Matthew McFarland

MATTHEW AARON MCFARLAND

1989 - 2016

Matthew Aaron McFarland, 27, was born on January 30, 1989 in Newport News, Virginia. He is the fourth and youngest child of Gene and Rita McFarland.

Matt grew up in Centerville, Utah and graduated from Viewmont High in 2007. He was a talented drummer and was in a sweet band after high school with some of his best friends. In his words, “That didn’t work out, so I did what any failed musician would do and joined the US Army.” He spent the majority of his time in Germany and Afghanistan where he worked hard and was quickly promoted to a NCO. He served honorably for five years as military police. When he returned home, he started working with his brother, Andy, in real estate and loved it!

Matt was just plain awesome! He could light up a room in an instant. He was witty, sarcastic, just a tad irreverent, and hilarious to be around. He was the favorite of his 11 nieces and nephews because he was by far the most fun! He was a fantastic uncle, son, brother and friend!

Matt loved playing the drums, golfing, snowboarding, soccer, Real Salt Lake, the Jazz, and recently fell in love with rock climbing. He was always super passionate about his hobbies and was “all in.”

Matt was also very giving and charitable. Recently he said, “Charity and helping people is truly the path to happiness. Give back, be charitable, impact other’s lives and it will impact yours. Always be mindful of where you can make a difference.” He sure made an amazing difference in our lives and in the lives of anyone he knew. We miss him immensely, but we know we’ll be able to share a good laugh with him again someday. We love you Ficken!

Matt is survived by his parents, Gene and Rita, brother Jason (Sara), brother Andy (Bree), sister Kelly (Jake), 11 adoring nieces and nephews, grandmother Edith McFarland, aunts, uncle, cousins and many great friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Rupert and Ruth Groover and Lester McFarland.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Centerville Chapel located at 900 South 400 East, Centerville, UT 84014. A graveside service will follow at Centerville Cemetery.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 27, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Lindquist Mortuary located at 727 N. 400 E. Bountiful, UT 84010 and Monday from 9:45-10:45 am at the church prior to services.

If possible, we’d like to ask a special request of friends and family to bring a written memory or story with Matt that we can keep in our family. Also, in lieu of flowers, we ask you to consider donating to veteran suicide prevention by visiting gofundme.com/matt-mcfarland-memorial-fund