Saturday, we celebrated the life of my father, Derry MacFarlane. The event was a huge success, thanks to the hard work of my brother and sister, their extended family and friends.

I was asked to post the videos we showed on YouTube. Here are the links;

Derry MacFarlane Celebration of Life Video

https://youtu.be/r2qBkeOVZME

Thanks to everyone in attendance and people who sent condolences who could not make it. Dad would have been thrilled.

As a Senior municipal staff member for 16 years at Rocky View, I was so fortunate to have Derry as a Councillor for 12 of those years. He was very dedicated to his Bearspaw community, and Rocky View at large, and always spoke passionately, but respectfully in Council meetings, about the issues important to his community. Derry discovered that I was a hockey referee and arranged for me to officiate for Charles Schultz in the Snoopy Senior World Hockey Tournament each July in California. I did so for about 15 wonderful years, but it was because of Derry’s efforts that it happened at all. I have been very grateful to him ever since. Derry was very special to many people for so many reasons. I always considered him a special friend. He will be sorely missed.!! Ken Kelly

Hello everyone. For those who are planning to attend the Celebration of Life for Dad and Derilynn it is being held at The Bearspaw Hall starting at 2:00. Tributes to be presented at 2:30. Thank you

Dear Norma and family: Tom and I always considered you and Derry among out dearest friends We've had so many good times over the years, visiting each others homes, going to hockey tournaments and golf tournaments together and all the other fun things things we did. My heart breaks at all the suffering this year has brought you, with the loss of your beloved daughter, Derilynn and now the passing of Derry, your soulmate. Thankfully you have your wonderful family to lean on at this sad time and please remember you have many friends who are grieving with you and more than willing to help in any way we can. Love, Jeannette Cahoon

Sending my love and thoughts to the family. Uncle Derry is forever stamped in my memory as the best Santa and I will always cherish the memories of the family Christmas parties.

Sending condolences to the MacFarlane family. From the days on Benson Road where all the kids played together, and we would tell Mum that we were going down the block the house where all the "D" children lived, to ending up in Cochrane at school. Your family was always so vibrant and happy. Aileen (Morrow) Anderson

Auntie Norma, Derry, Darren & Deanne,

Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Uncle Derry and also Derilynn. They will both be dearly missed.

Love Vicki & Samantha

Dear Auntie Norma & Families,

We are so very saddened to hear about the loss of our Uncle Derry. He was a very good man and did many wonderful things for everyone’s families providing us with many special memories for us all over the years.

I have a few pictures I am going to try to include. One of Uncle Derry at his 80th birthday taken March 30, 2014 with our grandson, Jackson who took quite a shining to him. The other picture is of when I visited them both in 2021.

I was so pleased that both my sister, Dixie & I were able to visit with both Auntie Norma & Uncle Derry in 2021 after Covid. We had a wonderful visit with them both.

He will truly be missed, but not forgotten. Please accept our deepest condolences with our love.

Love Penny, Bob, Taunya, Alan, Jackson & Riley

I was undersized as a grade 10 student trying out for the Cobras football team. Derry drove a number of kids home including myself. When he dropped me off he got out of the car and gave me advice that stuck with me for the rest of my life. He said to me (Paraphrased, of course cause I’m oldish too) You may be small but I see your grit and determination, never be afraid to get hurt and put every ounce of your heart into every tackle. I believe those encouraging words allowed me to continue with a great sports career and life. The world needs more strong family men like Derry.

Norma, Derry, Darren and Deanne,

Condolences on the passing of Derry. Although I didn't know him well, I met him in passing through his involvement in the Bearspaw Lions Club, the Bearspaw Golf and Country Club and as a Councilor for the Rockyview County. He obviously cared deeply for his family and the community.

Also, condolences on the passing of Derilynn which I just learned about. I had been helping her out at her home in the past few years with small maintenance jobs like lawn maintenance, house painting, carpentry and carpet repair. Derilynn was in the same grade as my sister and she shared with me her struggles she experienced when the family moved from Calgary to Bearspaw. She was lucky to have such a large and supportive family.

John Piera

Dear Auntie Norma, Derry, Darren & Deanne,

I'd like to give my most sincerest condolences to all of you & your families. When we love someone, their spirit lives on forever in our hearts. Uncle Derry was such a special person & will be missed by everyone who knew him. I will always remember him with a smile on his face as he called me "Dear". I'm thankful to him for all the work he did on our family genealogy & am especially grateful to him for the book he wrote about my father, Kelly MacFarlane. I know I'll see him again in heaven.

With all my love, Dixie