Beloved to all who knew him, Gerald Everett Boyd McFarland, (Gerry or Mac to his friends) has died at the age of 80 on August 30, 2024 at his home near Elk River, Minn.
Gerry was born on March 24, 1944, to Claude and Ethel McFarland in Edinburgh, Scotland. He and his mother emigrated to Canada in May 1945.
Gerry grew up in Fort Frances, Ontario, and enjoyed playing football and hockey. He also had musical talent and was an excellent bagpiper. He was offered a scholarship from Macalester College but ultimately chose the University of North Dakota where he earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education.
He married and had two children, Michelle and Kirk.
He was a school teacher and coach, leading his Olympic weightlifting and gymnastics teams to many high school state championships. This success earned him a place in the Minnesota Hall of Fame.
He mentored many student athletes, facilitating their dreams to earn athletic scholarships and tryouts for Olympic teams.
Gerry’s other passions included hunting and fishing on Rainy Lake. He lived on several acres of wooded land allowing him to garden and build ponds and waterfalls.
He is survived by his partner of 24 happy years, Dorothy Brant; siblings Diane (Keith) Bonnie (Richard) and Sandy (Teryl); son Kirk (Anna); daughter Michelle (Kitten); two grandchildren, Jackie and Giovanni; best friend Gary (Kathy); and many nieces and nephews
He was predeceased by his parents Claude and Ethel; Gramma Grace Ford; aunt Iza Gillon; grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles in Scotland.
Gerry will be greatly missed by his family, friends and his pet frogs.
A memorial reception will be held at Rush Creek Golf Course in Maple Grove, Minn., on November 1, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
