Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Nova Scotia for funeral details
Dr. John
“Packy” McFarland, of New Glasgow and formerly of
Antigonish, a man of strong faith, passed peacefully away on January
24, 2025, at the age of ninety surrounded by his loving
family.
Born in
Bangor, Maine, he was the son of the late Francis Henry and Margart
(Molloy) McFarland. He moved to Portland at an early age and
attended St. Patrick’s Grammar School. He
graduated from Cheverus High School, where he was a three-sport
athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball. He attended St.
Francis Xavier University graduating in 1956, where he excelled on
both the football field and the basketball
court.
After
university, Packy joined the staff of St. Louis High school in
Biddeford, Maine, where he taught English and coached basketball and
football.
In 1957, he
married Irene McGillicuddy and in 1960, they moved to Antigonish where
lifelong friendships were formed. Their 40-year marriage blessed them
with their own Xaverian family – eight children who all proudly wear
X-rings. Packy and Irene enjoyed travelling across Canada visiting
their eight children and grandchildren, and they were the best of golf
buddies. The McFarland house was always open to family, friends, and
St. F. X students (past and present), who all have many fond memories
of Packy and Irene as the ultimate hosts.
In the fall
of 1960 Packy joined St. F. X as the head basketball coach and
assistant football coach. He would be a fixture at X for the next 40
years as a professor, as a coach, and as Director of Athletics. He was
actively involved in all aspects of the Intercollegiate Basketball
program both on a Provincial and the National level. He still found
time to return to graduate school, and he received his Masters and
Doctorate degrees from Springfield College in Springfield,
Mass.
Packy was a
founding member of the St. F. X. Varsity club and was actively
involved in the establishment of the first Hall of Fame. Packy is a
member of both the St. F. X and the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.
He was also an avid handball player. He and his partner, the late
Connor MacNeil, played competitively in Canada, the US and Ireland. He
served two terms as President of Handball Canada and was the
commissioner in NS for many years.
Packy gave
back to the community as President of the Antigonish Golf Club,
helping to establish the Antigonish Minor Basketball Association, and
serving as the president of the St. F. X Varsity Club. Packy also
served as President of the Canadian Association of College Basketball
Coaches of Canada and was AUAA Men’s Basketball Chairperson
for 11 years. Packy coached St. F. X. football for 9 years, winning
the Vanier Cup in 1966, and was head basketball coach for 16
years.
Packy married
Joan Anderson in 2005, and the draw of the golf course and daily
t-offs drew them to Pictou County where they established a home
together. Packy and Joan enjoyed travelling and cruising together,
entertaining, Maritime music, dinner theatres, and numerous St. F. X.
gatherings. Joan and her family will cherish these memories
forever.
To quote the
late Pat Walsh, “Dedicated, loyal, enthusiastic, and fair, John
“Packy” McFarland is the embodiment of the Xavierian ideal
as he continues to be an avid supporter of X athletics. From his
student to his teaching to his administrative days Packy McFarland has
given every ounce of his energy, talent, and care to both his students
and his beloved alma mater. He has lived the Xavierian
ideal.”
He is
survived by his wife, Joan; children, John, Mike, Taffy (Luc), Patty
(Mike), Joey (Maria), Debbi (Kelly), David (Lidia), and Danny
(Rozana); grandchildren, Branton, Emilie, Eric, Michael, Colin,
Alison, Caterina, Nicholas, Brett, Noah, Melissa, Andrea, Ryan, Jake,
and Juliana; great-grandchildren, Lily and Ava; brother, Paul (Sara);
sisters, Ruth Neary and Jean (Peter) Small; Joan’s children,
Tony (Darla), Mark (Cathy), Tara (Lee), and Tim (Crystal); and their
children, Seamus, Emile, Liam, Claire, Nathan, Logan, and
Lauren.
Besides his
parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Irene; brothers, Francis and
Hugh; sisters-in-law, Kathleen and Barbara; and brother-in-law, Joseph
Neary.
Visitation
will be held Thursday from 6 to 9pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135
College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held Friday
in the St.F.X. Chapel at 11:00am with Reverend Peter MacDonald
presiding. Reception to follow in St. Ninian
Place.
Burial in St.
Ninian Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of
flowers, donations to the Irene McFarland Memorial Bursary are
gratefully accepted.
Online
condolences: www.clcurry.com
1934 2025
Death notice for the town of: Antigonish, Province: Nova Scotia
death notice Dr John Packy McFarland 1934 2025
obituaries notice Dr John Packy McFarland 1934 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Dr John Packy McFarland 1934 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
