Donald Grant McFarlane of Freeland, Washington died on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at Whidbey General Hospital. He was 84 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Maxine Feuers McFarlane.

Don was born on March 18, 1929 in Oakland, California. He grew up in the Capitol Hill area of Seattle, Washington. His parents, the Reverend Robert T and Marie McFarlane, preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by a sister, Marian.

At the age of sixteen, Don enlisted as a Seaman on the USS Rosebank where he sailed the Alaskan and Aleutian Waterways. One year later, he joined the United States Marine Corps serving in the First Marine Division and the Second Marine Division earning EX-Rifle-B and Rifle Sharpshooter medals. During the Korean War serving with the First Marine Division, Reinforced, he was injured during a counter offensive in year of 1951. He was cited for extraordinary heroism in combat and became a highly decorated Marine. He was stationed at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station until the time of his honorable discharge from the USMC. After returning from the war, he continued his exemplary service to his country through the USMC Reserves. He was a member of both the VFW and the American Legion. After retirement he actively participated in both the 1st and 2nd USMC Division Associations

Don graduated from San Francisco State College. He retired from a long and successful career with Chevron Oil Company in the Pacific Northwest and California in 1989. After retirement he remained active in the Chevron Retiree Association.

After retirement, Don immediately embarked upon a world cruise sailing on the Queen Elizabeth II. He continue to enjoy these years traveling the four corners of the earth visiting with and making new friends along the way. In the winter of 1996 on the Portuguese Riviera he met his future wife. They were later married in Kauai and honeymooned in Greece. Maxine relocated from Missouri to Whidbey Island. After marriage they continued traveling together, spending time each winter in Coastal del Sol and throughout the Mediterranean. They resided on the Island until the time of Don’s death.

Donald is also survived by three children, Susan White (Roudy), Robert McFarlane (Debbie), and Donald McFarlane Jr. Additionally he has a brother and sister, Robert T McFarlane (Victoria), Marilyn McFarlane (John). He had two surviving grandchildren, Robert and Cherida.

Once a Marine always a Marine! Don genuinely lived that mantra and was the epitome of a true United States of America Marine. In honor of that service, he will be laid to rest at the National Veteran’s Cemetery in Tahoma over looking Mount Rainier. A Marine Honor Guard and Chaplain will perform the military service on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 12:30 PM at the Cemetery. This setting will be a truly proper and proud send off for Donald G McFarlane! He was so very proud of flag and country. Semper Fi!

Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or the South Whidbey Senior Center-Adult Day Care