John Alan MacFarland AKA (“Coach” / “Dude”)

John Alan MacFarland, age 90, passed away peacefully at Barrie’s RVH Hospital on February 25, 2026.

Born on May 27, 1935, in Toronto to Jean Lois MacFarland (McGibbon) and George Herbert MacFarland, John was the beloved brother of William MacFarland (deceased) and is survived by his adoring younger sister, Sandra Brewer, who resides in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Charlie, who throughout his life was a valued friend to John.

John along with his sister Sandra spent their childhood summers in Georgetown with their grandparents at the family-owned McGibbon Hotel (Georgetown Hotel) and the family’s ancestral farm.  These were some of his most cherished memories, and he credited those surroundings, along with the strength and resilience of his pioneering family roots, for instilling in him an unbreakable moral compass.  It is in Georgetown where, on a sunny June day, he will be laid to rest by his family at the ancestral plot at Greenwood Cemeteries (Halton Hills), alongside his beloved parents.

John attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. While there, he was surrounded by the Wolverine hockey club, was roommates with several players, and scrimmaged with the team. His older brother, Bill, captained the Wolverines to NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956. John later returned to Canada and attended the University of Toronto, where he received his Bachelor of Education degree (1973) with honours.

John spent his professional life with the North York Board of Education—five years as a teacher and 25 years as a dedicated primary school principal.  He had a voracious appetite for knowledge and was known to study a myriad of subjects so he would always be prepared for his students.

John met his wife, Ann, in Michigan. They later moved to Kleinburg, Ontario, where they raised their young family of three.  John was heavily involved in his community, volunteering for the Kleinburg Bindertwine Festival as Keeper of the Corn Pot and Tripod for many years.  He later drew on his NCAA hockey experiences to become coach of the Woodbridge Raiders Ontario Minor Hockey League team, leading them to an Ontario Championship.  It was here that he earned the nickname “Coach” from the youth in the community.  His enthusiasm and dedication to his community, local business owners, family, and friends will live on in the memories of all who knew and loved him.  John was known as a kind man and was always the first to lend a hand.

John loved nature and was happiest outdoors.  His garden was his canvas, and the birds were his favourite song.  He was known by many in his neighbourhood as the friendly gardener and expert horticulturist.  He studied every living thing with fascination and care.

A summer trip to Montana with the Michigan hockey team was transformational for John.  He was struck by the big, blue, open skies and the wonder of the natural world around him.  His physicality, rugged good looks, love of horses, and the fact that he looked good in a cowboy hat contributed to another moniker — “Dude.” He scoffed at the comparison, but he was a dude.

Dad, your sense of responsibility and commitment to family are your legacy, and we who have been so blessed to call you brother, husband, father, uncle, and neighbour will carry that legacy in our hearts, minds, and actions.

Grandpa, we will miss your amazing sense of humour, your funny faces, and your surprise candy.

John is survived by his wife, Ann MacFarland; his children, Jean Marie Kempffer, Jeffrey John MacFarland (Tania), and John David MacFarland (Lisa); his grandchildren, Elyssa Kempffer, Jennifer Kempffer, Matthew Kempffer, Max MacFarland, Madelyn MacFarland, Kyle MacFarland, and Jack MacFarland; and his great-grandchildren, Easton Skalin, Mason Skalin, Ripley Cascanette, and Jaron Cascanette.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Alzheimer's Society in his memory.