Our kind, wonderful and much loved father took his last solo flight into his next adventure on May 22nd. Earl was born in Fredericton in 1934 and moved shortly thereafter to Sussex with his parents Harvey and Josephine (nee Ferguson) McFarland and older brother Arthur.
Earl joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1952. While he was stationed in Saint Hubert, he met the love of his life, Janice Hadden. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in 1956 and had an adventurous life of military postings across Canada, the US and Germany having 4 children in various spots along the way.
Earl was passionate about his career in the RCAF. He started as a navigator of CF-100s and went on to be a pilot of both the Tracker and the Argus before retraining to fly the Twin Huey helicopter. Earl loved helicopters. After retiring, he on went to fly commercially, founding Cougar Helicopters with his brother-in-law, Ingo Strackerjan. He eventually found his way back into the military undertaking a peace-keeping mission in the Sinai Peninsula and lengthening his military service.
During their posting in Germany, Jan and Earl were introduced to the sport of curling. A passion which they shared for rest of their lives. They enjoyed and were heavily involved at the Dartmouth Curling Club where Earl was an active member of the Sundowners.
A dedicated member of the 111 Wing of the RCAF Association, Earl worked tirelessly in many facets and was 3 times the Atlantic Chapter Chairman. Earl remained an active member until the very end. He was extremely proud of the association and the supporting work they do with cadets. The association is active in many commemorative events involving veterans in which Earl was always a presence. He was also very involved in the Shearwater Aviation Museum and a member of the Centennial Legion.
The family enjoyed many camping adventures, and eventually found a spot at the “Air Force” campsite in 1972 on Lake Pleasant. They eventually purchased ‘The Earl of McFarland’ property, making deep and lasting connections in the Lake Pleasant Rd community. He taught countless people, young and not so young, the art of waterskiing behind the Chesnut. A skill at which he also excelled. Earl and Jan spent many hours in their canoe or kayaks on the lake.
It bears mentioning that Earl was a committed Maple Leafs fan, much to Jan’s chagrin. And we would be remiss not to mention their love of dancing. First on the floor and the last to leave.
Earl is predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Janice. Also predeceased by his parents Harvey and Josephine McFarland and his brother Arthur.
Earl is survived by his children: Robert McFarland (Andrea MacDonald), Laurie St. Amour, Karen (Donald) Dodge and Michael McFarland. Grandchildren Erin Gaudet (Alan Slipp), Coco Gaudet, Angeline St Amour (Amy Pyne), Jane (Eric) Hamilton and Sam Dodge (Arissa McConnell). And last, but not least, great-granddaughter Thea Hamilton.
Special mention of the Strackerjan family Ingo, Cresel, Kristin and Lucas and their families.
Deep gratitude to everyone involved in Earl’s stellar care at the Dartmouth General Hospital. Your compassion was so appreciated.
Donations can be made in Earl’s memory to a charity of your choice.
He was one of the good guys.
A service will be held at the Centennial Legion at 703 Main St in Dartmouth on June 6th at 11:00 am.
Please join us to celebrate the lives of both Earl and Jan. Partners in life, it is fitting that they be celebrated together on this day.
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