In Loving Memory of Howard Elwood McFarland

Howard McFarland left us and entered into the presence of Jesus on September 12th, 2021. He served God all his life – in Congo with the Alliance Church (former C&MA), then with International Students, Inc. and then with S.P.A.D.E. (the nonprofit he founded). At age 65 his doctoral thesis was about serving the world’s poor using appropriate technology. At age 94 he thought it was time to retire and move to Colorado Springs where he volunteered at the Springs Rescue Mission serving the homeless.

His heart was always for the poor. In fact, while he was confused in his last days, he was upset that he was late for a meeting. “Hurry, we have to help the poor.” He left this life owning a watch from Walmart (which his granddaughter Sarah is now wearing) and that’s about it. He would not have needed to be honored in any way, but if anyone wishes to, gifts can be sent in his memory to: www.spadeinternational.org or the community for those with intellectual disabilities that includes his granddaughter. He’d say, “You have to get Hilltop Ranch going before I die. I want to see it,” https://hilltopranch.org  

A Memorial Service will be held at Church on the Ranch on Thursday, Oct 7, 2021 at 11am with a brief reception following at the nearby VFW. Other memorials will be held in the Philadelphia area and in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate NY.

He is survived by five of his eight children (Beth Bennett, Becky Caldwell, Steve McFarland, Tim McFarland and Lois Reilly), by 13 of his 14 grandchildren (Sunita Steele, Peter Brown, Laura Tucker, Rachel Helzer, Ryan Caldwell, Sarah Caldwell, Chris McFarland, Alexi McFarland, Ray McFarland, Joy McFarland, Amy & Jessica Bannister and Allison Reilly) and 12 great-grandchildren (Terry, Julie & Natalie Steele, Adelaide & Cadman Tucker, Bailey, Micah, & Daxton Helzer, Elizabeth & Adrienne Caldwell, Christopher McFarland CP2, and Jack Fortune).  He is predeceased by his wife, Charlotte, his children Robert & Roberta and Debbie Bannister, and his grandson Daniel Brown.