John Russell MacFarland III

Posted: Sunday, October 16, 2011 4:00 am

John Russell MacFarland III of Revere, Pa. gently passed over to the spirit world surrounded by his family on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He was 59.

Born Nov. 8, 1951 in Philadelphia, he grew up in Feasterville and resided in Trevose before moving to Upper Bucks County in 1980. He graduated from Neshaminy H.S. in 1969 and attended BCCC, School of the Potomac and George Washington University.

John was very involved in his community, serving on the Zoning Hearing Board, the Nockamixon Historical Committee, the Open-Space Committee, as chair on the Planning Board, as Nockamixon Township Supervisor for 12 years, and chair and spokesperson for the Tinicum Watershed Association. He was a champion of many environmental causes including having local streams dedicated with Exceptional Value status, protecting them for future generations.

John was a very spiritual man who enjoyed reading, music, sharing ideas and knowledge about life and spirituality, the environment, politics, timber framing, organic/bio-dynamic gardening, and genealogy. He was always learning and could engage anyone with his knowledge on any subject matter.

He also enjoyed designing energy-efficient post and beam structures and demonstrated Timber-Frame construction for many years at the Mercer Folk Festival and Musikfest. He also served on the Board of the Timber Framers Guild of North America.

John was preceded in death by his father, Russ MacFarland; and his infant son, Chaytan.

He will be sadly missed by his loving mother, Marian of Feasterville; his brother, David (Patricia) of Revere; his sister, Jean (Bill) of Trevose; his children, Megan Mundle (PJ) of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., Miacoda Mylet (Bill) of Ambler and Makan MacFarland of Revere; his grandchildren, Amber, Tyler and Travis Mundle and Sohaleia Alba-Mylet; and his partner, Joanne Mylet of Revere.

The family would like to thank the cardio vascular and hospice staff of the Hospital of the Univ. of Penn for their help and kindness during a very difficult time.

A celebration of John's life will be announced at a later date.

In remembrance of John, take a walk in the woods and enjoy natures' beauty.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to the family to help offset medical and funeral expenses: Jean MacFarland, 3436 Temple Ave., Trevose, PA, 19053 or to The Nature Lyceum (non-profit), P.O. Box 254, Westhampton, NY 11977, in John's name.