William ‘Bob’ Robert Macfarlane

June 29, 2020

Bob passed away with family at his side in the early morning of Monday, June 29, 2020 at the age of 77. Born in Sioux Lookout, Ontario on April 22, 1943 to Cliff and Gladys Macfarlane. Loved by wife Dorothy (née Mason) for 52 years. Loved and missed by his daughters Ruth and Sharon. Loved and remembered by his brother Jim, sister Jean, the many “in-laws”, nieces and nephews. Trained as a lab technician but found his calling working for several different Christian charitable organizations throughout his lifetime, including: Camp IAWAH (north of Kingston, Ontario), Camp Kikoten (outside of Mexico City), and effect:hope in Toronto (Leprosy Mission). The family is grateful to the staff at Victoria Hospital for allowing us to be there with Bob and for the technology that allowed Sharon to be there, too. Because our family is sprinkled across Ontario, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Kenya, as well as due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are choosing to celebrate and remember Bob via Zoom. Please connect with Ruth Macfarlane (>rouff@rogers.com) if you would like to join that celebration. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bob are asked to consider effect:hope The Leprosy Mission Canada – COVID-19 Response or Camp IAWAH’s Ministry Fund – Flourish 2020.

Leave a tribute for William ‘Bob’ Robert Macfarlane

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Dear Dorothy & family, my deepest sympathies for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Bob at effect:Hope for 7 years. I will miss his calm demeanour and his big smiles. Many Blessings, Janet

~ Janet Sampson

Dear Dorothy, Ruth and Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss, I have very nice memories of Bob of when he worked at effect:hope. I pray for strength and peace for your family. I know he will be missed. My deepest condolences, Dale Lubberts

~ Dale Lubberts

Dear Dorothy, Ruth and Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. I work with Bob for many years and I have fond memories of him. Bob is always so cheerful and smiling and his loud laugh. I just called and had a chat with him last month. May God be your comfort and strength at this very difficult time. Blessings, Evelyn Paul

~ Evelyn Paul

My deepest sympathy to the MacFarlane family, especially Dorothy, Ruth and Sharon, in their tragic loss. Bob was loved and respected by so many people. May the eternal comfort of our Father be with you as you navigate these sad days.

~ Wendy McLellan

Dear Ruth and family - I am so sorry to hear about Bob's sudden passing. I have been thinking about you all. May your memories bring you comfort. Sending love and hugs, Liz

~ Liz King

The finest of men. Bob was very influential in my Christian spiritual formation in my teen and early university years. The memory of his presence and companionship, discipline and fortitude, the unwavering integrity, and the dignity he brought to a tattered straw hat! have never left me. The smile and trademark whistle still resonate in my mind and soul. Miss him.

~ Drew Strickland

Bob was a very kind man with a wonderful smile and an iron determination. He was a dear friend to me a long time ago and I valued his guidance and counsel. He let me bunk on a spare sofa for a bit between semesters at school and all I had to do in return was paint his and Dorothy's apartment. I didn't know about the painting until I'd committed to the couch! Love to Dorothy and family.

~ Dave McClurg

Dear Dorothy, my sincere sympathies to you and Ruth and Sharon as you grieve together. I am saddened by this news of Bob's death and giving thanks for the promises of God fulfilled for him now. So much time has passed since we last met, and yet I see your faces so clearly in my mind and can hear Bob's "unique" laughter that made us all laugh even more. Your love for each other was a beautiful gift. May the Spirit be your companion in sorrow and in joys remembered. with love, Diane

~ Diane J. Strickland

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If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.

Camp IAWAH's Ministry Fund - Flourish 2020

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effect:hope The Leprosy Mission Canada - COVID-19 Response