It's so very hard to believe it's been 2 years since you left us. Your smile, your wit, and your caring for each person whose life you touched is a legacy we should all strive for. 
One of the highlights of my career was working with you and Ron. Everyday was a new adventure, a new journey, never knowing what to expect next.
For those who love you, and those who spent so much time with you, we miss you more each passing day. I proudly display the plaque you gave me at you 70th birthday. It means a lot to me to be included in that close circle. Those of us who put our trust in you, always knew you had our back, and we hope you knew we always had your back.
You were truly one of the good guys, both on the job and off .
I have been really luck to call you my friend, and know my life is better because of you. Never forgotten.

Part of the greatest group of law enfocement officers to ever serve with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigations.  One of the founding members who put his heart and soul into his job, but always tried to put a little fun in it also. 
I was proud to  served with him and even prouder to call him my Friend. Rest in peace brother, you will live on as long as there are those to share your stories.

Gary was and is My Prince Charming . We Had 22 years together and it was the best time In My life. Gary Was My savior He taught me so much about compassion and forgiveness! He was always there when ever I need him. He saved me many time from self destruction’ If it wasn’t for him I don’t know I would be . Gary told me in December ! To go on be strong There is more for me yet to come ‘ Be Happy and love again .  Thank you my Love you will always Be in my Heart . Till we meet Again. Proud to be The wife of Gary Alan McFarland 

GARY ESCORTED ME, PROVIDING SECURITY DURING MY INITIAL BOOK TOUR THROUGHOUT THE ORLANDO, FL AREA IN 1991/1992.  AS A FELLOW MARINE I RESPECTED HIS PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION.  HE OFTEN WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO MAKE ME FEEL COMFORTABLE AND RELAXED DURING OUR STRENUOUS SCHEDULE.  AT THE END OF EACH DAY I WELCOMED OUR EVENING CONVERSATIONS ... ONE MARINE TO ANOTHER.  BETSY AND I EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO A GREAT MARINE  AND LAWMEN.  MAY GOD BLESS, GARY.  SEMPER FI - 
LTCOL OLIVER L. NORTH, USMC (RETIRED) .  

I met Gary when he was about 12 years old.  He was a nice kid who grew up to be a successful, thoughtful and kind man.  I didn't see him often after he grew up, but always thought of him as a little brother.  The last time I saw him he kidded me about the time I made a u-turn on the turnpike, when I first came to PA and didn't know you couldn't do that.  I think I had picked him up at the Barber shop and  made a wrong turn on the way home.

I'm sad to hear of his passing.  Sincere condolences to Barb, Ed and the entire family.  May peace be with you.

From being your backup  in zone 21 to helping with your VA claim  Gary was a dear friend and confidant. He even saved my life when he drove the tractor around the garage to stop the hurricane from blowing me away while we fought to strengthen a section of wall. Of course this was the night before Kasey s wedding.
What a man who helped so many may you rest now in the comforting hands hands of our Lord
SEMPER FI. 

I will always remember Gary, especially when he interacted in a joking manner with Jay Leffert.  

Gary could not have been a better friend to my father Jeff and my uncle Pug. From childhood to adulthood, there was an incredible bond amongst the three of them. He was always around with my Dad & Uncle, to lend a hand or share a laugh. Condolences to all his family & friends. 

What do I say about a man who was such a "big influence" and "big" part of my life. Gary was a part of my life since I was about  8 or 9.  He became a 2nd Dad to me after losing my Dad (Earl Taylor-his best friend) at age 14. Gary new me at my worst and best and was always there to pick up the pieces with open arms when something went wrong. He had a heart of gold  and would do almost anything to help others but you had better not cross him either lol. I could call him at all hours, day or night and Dad was on the way.  He gave me my push and start in my career in Corrections.  I am so thankful for the years and memories I have of him and my family and I loved him very much.  He always called me "Dimples".  Thank you Zina for being there to love him and take care of him. I sure will miss him and that smile.  

