David Lee MacFarland, 81, formerly of Bridgton, Maine, preceded in death by his loving wife, companion and best friend Barbara, passed away, Sunday, May 19, 2019, the same way he lived his life, with integrity, humility and dignity.

David was born Oct. 20, 1937, in Waterville, to the late Lawrence and Maxine (Hutcherson) MacFarland. He grew up in Portsmouth, N.H., graduating from Portsmouth N.H. High School in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1957. On Sept. 24, 1960, he married the former Barbara Anne Gorman in Portsmouth, N.H. Together they shared a beautiful marriage for over 50 years. While in the USCG he served in Alaska, Cuba, Hawaii, Greenland, Boston, and Woods Hole, on board the USCG Cutters Sherman, Decisive, and the “Mighty Mac” McCulloch WAVP 386. He was on board the USCGC McCulloch destination Ocean Station Bravo during the disaster of 1958, when it was presumed all souls were lost at sea. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO3) in 1977 after 20 years.

David and Barbara dreamed of owning a lake house and upon his retirement they moved to Bridgton Maine, “MacFarlands Point ‘O’ View” on Moose Pond. He was the Property Manager (Jack-of-all-trades) for Knights Hill Association and was an active member and volunteer in the town of Bridgton, serving on the School Board and Board for Landmark Human Resources; volunteering at Special Olympics, Bridgton Community Center, Hospital Guild, 4 on the Fourth Road Race and First Congregational Church. Truth be told, he was always a man on the go and liked to be involved. He was happiest when he was working, puttering about, helping others or just kibitzing around town. He loved being outside and in particular loved the sun, beach and lake, relaxing and sunbathing in his lawn chair at the beach. 

David worked hard all his life and was a man of great integrity, honor and compassion He set high expectations for himself and others, he could be stern but was always fair, loyal, and fiercely reliable. He loved to laugh, socialize and have fun. He loved Halloween, he looked forward to it every year.

He was predeceased by sister Marjorie Hamblen. David is survived by his children and their families, daughters Robin and husband David Carlow of South Carolina and Dawn MacFarland and husband James Kavanagh of South Portland; son, Stephen and partner Ashley Parmigiani of Fla. He loved hearing about the adventures of his grandchildren Paul and Scott Carlow, and Logan Kavanagh, and was immensely proud of them all.

The family would like to thank his friends in and around Bridgton who stood with him through his most difficult times. A special thank you to the staff at Sedgewood Commons, Hawthorne Wing, in particular John, for the compassionate care provided and for taking the time to get to know him.

Once the weather warms the family will have a quiet beachside celebration to honor a life well-lived.

Next time you feel the sun on your face or feel the sand between your toes think of David. If you would like to leave a donation in David’s memory please consider one of the organizations he valued: Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, Fryeburg, Maine, First Congregational Church, Bridgton, or the Bridgton Community Center meals programs.