Robert Brooks MacFarland, at 87

Robert “Bob” Brooks MacFarland of Hull passed away on March 6, 2024 at the age of 87.

He is survived by his faithful wife of 25 years, Jeanne MacFarland, who lovingly and selflessly took care of her husband in his last three heart-wrenching months.

Born on June 24, 1936, Mr. MacFarland was a lifelong resident of Massachusetts. He primarily lived in Wollaston, Duxbury, and Hull. He loved the ocean, where he felt at home. In his younger years, he would swim in the ocean for miles each day from March through November.

Mr. MacFarland was an inventor with at least one invention (the sickle hook downspout hanger) on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. He also owned several businesses over the years, including MacFarland and Sons Hardware Store, A Country Store and Ice Cream Parlor, a realty company, as well as MacBilt for his inventions.

Mr. MacFarland loved outdoor activities, from snow skiing to basketball to swimming to kayaking. His absence leaves a void deeply felt yet his memory cherished, particularly among the denizens of the YMCA where Mr. MacFarland, the institution’s longest-standing member since the tender age of 15, frequented until December 2023, spanning an astonishing 72 years. To him the Y was more than a gym; it was his sanctified mission field, where he tirelessly shared the gospel, enriching countless lives through the power of his personal testimony.

Mr. MacFarland’s most fond memories were of Duxbury, Camp Chappa Challa, Gurnet, and Saquish. His happiest times were when he stayed at his cottage on Gurnet. He also loved to travel and owned many timeshares over the years. He was a master craftsman who restored old and vintage items and houses to their original glory days.

Mr. MacFarland outlived his first wife, Martha MacFarland, by one day shy of two years. They were in close contact and enjoyed talking on the phone for long periods of time. They had two children, Denise of central Florida and Scott of southeast Florida. They shared six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, with another on the way.

Mr. MacFarland also was in close contact with his second wife, Pauline Platter. They had two children, Melissa of Texas and Jeremy of Montana. They share two grandchildren.

Mr. MacFarland also leaves his four stepchildren, Tristan, Morgan, Holden, and Zoe Stoner and six step-grandchildren.

Please join us on June 28 for a Celebration of Life service at 6 p.m. at Life Community Church, 158 Washington Street, Quincy.