Gary was like a second father to me and when I was around 8 years old I asked him if I could jump on the trampoline in his yard, he said no because he was going to work. Well as they say when the cat's away the mice will play when I thought he was out of sight I came out of my yard and into his yard and started jumping on his trampoline while I was in mid-air I look over and see him pulling back into the yard and I directed my jump to land on the ground next to the trampoline hurting my foot but I grabbed my shoes and ran back to my side of the yard. Gary told me not to let him catch me on that trampoline without him there ever again and I promised him. Gary is going to be sorely missed because like I said he was like a second father to me rest easy my friend.

Gary; and I worked together in  Patrol when He started with  the Sheriff’s Office in the  70’s  he  was truly a Deputy’s Deputy. I learned a lot from him about patrolling on the eastside of  Orange County. He will always be remembered.

Gary and I worked together for many years and we worked undercover together for 8 months.  He was so dedicated to catching the bad guys and he will be missed.



I had already been with the S O for sometime when Gary came to our squad. At that time we rotated between the east side and the south trail.  Gary was a perfect fit with our squad. Great personality. Always laughing, had a smile, we got into some tight spots, talked about them latter, the stories might have got larger than they were but didn’t we all exaggerate just a little? First squad Christmas party I ever went to was at Gary’s house. He got a black 50’s looking jacket he was proud of.  Gary always cared about people especially those he worked with. He loved the S O and his job. I was injured years ago and he always asked how I was doing never bring up his on health issues unless you asked. He was one of the GOOD GUYS. Now there will be another empty chair at the retiree breakfast. God Bless you and Family.

I have so many fond memories and lots of firsts with you..first close friend at the Sheriff's Office; first Code 3 drive; first day out making a landing zone for the helicopter on 520; first day out, pulled my weapon as we were being charged by two dogs..you saved my life..Gary, you were a great deputy...so impressed with how you handled calls in Bithlo and the respect you had for its citizens both good guys and bad...AND my first arrest...Charlie Chip the midget burglar and his co-hort..I truly loved you like a brother and felt VERY PROTECTED when in your presence......YOU WILL BE MISSED..RIP BROTHER  ....Your little Jewish friend Sheryl Kolessar

G Mac-a straight shooter who I always enjoyed working for. A good man, a good cop, and a good friend. He would do anything for people and always strived to do the right thing. Very sad to hear the news but I know you are in a better place. I will miss you my friend.

Gary ("Bonus Dad") came into my life in the Summer of 1992. My Mom and him married in 1993, and he quickly became one of my biggest fans. He entered my life just as I began to really have health issues. He was sitting in the doctors office when they told me I had juvenile diabetes, he was there when surgeons told my family I needed a liver transplant, he was there when I had severe internal bleeding, he was there for my transplant, he was there at 2am when I craved steak from my ICU unit (and he found some chef at a longhorn to make it for me), he was there with a peanut butter milkshake every night in between to try to help me gain weight. He advocated for me, he loved me, he hugged me, he supported me, and he told me he was proud of me countless times. 

I love(d) him so much, and I will miss him for the rest of my life.

August the 25 2001 was the day Gary McFarland saved my life, you see he has always been my Dads closest friend and that evening it sure did show. I was in an extremely abusive relationship and my dad had moved to New Hampshire, I called my mom and explained I needed out and I needed help as he had abused me one last time. Dad made the call to Gary and little did I know, the troops were on the way. The house I was staying at was surrounded by at least 50 Orange County Sheriff, with Gary leading them, he came in the house and looked at my abuser and stated " she is coming with me" he saved my life, that man would of killed me. That is the Gary I will always remember as he is now watching over me and I will always make him proud. I miss him so, and love him dearly, always my Daddy Mac.

OBITUARY

Gary Alan Mcfarland

18 April, 1949 – 3 January, 2020

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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