Donald "Don" McFarland Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Donald J. “Don” McFarland passed away peacefully on April 18, 2017 at the age of 97. He is survived by his son, Stuart McFarland (Dee), his grandchildren Neil McFarland, Nick Dalessi (Suzy), Katie Dalessi, and his great grandchildren, Rylan, Jarrett, and Kylie. Don was born on May 5, 1919 in Berkeley, California. He attended Berkeley High School where he was Student Body President and held the Alameda County 220 yard dash record for 25 years. He attended Stanford University earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He also lettered in Varsity Track and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He served in the army during WWII as a Battalion Personnel Sgt-Major. Married in 1942 to Berneice (Bunny) McFarland, he and “Bun” traveled extensively, especially following the Olympics from Montreal to Mexico City as well as Australia, New Zealand and wonderful trips throughout the United States in their motorhome. While at home, they rebuilt and operated Mt. George Resort in Napa, co-founded and built Spanish Flat Resort at Lake Berryessa, and later Don joined Leisure Enterprises, Inc. which owned and operated resorts, athletic equipment manufacturers, and garden supplies & nurseries. Don held many offices and did volunteer work throughout his life. He was the co-founder and president of the Napa Valley Stanford Alumni Club, counselor to businesses as a member or SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives, volunteer as a track and field official for Stanford University’s AAU events, president of Kiwanis Club, vice-chairman of the Napa County Airport Land Use Committee, and chairman of the Napa County Environmental Advisory Committee. Don’s most memorable contribution to the Napa County was his position on the Napa County Planning Commission which approved the historic Agricultural Preserve Ordinance. Napa County would never have become the world-class destination it is today without the foresight and courage of the Planning Commission in developing the “Ag Preserve!” A heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Queen of the Valley Hospital and Piner’s Nursing Home. We are especially grateful to the care and support of Hospice of Napa Valley (Collabria Care.org). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Collabria Care, 414 S. Jefferson St. Napa, CA 94559. A celebration of life will be held later in the spring.

Donald "Don" McFarland

May 5, 1919 - April 18, 2017

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Donald "Don" McFarland

May 5, 1919 - April 18, 2017

Obituary Notification

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