Michael Ray McFarland (“Mac”) passed away at the age of 75 on August 24, 2018. He was born in Pendleton, OR, on November 4, 1942. During childhood, he lived in Monrovia, Santa Cruz, and then Sacramento. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray W. and Joan McFarland, and his younger brother Richard (Patricia). He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda, his son David (Dianne), his daughter Michelle (Gil Castanon), grandchildren Zachary, Miles, Renny, and Cali, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mike graduated Sacramento High School in 1960 where he was a member of the Varsity Football and Baseball teams. Also during high school, he was also a center fielder for the Manhart Baseball team which won the 1959 California State Baseball Championship. As a young man he became a business owner, owning a Shell Gas and Service Station in the Fruitridge area. Eventually, Mike sold his business and went to work for the State of California Department of Justice as a latent fingerprint analyst for over 30 years, retiring in 2001.
He met the love of his life, Linda McFarland (née Edwards) in 1960, and they were married on June 22, 1963. They raised their children David and Michelle in their Valley Hi home until moving to Greenhaven in 1979. Over the years, Mike enjoyed many activities. He and Linda were season ticket holders for the San Francisco 49ers, and he was at Candlestick Park for Dwight Clark’s “The Catch” game. Mike was also an accomplished bowler as a member of the Amateur Bowler’s Tour including bowling a perfect 300 game and competing in a televised bowling event on a local television channel. He also enjoyed going to the horse races and made many lifelong friendships there. Other friendships were forged over fantasy sports and at the poker table.
Mike and his family also took many vacations to Santa Cruz and to San Diego over the years. Besides focusing on his golf game as a member of the DOJ Golf Club, he and Linda enjoyed embarking on cruises to Mexico, Alaska, and the Panama Canal. They also frequently vacationed at their timeshare in Carlsbad, CA, generously inviting family and friends to join them. Time there was often spent visiting relatives and friends in the area. Though Mike’s medical issues affected his quality of life, and he didn’t physically feel his best, he still looked forward to these Carlsbad trips as well as attending the various sporting events of his grandchildren and his weekly trips to the casino (when Linda would allow it!).
Mike enjoyed many enduring friendships throughout his life, whether through sports or other activities, through work, or through family, friends, and neighbors, and he will be greatly missed by all.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday September 21, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Greenhaven (660 Florin Road, Sacto CA 95831). Reception immediately following in the Church hall. Private inurnment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, below are suggested charities should anyone wish to make a donation in memory of Mike:
Sacramento SPCA, 6201 Florin Perkins Rd., Sacramento, CA 95828
Sacramento Zoo, 3930 West Land Park Dr., Sacramento, CA 95822
The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, 40 E. 52nd St., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10022 www.tjcfoundation.org
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