Return to Martyn Funeral Home
Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of William
An environmentally friendly option
Loading...
d
The family of William Malcolm Cameron MacFarlane uploaded a photo
Monday, March 26, 2018
/tribute-images/9374/Ultra/William-MacFarlane.jpg
Please wait
4
The family of William Malcolm Cameron MacFarlane uploaded a photo
Monday, March 26, 2018
/tribute-images/9373/Ultra/William-MacFarlane.jpg
Please wait
G
Gord MacFarlane posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
It's hard to believe Uncle Billy physically isn't with use anymore but he will always be with us spiritually. Whenever I'll think about him a smile will come to my face thinking of all the times I spent with him, times that I will cherish forever. Uncle Billy was a straight shooting down to earth man and you always knew where you stood with him good or bad. In my eyes 2016 has lost Ali, Gordie and Uncle Billy. To Aunt Beverly and my five cousins our deepest condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Gord, Lindsay, Wyatt, Emmitt, Dylan and Avery MacFarlane the Thunder Bay clan
H
Helen and Garth Van Meer posted a condolence
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Our heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Bill. He was a great guy. Sincerely, Helen and Garth VanMeer
K
Kyle Redshaw posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
When I think of Mr. Mac many things come to my mind, PE teacher, coach, mentor, authentic, funny, passionate, Northern Wilderness Outfitters, family man, but what is most endearing for me is a line many of us have heard coming from him mostly when we screwed up" The brain has got to function man!" I heard this from him a few times on the football field and it always puts a smile on my face. I think every football player I played with at CSS or he coached has a story behind when they were once told that line. But what I learned over the years is that this phrase was how Mr. Mac lived. Put simply, it is an attitude.
Mr. Mac taught me PE, coached me in football and track, but more importantly coached and taught me in life. Outside of my father, he had the largest impact on me becoming a man. I wanted to be him when I grew up, a PE teacher, family man with purpose and passion in my life. He took me aside when I was at my lowest when I broke my neck and was healing from it and helped me make my most important decision in my life up to that point. He advised me to take a risk and follow my heart and dreams by taking an operation that would allow me to live my life the way I wanted, just like him. I have told so many people this story over the years that it never gets old and I always remember the message: If you want to live the life you want to, then there is no real decision, take the risk and don't look back. This message is imprinted on my brain. The brain has got to function to make good decisions.
Another lesson I learned from Mr. Mac was how to live well, keep your priorities straight and have a plan. He showed me that family came first, that MARRIAGE was a team game, and that you must have other passions outside of your work. He is the best example I know of how to retire properly and with purpose. He had a plan early to buy some property in Algonquin Park, turn it into an outfitters business and then run it as his retirement plan. There are many examples of people who retire and have no purpose, not Mr. Mac. " The brain's got to keeping functioning he would say". Another lesson imprinted on my brain.
As I grew up and left North Bay, I always made it a point to stop by his home or better yet N.O.W. to visit with him and Mrs. Mac (Bev) when I returned. During these years after he retired, I was lucky enough to get to know Mr. Mac outside of the classroom or the football field. I got to know him as a husband, father, business owner and most importantly as a friend. I even got lucky enough to go on a paddling trip with him and his brother Don. It was a short trip, but another lesson was learned and imprinted on my brain. Both he and Don were in their early 70's and me in my late twenties when they took me on this short trip. I was put in the middle of the canoe to paddle as the two of them made the pace. I found it incredible that these two men nearly 50 years my senior were kick'in my butt in the canoe, talking sport, politics and making fun of me all at the same time without barely breaking a sweat. The message on that trip was: "Your only old if you think you are". Again the brain has got to function.
Mr. Mac lived a full life and created a legacy for all of us to aspire too. A loving husband, father with 5 children, many grandchildren and created a piece of heaven in Algonquin Park that his family, and many others can continue to enjoy for years to come. I feel truly blessed to have known him, his family and his slice of heaven in Algonquin Park.
Take care to the MacFarlane's, rest in peace Mr. Mac and thanks for your lessons.
God Bless,
Kyle Redshaw
B
Brent LaBrosse posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Randy and Family, So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time!
B
Brian Duval posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
On behalf of Nipissing University Athletics-our deepest condolences to the MacFarlane family on your loss.On a personal note-being a member of the Trojan Athletic Teams during the 70s,Bills Raiders were always tough teams to beat-they had heart,determination-and the mental toughness they got from him(leave it all on the field}.
