending 25 years in the United States and Western Canad he returned to Pictou about 35 years ago and succeeded his father as engineer at the marine slip, a position he held until five years ago when ill-health forced his retirement.  His sterling charachter and friendly, helpful nature won the high regard of his fellow-employees and a wide circle of friends.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church and of New Caledonia Lodge, A.F. & A.M.

He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Janet, at home, and by three step-children:  Mrs. J. Drummond MacGregor, New Glasgow; Stuart MacDonald, Toronto, and G. Arthur MacDonald, Pictou.  He also leaves one brother, Harry, Pictou Landing, and two sisters, Mrs. E. M. Ruggli (Elizabeth), Portland, Maine, and Mrs. Austin Robinson (Maud), Cape Cod.

The funeral, under Masonic auspices, was held from his home on Marine Street, Wednesday afternoon.  The service was conducted by Rev. L. R. Bent, and the choir of First Presbyterian Church led in the singing of "The Lord's My Shepherd" and "Abide With Me."

The pall bearers, all members of New Caledonia Lodge, were J. W. Heighton, John S. Talbot, Malcolm J. MacLean, Alex MacLellan, D. A. Murray and Ira Leithead.  Interment was at Haliburton cemetery.

The large attendance at the funeral and the profusion of beautiful floral tributes testified to the high esteem in which Mr. MacFarlane was held.