ALAN DONALD MACFARLANE

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ALAN DONALD MACFARLANE We are saddened to announce the passing of Alan Donald MacFarlane on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at the Gimli Community Health Centre. Alan was born in Winnipeg on November 12, 1931 to Daniel and Della MacFarlane. As a young boy he moved with his widowed mother to Arnes and eventually to Gimli where his mother found employment with the Thorkelson family. They welcomed them into their home and it was there that he completed his education at the local schools. He began a lengthy career with the Manitoba Government, initially in the Highways Branch, later transferring to Government Services as a construction inspector. He had many years in retirement where he enjoyed reading with Bear on his lap and puttering around in the garage. He was very proud to have been a partner in the development of the Vesturland subdivision and devoted much time and energy to the project. Alan was very much a generous, understated man whose priority was always his family. As a younger man he obtained his pilot's license and flew his own Tiger Moth airplane. He was an enthusiastic builder and entrepreneur, involved in many construction projects including the family cottage in Gimli where he lived in retirement. He will be remembered for many things: his love of a good cup of coffee and pie, his interest in anything construction related, his encyclopedic knowledge of rural Manitoba diners and his empathy for life's less advantaged. He is survived by his wife Shirley, son Bryan of Hong Kong, daughter Karen and husband Andre Basbaum with grandchildren Maya and Leo of San Diego. Thanks to Dr. R.C. Patel, home care and hospital staff who provided exceptional care. In honouring his wishes, no formal service will be held. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2017