Brian D. MacFarland died peacefully at home in Everett on Dec. 12, 2005, after a long year’s struggle with cancer.

He was born April 5, 1954 in Tucson, Az. Brian’s boyhood was spent at several U.S. Air Force bases around the country — wherever his father was stationed. Eventually, the family moved to Oak Harbor and he graduated from OHHS in 1972. He preferred the arts to the science curriculum, and he developed a wide range of skills in that field — from sculpture to portrait and landscapes in oils, and lately experimented impressively with etching.

Brian learned much through the SVC graphic arts program, where he also met his future wife, Gwendy and her daughters, Emily and Erika. He loved being a husband and father to the little girls.

Brian was employed by several firms — lastly by Everett Community College as director of the academic test center. He also developed his own business, “FACTS,” a skills assessment and referral service in Everett.

Brian was preceded in death by his sister, Lori MacFarland. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gwendy, and his now-grown girls Emily Fagan and S/S Erika Whittier, with the U.S. Air Force in Britain. He also leaves his brother, Christoper and his wife Diane, his nephew Gavin MacFarland and his family, and by his sister Mary M. Darden, her husband Ed, and their daughters Emily Dardan Berkey and her husband Christian, and Rachael Dardan, Brian’s niece.

Brian was the youngest son of Wayne and Pat MacFarland of Oak Harbor. He was a bright light in our world and will be missed by his family, his colleagues and his friends.

A private burial ceremony was celebrated Dec. 18 by Fr. Bobby Rimes and members of the family. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Remembrances may be made to Friends of Home Health Care and Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA, 98239; or to The Foundation Fighting Blindness, 11435 Cronhill Dr., Owings Mills, MD, 21117-2220.