OBITUARY Orland “Corky” Rene MacFarlane October 16, 1934 – October 25, 2018 Former Armona resident, Orland Rene MacFarlane, better known as “Corky” of Hanford, California passed away on Thursday, October 25, 2018 in Hanford, California. He was 84. Corky was born in Fresno, California on October 16, 1934 to Harry Cromwell and Florence Lorene Bachelder MacFarlane.
He was raised in Avenal(his Grandparents were the first residents of Avenal) and educated at Avenal Elementary and graduated from Avenal High School in 1953. Go Buccaneers! (he said that all of the time) After graduation, Corky attended College of the Sequoias studying Law Enforcement and later received his AA degree.
In 1955 he joined the Kings County Forestry and Fire Control. He was on duty at Kit Carson, Halls Corner and Armona Fire Stations. He lived and was raised in the Avenal Fire Station, known back then as Avenal Fire District, which his Pop(dad) managed and ran along with the Ambulance.
Fire Stations and emergency calls were second nature to Corky. In 1957 he took a break from firefighting and joined the Marine Corps, which was his voluntary honor to serve. He served stateside in San Diego, CA with his very special German Shepherd named ‘Ranger’ right by his side, that dog was one of them.
He taught him many tricks and loved telling people the stories of the bond those two had. Semper Fi(he said that ALL of the time too). He returned home in 1959 and started with the Kings County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff at the Avenal Sub‐Station.
He had a long career in Law Enforcement, he worked his way up with hard work, dignity and respect and became Assistant Sheriff. He retired in 1987. He married the love of his life, Edith Marie Pierce on July 16, 1960 at the First Baptist Church in Avenal.
He chased her for quite a while before she gave in. They made their home in Armona, California starting in 1962 for 55 years, raising their three children, Scott, Lynne and Lisa. Corky loved riding his Harley‐ Davidson(he rode up to almost age 80).
He’s ridden to Ottawa Canada and made 3 trips to Milwaukee for the Harley‐Davidson 90th, 95th and 100th birthday parties, one of which his son Scott went on with him riding his own Harley. There was also a long trip he took, just himself and ‘Sport’, the family dog that he adored, he learned many of the tricks that only ‘Ranger’ knew. Corky rode his H‐D a lot…we were a 1 car, 1 Harley family growing up.
He also enjoyed wood art, painting & just making things…. we were I’m sure the only family in the world that had a hand made wooden Santa Clause riding a Harley‐Davidson that was proudly displayed with a big flood light every Christmas in front of our house. Not to mention the numerous other wood arts he made for the entire neighborhood, some neighbors painted their own, it was a neighborhood family event.
We had our own Christmas tree lane in Armona, but ours was called ‘Noel Lane’ with all of the wood art and light displays in everyone’s yards…he loved it as did the neighborhood! All of us neighborhood kids couldn’t wait until they were all displayed every year. In his younger years he also loved boating and water skiing(besides Harley’s) there were many trips made to Bass Lake.
He and his Bride, (he’d refer to Mom(Edith) as ‘my Bride’ quite often, they honeymooned at Bass Lake…. ’Ranger’ went with them. He also enjoyed camping, we camped a lot growing up with our dog Gigi.
There was also a time when he and mom woke us kids up at like 3:00 a.m. and said load up in the pickup, we’re going to Disneyland. In the pickup meant get in the back, it did have a camper shell though. Those were the days.
He was always full of adventure…. life was never boring with Dad around. I mean never.
He was a very proud member of the Marine Corps League, Kings County Detachment #455 for over 25 years and contributed many hours to the success of the Memorial Day Avenue of Flags at Grangeville Cemetery for many years. He loved all of you Marines! Oorah!
Corky was also involved in several organizations over the years such as, the Kings County Peace Officers Association, Fresno County Harley Owners Group with his long time H‐D riding friends Harold & Eva Mathews owners of Mathews Harley‐Davidson in Fresno, Kings Guard Motorcycle Club that he and a few other riders started which blossomed into several other riders and their families. There were some really good times had with the club. He was also a proud member of the Scottish Society of Central California, which he held rank of Chief for a term.
He along with his Bride became members of the Armona United Methodist Church on July 15, 1984in 1983, that was a very special time in his life. He wanted to be baptized in the ‘Last Chance Ditch’ in the Grangeville Cemetery, he received what he asked for. He was blessed.
He worked at People’s Funeral Chapel of Hanford from 1988 to 1998 as a Funeral Assistant. He worked with some fantastic friends that he adored, they were a part of his family. To name a few; Walt, Carolyn (PeeWee) and Rhonda.
Corky loved people and everyone he met became an instant friend. He never had a loss for words. Corky had a big heart and enjoyed helping others anyway he could.
He was a very thoughtful husband, dad & friend. A genuine man. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Corky leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Edith of Hanford; his children Scott MacFarlane of Lemoore, Lynne Kampa and husband Tim of Hanford, and Lisa Thomas and husband Rick of Laton ; his grandchildren, Marie Koop, Taylor MacFarlane and Jakob Kampa ; and numerous granddogs ; nephew Doug Storeby of Hanford ; Sister in‐law and Brother in‐law Darrel & Sandra Frech of Sanger and his little rescue K-9 side‐kick Joony(Joony Bug)along with his extended family and a host of friends. Corky was preceded in death by his parents H.C. & Florence “Flossie” MacFarlane, his in‐laws Roy “Tex” & Edith “Edie” Young, sister Maxine Legg, niece Marlene Storeby Bergland, sister in‐law Sharon Pierce. WE LOVE YOU MORE Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Lemoore Methodist Church.
Remembrances may be made to Marine Corps League, Kings County Detachment #455, PO Box 502, Armona, CA 93202 or Armona United Methodist Church, PO Box 877, Armona, CA 93202. Tributes and condolences may be made at www. millerchapel.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave. , Visalia, CA (559) 732‐8371. FAMILY Corky leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Edith of Hanford; his children Scott MacFarlane of Lemoore, Lynne Kampa and husband Tim of Hanford, and Lisa Thomas and husband Rick of Laton ; his grandchildren, Marie Koop, Taylor MacFarlane and Jakob Kampa ; and numerous granddogs ; nephew Doug Storeby of Hanford ; Sister in‐law and Brother in‐law Darrel & Sandra Frech of Sanger and his little rescue K-9 side‐kick Joony(Joony Bug)along with his extended family and a host of friends.
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