It is with profound sadness that the family of Donald Benson McFarland announces his passing at his home in Gardiner on June 4, 2018, with his wife, children and brother by his side.  He was 68.  Don had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in March of 2005. He courageously battled this cancer for 13 years.

Don was born on Aug. 9, 1949, in Augusta, Maine, the #2 twin of Benson and Martha Ouellette McFarland. He attended schools in Farmingdale and graduated from Hall-Dale High School, class of 1967. A distinguished achievement earned in high school was rank of Eagle Scout. Don was a 1969 graduate of SMVTI, South Portland, in the industrial electricity program. Proudly, he served his country in the U.S. Navy.

In 1970, Don married the love of his life Kathrine Huber of Rockland. After residing for a year in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, while stationed in Newport, Don and Kathy settled in Gardiner, Maine, where he worked for a local electrician before venturing out on his own. With his wife by his side working in the office, Don McFarland Electrical Service (now McFarland Electric, Inc.) has grown to be a successful, local small business for over 45 years.

Don was an electrician by trade, but wore many hats! He was a mechanic, a restorer of classic cars, a toy and tool repairman and teacher of all the above. He had a special love for all the family dogs, ready to share his pocketful of treats! Don loved the ocean and spending summers in East Boothbay, always welcoming family and friends.

Don was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. We were blessed every day he was here in our lives.

He was predeceased by his mother, father and stepmother (Arlene). 

Don is survived by his wife Kathy, son Brad (fiancé Hope St. Denis), daughter Sara (Mark) Tweedy, all of West Gardiner; twin brother David (Beverly) McFarland, stepsister Jennifer (John) Hargreaves, all of East Boothbay; cherished grandchildren Ben and Seth McFarland and Jackson, Taylor and Anna Tweedy, all of West Gardiner; uncle Paul McFarland; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters and brothers-in-law.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, June 12, 3 to 6 p.m., at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, June 13, noon, at Christ Church Episcopal, Gardiner.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's memory to: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Re: Dr. Cutler's stem cell research fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA  02284-9168, or to a cancer charity of your choice.