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Warren (Larry) McFarlane

Posted 2009-05-13 by Williams-Grand Canyon News
Warren "Larry" McFarlane, 60, of Parks, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2009 from complications after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest while enjoying one of his favorite things - playing a round of golf with friends.

Larry was born on Oct. 22, 1948 in Long Beach, Calif. He grew up in Compton, Calif., graduating from Dominguez High School in 1966.

Larry attended two years of college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, being pulled away from his college education when he was invited to join the U.S. Army. Larry served his country proudly for two years, spending 18 months in Vietnam.

On returning from service to his country, Larry married his best friend, Bonnie J. McKay on June 15, 1974. They lived five years in Garden Grove, Calif., returning to northern Arizona (Parks) in 1979 to raise their two boys.

In the early 1980's Larry worked part-time at the Widowmaker Inn in Flagstaff where he met many lifelong friends. In 1981 he went to work for the city of Williams and would spend the next 21 years helping to build the Parks and Recreation Department from the ground up. He loved the children of Williams and made every effort to make a difference in their lives and the community. After leaving the city of Williams, Larry was employed by Eagle Mountain Construction for two years. He then went to work for the city of Flagstaff, Parks Department and would be there for five years before officially retiring from the city of Flagstaff on March 26, 2009. After retirement Larry was looking forward to spending more time with his family and friends and playing more golf.

Larry served two years on the Maine Consolidated School Board in Parks. Together Larry and Bonnie organized the Parks Little League in 1988 and over the next 17 years Larry would coach Majors, Minors and Senior Leagues.

He was very proud to have taken his Parks Pirates from "worst to first" in 1990. In 2001 the community of Parks honored Larry's dedication by naming the Parks Pirates practice field "McFarlane Field." Larry would often say, "Those were the best years of our lives." Larry truly loved each and every one of the boys and girls that he was able to teach the rules of the game, and in many cases, the rules of life.

Larry is preceded in death by his father, Lorenzo McFarlane; mother, Inez Barger; stepfather, Leonard Barger' and stepbrother, Ray Patrick Earle.

Larry leaves behind his wife Bonnie of 34 years; two sons, Sean Michael and Alec Warren, both of Mesa; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Doug and Karen McKay of Williams. Larry also leaves behind many beloved friends and acquaintances, as he never knew a stranger.

Larry was a loving husband, a wonderful father, a mentor and a true friend. All who knew him, for his bright smile, his magnetic personality and his great sense of humor, will truly miss Larry.

A celebration of Larry's life is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2009 at the Elephant Rocks Golf Course in Williams.

The family will be requesting donations to be made at that time for the purchase of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). This is a device, which if administered in time, will often save the life of a victim of cardiac arrest. The AED would be placed at the golf course and if possible, additional units in other appropriate public spaces. The family's hope is that by making an AED available, other families may be spared the loss of a loved one.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com.

Published Wednesday, April 22, 2009 Williams-Grand Canyon News.




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