It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Martin (Marty) William MacFarlane, 78, of Bedford, formerly of Sydney, Cape Breton, on July 4th, 2023, at St Vincent’s Nursing Home in Halifax. Born in Glace Bay, Marty was a son of the late Willie and Mary (nee Mombourquette) MacFarlane.
Marty is survived by his loving wife Isabel (nee Morrison); sons, Marty (Amy), Troy (Sascha); brother, Terry (Donna Hutchins), Coxheath; sister Cathy (Eddie Oakley) Sydney; grandchildren, Shaelynn, Dannie, Lauren, Darcy, and Isla; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Willie, and mother Mary.
At a young age Marty began working with his father building and renovating homes in the Glace Bay and Grand Lake Rd area. At 17 he moved to Boston, Mass where he worked in both manufacturing and construction before enlisting in the US Air Force. Marty felt since he was living in the US, he should do his part to aid the conflict in Vietnam. After basic training and posting in various areas throughout Texas and California, he was stationed in Thailand for three years, and luckily missed out on deployment to Vietnam. After returning to Boston, he met Isabel at a Cape Breton party. The year after their wedding they decided to return to Cape Breton to raise their family. In Sydney, he continued to work as a Carpenter in the local Union until he noticed that electricians carried a much smaller and lighter toolbox. After switching trades, he worked for various companies in the local Union until his accident at the Sydney Steel Plant in 1991. Despite the hardship and long road of recovery, he always maintained a positive force in the lives of his boys and grandkids, “his Lil’ Puddins”.
Marty was always interested in history, martial arts, movies, and being a life-long learner. He attended the University College of Cape Breton and received his diploma in Business Management. In addition to many trades’ certificates, he had certificates in parachuting, United States Airforce Sharpshooter, and held the rank of Sergeant in the US Airforce. He was also a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and an active volunteer for many of his son’s activities.
Even with Parkinson’s taking a heavy toll in his later years, he will be remembered for his fighting spirit and always being ready for a story, joke, coffee, or movie.
Marty will be missed dearly by his many friends and family, but he will always be in our hearts. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Harbourside Crematorium in Halifax. Visitation will be held at T.W. Curry’s Parkview Chapel, 755 George Street, Sydney on July 12th from 5–8 pm. The Funeral Mass will take place on July 13th at 10 am at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 381 Whitney Ave., Sydney, with Father Evo DePierro officiating. A private burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Society at Parkinson.ca in memory of Marty. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
Marty loved his friends and family dearly and his final words would always be “give the girls a hug”.
