Pleasant Grove High School

Max Parker Macfarlane - 2/12/2008

Class of 1940

Max Parker Macfarlane Our beloved dad and grampa, Max Parker Macfarlane, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008, at Bridgeview Estates with his daughter by his side. Max was born on Oct. 9, 1922 to John Menzies and Nora Parker Macfarlane in West Point, Utah. He was the third of five children. He spent his first two years on the Parker farm before moving to his Grandfather Macfarlane's ranch. Two years later he moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah where he grew up and worked on the family farm, harvesting fruit and working with livestock. After graduating from high school he went to BYU. When Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941 he went to radio school. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army. He was then inducted into Active Duty after completing more training and was sent to India to install radio and radar equipment on aircrafts. After serving in the China/Burma/India war he again attended BYU. While attending school he received his teaching certificate and he student taught at Brigham Young High and Springville Junior High. He graduated in 1949 but was unable to find a teaching job so he enrolled in graduate school majoring in Botany. With the encouragement of his professor he took a Civil Service exam and began working for the Forest Service, soon after he began his career with Bureau of Land Management. He thoroughly enjoyed being able to work outdoors. While working in Canon City, Colo. he met Norene Miller and became engaged. They were married in the Manti Temple on Nov. 6, 1965. Shortly after the marriage they moved to Boise, Idaho. In 1969 Craig Miller Macfarlane joined the family followed by Laura in 1972. Max continued working for BLM and became Range Staff Officer for the entire district. He fought fires in Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Washington and Alaska. While working in the State Office he received a job in Maseru, Lesotho in Southern Africa. His job was spent in many small villages and mountains teaching the natives agriculture skills. The family enjoyed their two years abroad and visited Germany, Australia, New Zealand and most of South Africa. After returning home he began a new short career as a realtor. In 1987 his son was in a serious automobile accident rendering him a paraplegic on his left side. Max spent countless hours helping Craig rehabilitate himself and attending classes with him at BSU. During this time he continued to pursue his love of learning by attending Photography, Biology, Agriculture and Physical Education Classes. In 1991 he returned to Pleasant Grove for a short time to help care for his aging mother. Max became a grampa for the first time in 1992 and was there for the birth of his only granddaughter, Ashlee Ross Twiss. They shared a very special bond. Ashlee was joined by Paul Parker in 1996 and Matthew Michael in 1998. Max loved his grandchildren and they brought much joy to his life. He loved spending time with them and hearing about their school, sports and many adventures. Max continued his love of travel by traveling on a tour of the Holy Lands. His visit included Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the Gardens of Gethsemane on Christmas Eve. Max and Craig also traveled to Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. In 2005 Max was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Even though he couldn't always remember the details of life he always knew the people who played special roles in his life. In Dec. of 2007 he moved to Bridgeview Estates in Twin Falls to receive the care he required and to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. They enjoyed being able to visit Grampa regularly in his remaining months. Max is survived by his son, Craig Macfarlane, Boise, Idaho, his daughter, Laura (John) Twiss, Twin Falls, Idaho, three grandchildren, Ashlee, Parker and Matt Twiss, two brothers, Jay (Delna) Macfarlane, Pleasant Grove, Utah, Bob (Sue) Macfarlane, Ruidoso, N.M., one sister Geraldine Weimer, sister-in-law Marilyn Macfarlane and many nieces and nephews. Preceded him in death was his parents, wife, Norene, and one brother Jim Macfarlane. Funeral services will be held 12 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18, 2008 with visitation one hour prior at the Boise L.D.S. East Stake Center, 2290 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID. Graveside services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley, UT. Arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home in Twin Falls, ID. Published in the Idaho Statesman on 2/17/2008.

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