Douglas Macfarland

Douglas Robert MacFarland, 66, of Marshfield, MA, passed away at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA on February 7, 2021 after a long struggle with liver disease awaiting a liver transplant.

Doug was born on July 5, 1954 in Needham, MA to Robert and Ruth (Rodgers) MacFarland. He was educated in Needham Public Schools. After graduating High School he went on to study Geology at Bridgewater State College and then earned his MS in Organic Geochemistry from the Colorado School of Mines. Doug worked in oil exploration for Champlin Petroleum, and later worked mapping the ocean floor for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and for Horizon Marine measuring ocean currents.

He met his adoring wife Marta (Wilmerding) at a boatbuilding school on Cape Cod. Doug and Marta were married on August 12,1989, at the Historic Winslow House in Marshfield. Their mutual love of woodworking led them to work for New England Timber Frames on Cape Cod. They then built their own home in Marshfield, and started a business, MacFarland Woodworking & Construction.

Doug had many interests and a varied career. He never let his ongoing health challenges, which began with a very serious illness and surgeries when he was 23, slow him down. Before retirement, Doug and Marta started ‘Rise and Shine Farm’, a CSA in Marshfield. It was a labor of love, and very special to the local community.

Among his many interests was a love of the ocean and boating. Doug was truly in his element on the water, and at his family’s cottage ‘The Bayberry’ overlooking the bay at Duxbury beach. Here he spent countless happy days flying kites with the kids, celebrating the 4th, eating lobster, playing ball on the beach with loyal border collie Dusty, or just scanning the ocean horizon. Of special importance were many trips to St. Thomas where Marta grew up, sailing the Islands and having many adventures with cherished family and friends.

Doug loved all things Scottish, enjoying researching his ancestry and delighting all by wearing his kilt for special occasions. He loved camping and hiking, and was very involved in his son Jamison’s Boy Scout Troop. He hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail with brother Chris, and took an epic cross-country trip with Marta and Jamie, camping and visiting National Parks out west.

Doug was extremely proud of the many accomplishments of the love of his life, Marta, and the many talents and interests of son Jamie. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, spend time with friends and family and of course brighten any occasion with a corny joke.

He is survived by his wife Marta (Wilmerding) and son Jamison (Jamie) Fraser of Waltham, his sister Phyllis (Pam) Kennedy of South Hadley and brother Chris of Temple Terrace, FL.

Doug will be missed by all who knew him, particularly by his many dear friends and extended family. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to:

Lahey Clinic Liver Fund

Lahey Clinic Medical Center

41 Mall Road, Burlington MA 01805

Attn: 4E Transplant Department

Final arrangements will be at convenience of family.