A
Anne and Fred McNutt posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
From our early years at NBCI & VS to less frequent sightings lately, Bill was always a source of great humour and fond memories - Bill wearing Anne's gym suit during boy's PT ranks right up there as Classic Bill. We will be forever grateful for Bill and MacFarlane family's assistance to Gillian Danby in her time of need when we were out of country. Are thoughts are with you all. Fred and Anne
D
David Bull posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Just thinking of "Billy Mac" brings a smile to my face. So may stories and I only know a few of them. He certainly knew how to have a good time. Condolences from the entire Bull Family to his family and friends.
P
Peggy Smith and Tamie Robbins lit a candle
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle.png
Rest in Peaace Bill! Your clan motto of pride power poise and proficiency was always evident in the way you carried yourself. I will mostly miss your great sense of humour and the enthusiasm you passed on to all the athletes you coached. Jodi, Dayle, BilliJ, you all have a piece of your father in your characters. To Beverly and all the MacFarlane family, Tamie and I send our love. Our thoughts are with you during this time of your great loss of such a wonderful man, husband, and father.
G
Gillian Danby posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Heading out on a canoe trip to North Tee Lake from Bill and Bev's place was always an adventure in itself. The wood stove glowing, Bill's stories, always helpful suggestions , especially tying the canoe on my car. Laughter everywhere. On that day when Ken paddled away for the last time , your help and kindnesses is with me forever . My heart is with you Bev and your wonderful family . Gillian Danby West Vancouver BC
G
Gillian Danby posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Heading out on a canoe trip to North Tee Lake from Bill and Bev's place was always an adventure in itself. The wood stove glowing, Bill's stories, always helpful suggestions , especially tying the canoe on my car. Laughter everywhere. On that day when Ken paddled away for the last time , your help and kindnesses is with me forever . My heart is with you Bev and your wonderful family . Gillian Danby West Vancouver BC
S
Steve Warner posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Wishing peace and comfort to Bev, Randy and Billy Joe and the entire MacFarlane clan. Hoping you find solace in Mr. Mac's awesome legacy and memories that live on in all of us. Steve, Marianne and Col Warner
L
Laura posted a condolence
Monday, August 8, 2016
Jodi, Dayle and families... Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Laura, Rick, Annie & Katherine
A
Arlene Piper posted a condolence
Monday, August 8, 2016
Jodi and Dayle, my condolences to you as you mourn the loss of your dad. Hold on to the wonderful memories, cry some tears, laugh some laughs and tell lots of stories of your time together. Please pass on my condolences to all of your family. R.I.P. Mr MacFarlane.
G
Garth Goodhew lit a candle
Sunday, August 7, 2016
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle.png
Bill MacFarlane: The most authentic person I ever met.
D
Danie and Nancy Sherrit posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2016
We are thinking of the MacFarlane family during this difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences."Mr. Mac" was a wonderful man and we know how much he will be missed. Danie and Nancy Sherrit
G
Garth Goodhew posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2016
I knew Bill for over 40 years and had the privilege of working with Bill at Chippewa S.S.from 1981 to 1986.Bill was the most authentic person I ever met.He was fiercely supportive of his family,his students and his school.Bill was totally honest,totally committed to what ever he was doing and had all of the qualities you would ever want in a man,a teacher and a coach.Personally I owe a great deal to Bill. I thank him for his mentorship,his support and and his excellence as a person and as an educator.I extend my deepest sympathy to Bev and their children.Garth Goodhew.
R
Rosemary & Jason Doupe posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Bev and family, our hearts are broken for you at this difficult time. I know your memories and the stories of such a wonderful husband, father, teacher and coach will help to ease this great loss. We are thinking of you and holding you tight in our hearts. Much love, Rosemary and Jason.
J
Jay Aspin posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2016
My sincerest condolences to family and friends. Bill was a very competitive one of a kind guy that we all appreciated and admired....Jay Aspin
N
Nicki Chretien - Gymtrix posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2016
We have lost a true ambassador for all athletes in all sports. We will miss you Mr. Mac. R.I.P. Big hugs to the family.He was so proud of each and every one of you.
K
Ken Leggett posted a condolence
Sunday, August 7, 2016
From minor hockey to CSS staff to chemo room visits lots of good memories of Billy. He was a great man. Sympathies to all the McFarlanes. RIP
M
Michelle Robertson posted a condolence
Saturday, August 6, 2016
My sincerest condolences to the family...I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time...
