Mr. Timothy J. McFarland's Obituary
Mr. Timothy J. McFarland, 63, notched and felled his final tree last weekend, and headed home to heaven, unexpectedly, on Monday evening, January 11, 2021. Tim was born May 13, 1957 to Roger and Agnes (Moore) McFarland in Warren, Pennsylvania, and moved to the Muskegon area in 1975. By day he worked for Consumers Energy as a tree trimmer and lineman, and by night, for more than three decades, he dominated the West Michigan tree game with adoring family and friends. He was the world’s premier husband, father, grandfather, and friend; a certified arborist, a member of Olivet EFC, a flag-flyer, a gardener, an awning-maker, a world traveler, a zebra hunter, a dandelion wine maker, a MacGyver-esque handyman, a grafter of apple branches, a proud Irishman, and an Olympic champion chainsaw hurler. He set out each morning to embody the teachings of Jesus Christ, and whenever he came up short, he was quick to reconcile. He was a man, take him for all in all, and on this earth we will not see his like again. On September 10, 1977, Tim married his love, Janice L. Mittleider, who survives him with her 3 children: Angela (Tracy) Breen, Jason (Cassie) McFarland, Justin (Stephanie) McFarland; 8 grandchildren: Ari, Thane, Weston, Hendrik, Davis, Jaxon, Mackenzie, and Lincoln; his father Roger McFarland; 2 brothers: William (Mary Anne) McFarland and Gordon McFarland. He was preceded in death by his mother Agnes and his sister Laurie Israel. The funeral service for Tim was held Friday, January 15, at 11:00 AM at the Olivet Evangelical Free Church, 6790 Harvey St., Spring Lake, 49456. Visitation was Thursday, January 14, from 4-7 PM, also at the church. Contributions in memory of Tim may be made to Compassion International. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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