Ian MacFarlane, 86, died at home in Atlanta, Georgia on September 2, 2018 at peace with the faith that was the foundation of his life.
Ian was born in Chicago September 6, 1931, to William and Ella MacFarlane. William immigrated to the United States in 1927 from Scotland and was followed by his fiance, Ella, three years later. Ian had one wonderful younger brother, William Bruce, who predeceased him. Ian retained great pride in his Scottish heritage throughout his life. He remained close to his cousins in Scotland, Norman MacFarlane and Jennifer Currie.
Ian grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, where he attended Maine Township High School. He played football and ran track, earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1948 and was President of his Senior Class in 1949.
Ian graduated from Princeton University (1953) and regularly attended Princeton class reunions. He received his MBA from Stanford Business School (1958). He enjoyed life-long friendships from both universities. He served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1953-56.
Ian met Dorothy (Dottie) Lee Carl in the youth group at First United Methodist Church in Park Ridge, Illinois. They were married in 1956 with Dottie's father, Reverend George Truman Carl, officiating. Their marriage of 62 years was a blessing until his death and he was always happiest with Dottie by his side. Along with his beloved wife, Ian's wonderful children and special grandchildren were his greatest source of joy. He is survived by four children, Jennifer MacFarlane; Meredith Rose (Tom); Catherine Harrison (Don); and David MacFarlane (Annesley); and seven grandchildren, Bradley Harrison; Kelly Harrison Adamson (Quinn); Andrew Rose; Greg Rose; Sammy MacFarlane; William MacFarlane; and Jamie MacFarlane. Ian also is survived by sister-in-law Eileen MacFarlane; niece Beth Pound; nephew Rob MacFarlane; and their families. On Dottie's side of the family, he leaves four sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, 12 nieces and nephews and their families.
Ian worked in the chemical industry before starting his career as a management consultant. He founded MacFarlane & Company in 1972 and served as chairman of Fry Consultants; he also held leadership roles in the American Marketing Association. In their retirement years, Ian and Dottie were closely involved in the Old Clayton Inn in Clayton, Georgia.
Ian was a devoted member of Northside United Methodist Church and the Methodist Church of Union County. He dedicated countless hours to organizations honoring his Scottish roots and was the founder and first president of the Clan MacFarlane Society and a founding member of Clan MacFarlane Worldwide. He also was a former president of the Burns Club of Atlanta as well as of the St. Andrews Society of Atlanta.
Ian was extremely grateful for the support of his family and friends and Roxie Ebanks, his caregiver, during his last months.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children's Literature for Children (https://childrensliterature.org/)
A memorial service will be held 3pm on Sunday, September 9 at Northside United Methodist Church 2799 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta.
Funeral Home Information
H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel
1020 Spring Street NW
Atlanta, GA
30309