D
Dave Poeta posted a condolence
Friday, August 5, 2016
Mr. Mac, Bill Sr., Wild Bill, Coach MacFarlane,
Where does one begin telling stories of Bill MacFarlane. After my dad Tony Poeta, Bill is probably the most influential male in my life. I first met Bill as a youngster, trying out for our local rep hockey team. It was the beginning of a life long friendship. It is hard to imagine the countless hours Bill spent at the freezing West Ferris Community Centre putting us through our paces during those 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM practices before school. I dreaded those practices, but also loved them. Some of my best life lessons were learned on that sheet of ice...discipline, dedication, discipline, teamwork, discipline, desire, did I say discipline. Bill worked us hard, but it was well worth it. If practicing in the morning before school wasn't enough, I'd make my way to MacFarlane's house and skate again after supper on the outdoor rink Bill had built alongside their house. I remember one evening Coach MacFarlane had me practicing my wrist shot with a hard puck. Bill would stand in the net without equipment. Either I didn't shoot very hard, or he was tough. I'd think it was the latter. I'd shoot from about 15 or 20 feet away and he'd catch pucks in his hands covered only with work gloves. Occasionally, he'd miss the odd puck and take one off the shin. I know it hurt, but there was no way he was going to let you think for a moment that he was in pain. One tough customer.
As we grew older, he put us through our paces as a track coach. Although we attended West Ferris High School and Bill was the track coach at Chippewa High School, he didn't care that he was training an athlete from a competing school. Bill simply cared about helping a young man become better, not only as an athlete, but as a young man. Bill was not selfish, and because of this, he would give you his time, as long as you worked hard and showed a desire to get better.
Later on, as life took me away from North Bay, I wasn't able to see Bill and Bev as much, but whenever I would return for a visit, either at their home or at Northern Wilderness Outfitters (NWO), I was always greeted by Bill and Bev with a very cheerful hello, an ear to ear smile, and a huge hug. Bill and Bev would always want to know what was going on in my life. We would spend hour upon hour talking about life, sports, politics with a few off coloured jokes or comments in between coming from Bill, with the following words soon to follow from Bev, "Oh, Bill, stop that". Bill would reply, "Yes, dear", and then 3 minutes later another off coloured comment would emanate from his mouth.
I've travelled to many parts of the world, but one of my favourite trips of all time was the trip Bill, his brother Don, Randy and I took to the Nipissing River in Algonquin Park in 2004. The trip was approximately 36 miles of paddling and portaging and took us close to 10 hours to complete. Bill and Don did the trip at the young ages of 70 and 72. Shortly before our trip, the gruelling Stanley Cup playoffs had just finished. I remember getting to the end of the long journey and saying to Bill, "The Tampa Bay Lightning may have won the Stanley Cup, but they've never paddled to the Nip". And I can assure you, very few of those Stanley Cup Champions would be able to make that trip at age 70 or 72. In honour of Bill, and with all he was going through, Randy and I thought it was only fitting that we make another trip to the Nip earlier this year and I'm glad we did. We had some great (and not so great) stories to bring back to Bill. There were six of us that made the trip (Randy, Steve, Pierre, Barry, Glenn and myself). We didn't do the trip in 10 hours, it took us 12 hours on the way in and due to some technical difficulties, 15 hours on the way out. None of us are even close to 70, however, we felt like we were 80 when we finished the trip.
This all comes back to the lessons Bill taught us when we were young. Have desire, discipline and a goal in mind. Life is like an Algonquin Park canoe trip. At times, you'll come across some rough turbulent waters or some nasty uphill climbs, but take it one paddle at a time on the water, one step at a time on the portages, and help each other out. If someone is struggling, be there to give them a helping hand and eventually as a team, you'll reach your goal. And Meme, if all else fails, reach down and...(the MacFarlanes know how that one finishes).
Bill, over the last year, it was difficult to see you go through what you did, but I never once saw you complain. Yes, you were hurting and in pain, but just like when I was a young boy and you took one off the shin, you wouldn't let anyone know you were hurting. You were one tough SOB from the day I met you, until the day I said good-bye for the last time.
Mr. Mac, your legacy will live on. You have left a beautiful family, filled with a loving wife, children, grandchildren and daughters and sons in-laws. You left a legacy as a superb teacher, athlete and coach and also left an imprint on Algonquin Park with the beautiful NWO. Thank you for all that you have done.
I will never forget you and want to thank you for all the wonderful moments in my life, the life lessons you have provided and your ongoing support and friendship.
Take Care, rest in peace, be pain free and I hope our paths cross again some time.
God Bless a wonderful man.
Dave Poeta
D
Friday, August 5, 2016
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle.png
To the MacFarlane Family,
Our condolences to you all on the loss of a very special person, Bill MacFarlane. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
With Sympathy,
Dave, Kerry and Jessy
L
Lori Duquette posted a condolence
Thursday, August 4, 2016
My sincerest condolences to you, Jodi, Dayle and the MacFarlane family for the loss of your beloved father. Jodi, you spoke lovingly of him often and it's obvious that he was wonderful and supportive father. I am sending you many hugs to comfort you at this sad time. Memories are yours to cherish and hold on to forever. Please take care. God Bless you and your family.
