Obituary

Born April 8, 1937, died May 18, 2024, in his 88th year. Jack passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side at Hilltop Manor in Cambridge. Jack was a dearly loved father to Brad and Laura and adored grandfather to Amanda (Andrew), Mariah, Graham and Maya (Kasper). Survived by his sister Lorna and brother-in-law Stan; nephews Craig (Donna) and Ian; and cousins Tina (Peter) and Jennifer (Rick). Remembered fondly by his first wife, Helen. Jack grew up in the Durham area on a family farm run by his father and uncle. He shared that farm life with his parents, Neil and Mary (Bailey) Macfarlane and his older sister, Lorna. As a young man, Jack made his way to Guelph for work, got married and started a family. While he worked as a truck driver, his passion was always for the farm. Jack and his then wife Helen bought the 50-acre farm on the Guelph-Eramosa town line (now Jones Baseline) in 1961. Jack worked hard to build that farm up to be a cherished place for family, dogs, barn and house cats, sheep and later his beloved, show-worthy Clydesdale horses. He spent the next 55 years of his life loving and tending to the farm and horses. Jack always had a passion for his Scottish roots and the majestic Clydesdales of Scotland. Those combined loves took him to the hills and farms of Scotland to acquire his own Clydesdale stock. Over the next 25 years he and his son Brad built up an impressive collection of Clydesdales for breeding and showing. Their shared love and passion for the horses grew until Brad ventured into his own purchases including another trip to Scotland. Brad’s daughter Amanda carries on the legacy her grandfather has left, having recently returned to owning and showing Clydesdales. Jack’s grandchildren, Amanda, Mariah, Graham and Maya roamed the farm regularly, visiting grandpa, newborn lambs, and the horses. With Clydes central to the farm as the grandchildren grew up, the family often gathered at horse shows and the occasional sleigh ride on the farm. Jack lived his best life when he was on his beloved farm. In 2018, Jack moved from the farm into a condominium in Fergus, enjoying the peace and simplicity of condo life. He involved himself in the social activities offered and daily interactions with his neighbours. He moved back to Guelph into Chartwell Retirement Home in 2022 and then to long term care at Hilltop Manor in Cambridge where he was so well cared for during the weeks he spent there before his passing. Jack had a strong faith being a member of Crestwick Baptist Church for over 25 years with many friends and members visiting, sending their well wishes and praying for him throughout the last few months. Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel, 252 Dublin Street North, Guelph. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Jack’s Life on June 3rd, 2024, at 12:00pm. Reception to follow service. Honouring Jack’s wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Heart and Stroke, Alzheimer’s or local charity of your choice would be appreciated.