Obituary of Charles E. MacFarland

Charles Ellis MacFarland, 83, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, November 17, 2023.  He was born March 12, 1940, to Charles William and Emily Corrine (Roberts) MacFarland, and was raised in Enumclaw, Washington.

Chuck graduated in the Class of 1958 at Enumclaw High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.

Chuck made a life filled with adventure and forever friendships.  From the age of 16, he climbed various mountains, including three visits up Mt. Rainier.   In college, he pledged Beta Theta Pi, and many of those brothers were by his side near the end of his days, sharing stories and fond memories.  

He followed in his Dad’s footsteps and worked with Weyerhaeuser, and served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.  But it was the idea of settling down with his wife Linda that led him to a career at the family business, X-Cel Feeds, Inc, and to where they made their home in Rainier, Washington.  Father to Jenny and David, Chuck guided and encouraged his children to follow their dreams.  From walks on the ranch, and trips to the ocean with Lars, Darlene, Kris and Kolleen Anderson too numerous to count, they thrived with his adventurous spirit.  There was fishing in Alaska and his drive trips to San Jose del Cabo with his friend, Bob Tjossem.  As the family grew, both Chuck and Linda reveled in the addition of their grandchildren. 

Linda lost her battle with cancer in the fall of 2009, and while it seemed the adventures would cease, it was Chuck who picked himself up and showed his family the art of living.  He pursued education with field trips planned for seniors by his good friend, Bob Carson.  He worked with Wolf Haven as a docent.  His dog, Larry, was by his side until the spring of 2023, just shy of 15 years together.

The pain of losing his son, David, is something that his family doubts Chuck ever recovered from.  But they are certain that his love for Dave and Emily’s boys, his grandsons, Ethan and Chase, is what Grandpa Mac lived for. 

Chuck loved his daughter, Jenny, and her husband, Rick; along with their children, Garrett (Deanna), Amber (Selwyn), and April (Alex).  He enjoyed many visits to share in the lives of great-grandchildren, Aayden, Liam, Levi, Lily, Kasen and Kinsley.   He leaves behind many beloved family members and friends.

“Dad never met a stranger and he went out of his way to catch your eye with a smile or strike up a conversation.  He encouraged us all to get outside, take a walk, visit a park, and always be kind. May you never forget his laugh!”

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to SafePlace or Wolf Haven.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 
 – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

To express condolences, please email jafjbprice@gmail.com or mail P.O. Box 121, Rainier, WA 98576.

Chuck was not one for goodbyes but preferred to wish you on your way with a “Home Safe.”

There is not currently a plan for a Celebration of Life.

 

 

 

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