Obituary of Lawrence James McFarlane
Mr. Lawrence James McFarlane was born in Sussex on April 6, 1931; he was the son of the late Ralph and Sarah (Crothers) McFarlane.
The most important thing in Lawrence's life was first and foremost his family. He was an amazing husband, loving father and doting grandfather and great grandfather. He married the love of his life on May 14, 1952, and they would spend the next 65 years, raising their family and celebrating their love for each other.
Lawrence began his working career working for his father as a meat cutter for Sussex Cold Storage. He liked to brag about the fact that he never set the smokehouse on fire. He would later go on to drive bread truck and then on to work for NBLCC for over 30 years, until his retirement. Retirement was never a word in Lawrence's vocabulary, he was always doing something, even volunteering his time at Goold's Nurseries in the summers for his life long friend, Art Goold.
Music was one of Lawrence's passions, there was not a single instrument that he would pick up that he couldn't play and all he needed to hear was a few notes and he could learn any song. He loved his clarinet and even though he played it with his hands in the backwards position, the music that seemed to come right from his core was always a beautiful sound. He was very proud of his time with the Pat White Orchestra and the Sussex Community Band.
Lawrence was a caring, kind and loving man; he took great pride in giving back to his community. He was a member of the Sussex Fire Department for many years; he was a member of the Sussex Masonic Lodge and would have been receiving his 60 year pin this year. He coached hockey and baseball and even played for the Sussex Jr. Rangers in his younger years. He loved to fish, hunt, play bridge and 45's and made many friends along the way.
He left his light on every life he touched and to know Lawrence was to love him. Our lives are better for having known him and he will be deeply missed.
He will live on in the hearts of his wife of 65 years, Beth; his daughter, Susan Mason (Gary) and their son, Scott; his son, Jim McFarlane (Sandra) and their children: Allie Leger and her daughter Brooklyn, Colin Leger and Danielle Leger; and his son, Peter McFarlane and his daughter, Daniele McFarlane (Brad Davis) and their son, Broden; his special friend, Art Goold; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Lawrence James McFarlane of Sussex, died peacefully surrounded by his family on July 18, 2017 at the age of 86.
He is predeceased by his brother, Gerald.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176). At Lawrence's request no visitation will be held.
A service celebrating Lawrence’s life will be held from Wallace Community Chapel on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 2:00 pm. There will be a time with the family immediately following the service, Everyone Welcome.
The family would like express their deepest thanks to Lawrence's home care staff, Extra Mural nurses, the nurses at the Saint John Regional Hospital Oncology Ward and Dr. Stephanie Ward for their wonderful care, compassion and kindness, it will never be forgotten.
