Frank McFarland

Frank McFarland, loving husband, father, grandfather, sportsman, artist, architect, and craftsman, passed away peacefully the morning of December 1, 2021, at the age of 96, bringing to a close a long and well-lived life.

The youngest of six children, Frank was born at home in Ogden, Utah, on October 10, 1925 to Eliza Pearl McFarland and Henry McFarland. Henry died when Frank was seven months old. Although he had no lack of love, Frank’s childhood was often marked by financial poverty. This kindled in him a lifelong spirit of personal responsibility and creative problem solving.

Intent on serving his country during World War II, Frank enlisted in the Navy at the age of 18. He was stationed throughout the United States during his training as a Navy pilot.

He met Patricia Sellers on August 19, 1944, and both soon attended the University of Colorado-Boulder following the end of the war. Frank earned an architecture degree on the GI Bill as his and Pat’s romance blossomed. They married December 29, 1948, and would go on to have a daughter and two sons.

The family moved around the United States during Frank’s time working as an architect. That included a stint in Cody, Wyoming, where he worked on one of the highlights of this career: the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. The family eventually settled back in Ogden, next door to Frank’s brother, Elwood.

Frank was an avid golfer and skier. He had two holes in one in his golf career. He was a regular at Snowbasin resort throughout his life, getting his money’s worth out of every season pass he bought.

He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe with his wife and taking river trips with his son. He was devoted to his family and regularly enjoyed spending Thursdays with his daughter. He and his mother-in-law developed a strong relationship and he was a constant and willing help to her in her later life. He became a skilled stained glass artist and decorated the house with lamps, windows, and every Christmas, a new tree ornament. He was the most frequent victor in the unofficial family contest to produce the first ripe tomato of the season.

At his core, Frank was an artist and a craftsman who applied care and creativity in everything he did. Anyone who knew him can picture Frank puzzling out a problem or project, deep in thought, his tongue poking just slightly out the corner of his mouth. Frank’s quiet but wicked sense of humor never faltered. His kindness, gentleness, curiosity, sense of adventure, and his love are carried forward by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Sellers McFarland; his son Douglas Paul McFarland; and his parents Pearl and Henry McFarland. He is survived by his daughter, Joan Dallof; his son Steven McFarland (Meg King-McFarland); his granddaughters Sarah Dallof (Alexander) and Melissa Dallof (Shane Farver); and his constant canine companion, Mac.

The family wishes to express their most heartfelt thanks to Blake Roybal, who helped make Frank’s desire to continue to live independently at home a reality in his final years.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Douglas P. McFarland Memorial Scholarship at Weber State University, 1265 Village Drive, Department 4018, Ogden, Utah 84408 or contribute online at: give.weber.edu/McFarland

In the interest of supporting education and the progress of medicine, Frank elected to donate his body to the University of Utah School of Medicine.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.leavittsmortuary.com