- Date Of Birth: October 22, 1948
- Date Of Death: March 27, 2009
- State: Arizona
Warren “Larry” McFarlane, age 60, of Parks, Arizona, passed away on March 27th, 2009 from complications after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest while enjoying one of his favorite things; playing a round of golf with friends.
Larry was born on October 22, 1948 in Long Beach, California. He grew up in Compton, California, graduating from Dominguez High School in 1966.
Larry attended 2 years of college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff Arizona, being pulled away from his college education when he was invited to join the US Army. Larry served his country proudly for two years, spending 18 months in Vietnam.
On returning from service to his country, Larry married his best friend, Bonnie J. McKay on June 15th, 1974. They lived 5 years in Garden Grove, California returning to Northern Arizona (Parks) in 1979 to raise their two boys.
In the early 1980’s Larry worked part-time at the Widow maker Inn in Flagstaff where he met many lifelong friends. In 1981 he went to work for the City of Williams and would spend the next 21 years helping to build the Parks and Recreation department from the ground up. He loved the children of Williams and made every effort to make a difference in their lives and the community. After leaving the City of Williams, Larry was employed by Eagle Mountain Construction for 2 years. He then went to work for the City of Flagstaff, Parks Department and would be there for 5 years before officially retiring from the City of Flagstaff on March 26th, 2009. After retirement Larry was looking forward to spending more time with his family and friends and playing more golf.
Larry served two years on the Maine Consolidated School Board in Parks. Together Larry and Bonnie organized the Parks Little League in 1988 and over the next 17 years Larry would coach Majors, Minors and Senior Leagues.
He was very proud to have taken his Parks Pirates from “worst to first” in 1990. In 2001 the community of Parks honored Larry’s dedication by naming the Parks Pirates practice field “McFarlane Field”. Larry would often say, “Those were the best years of our lives”. Larry truly loved each and every one of the boys and girls that he was able to teach the rules of the game, and in many cases, the rules of life.
Larry is preceded in death by his Father, Lorenzo McFarlane; Mother, Inez Barger; Step Father, Leonard Barger and Step Brother, Ray Patrick Earle.
Larry leaves behind his wife Bonnie of 34 years and two sons; Sean Michael and Alec Warren, both of Mesa, Az; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Doug and Karen McKay, Williams, Az. Larry also leaves behind many beloved friends and acquaintances, as he never knew a stranger.
Larry was a loving husband, a wonderful father, a mentor and a true friend. All who knew him, for his bright smile, his magnetic personality and his great sense of humor, will truly miss Larry.
