Family Log-In

Click Here

It is with immeasurable sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Tim McFarlane on Wednesday, February 7, 2018. After a brief and unexpected illness, he left this world surrounded by his family and their unwavering love.

Tim was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario on December 12, 1955. After spending the first 10 years of his life in Caramat, his family moved back to Thunder Bay. He attended local public schools and graduated from Hillcrest High School. After exploring different career paths, Tim decided to give ‘this teaching gig a shot’ because his future wife, Dina, was already in the profession.

Little did Tim know, this career choice would turn into a 30-year passion. In his role as an educator he truly discovered who he was and what he was meant to do in life. Anyone who met ‘Mr. McFarlane’ - whether student, colleague, custodian, principal, or support staff - quickly realized how special he was. His curriculum extended beyond academia; through his example, Tim taught others how to respect, accept, and care for one another. Tim was certainly loved by his students and left his mark on the teaching profession.

Tim’s passion went beyond the classroom and included a variety of eclectic interests: playing broomball and touch football, coaching his kids’ hockey teams, playing poker and cards with family and friends, watching football on Sunday afternoons, crafting and delivering eloquent speeches, and crushing it at Jeopardy. In recent years, Tim enjoyed riding his bike and going on ‘power walks’ with his good friend, Dino. As well, he loved traveling with Dina, ‘cruising’ with the DelPaggios and Nigros, and visiting family in all corners of the world.

Some of his most memorable trips were his ‘pilgrimages’ to Joe Louis Arena in Detroit to see his beloved Red Wings play. His devotion to the Red Wings reached a level only few could hope to achieve. Tim followed the team since childhood because of his idol, Gordie Howe. He patiently waited 42 years to see his new hero, Steve Yzerman, finally hoist the Stanley Cup. It wasn’t just that Tim loved the Red Wings organization itself; what he loved was the simple fact that he could share this passion with his family.

Tim’s family was, in the truest sense, his ultimate reason for being. Husband, Dad, son, nephew, cousin, brother, uncle, Papa - whatever his role, he gave of himself so wholeheartedly. Family was everything. Nothing gave him more pride than to be a husband to Dina, a father to Kathleen, Kristen, and Sean and a Papa to Gavin, Jack, and Arya. He was and forever will be their rock...their hero.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife and soul mate of 36 years, Dina (nee Mauro), his beloved children; Kathleen (Ryan) Hunter, Kristen (Chris) Chlebovec, and Sean (Sara) McFarlane; and his precious grandchildren, Gavin, Jack, and Arya. Also survived by his mother, Kathleen (Kay), brothers; Ed (Dianne), Bob (Barb), Terry (Lauri), and brother-in-law, Mike (Sue) Mauro. Nieces, nephews, and extended family will dearly miss him as well.

Tim was predeceased by his father, John McFarlane, his in-laws, Bruno and Maria Mauro, numerous uncles and aunts, especially Rev. Edwin Merchant, S.J., whom Tim cared for faithfully in his later years.

The funeral Mass to celebrate Tim’s life will be held on Monday, February 12, 2018 at St. Patrick‘s Cathedral beginning at 11:00 a.m., will be presided by Rev. Msgr. P.M. Stilla V.G., and concelebrated by Rev. Rey Ronquillo, Rev. Ciaran Donnelly, and Rev. Victor DeGagne. Visitations will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2018, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Sargent and Son Funeral Home. Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers (Tim’s allergies will be thankful), donations to the Northern Cancer Fund through the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre or to the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board Awards Trust Fund will be greatly appreciated.

Though the world is a darker place without Tim, we will forever carry his light in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tim McFarlane, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.