Greg M. McFarland, age 58, passed away suddenly in a tragic accident on the morning of June 2, 2021 in Green River, Utah.
He was born on December, 19, 1962 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Floyd R. and Eunice M. Shearer McFarland.
As a little boy growing up in Sugarhouse, he loved to follow his older brothers and sisters around just doing whatever they happened to be doing. Whether it was playing football, basketball, neighborhood night games, climbing fences (legally or not) or getting coached by his 12-year old brother in little league baseball, he could be found right by their side, finding his place in the game and reliably taking the brunt of the blame for any trouble that they got caught up in. As he got older, he loved spending his summers in Dragerton/East Carbon with his Grandma and Grandpa Shearer. These summers playing alongside Grandpa Red on the local 5-hole course would shape his lifelong love for the game of golf.
The family would eventually move from the Salt Lake Valley to East Carbon City where he would play on the basketball team and graduate a mighty Viking from East Carbon High School in May of 1981. After High School, Greg headed South to attend computer technical college in Phoenix, Arizona. Finishing his education was so important to him, that he would choose to spend his money on tuition payments rather than rent and sleep in his car for the semester. Earning this degree in Computer Science led to a long career in the computer field as he took positions in Las Vegas and Colorado Springs before eventually moving back to Utah in 2006.
Even though Greg was never married or had children of his own, family was always the most important part of his life. He took his role as a Son, Brother and Uncle straight to the heart and was always supportive of each of us. He never missed a family event, BBQ, sports game or Graduation ceremony for his 8 nieces and nephews. As a brother, he was as close to his siblings as you could possibly get. He would have done anything that he could to help anyone of them and did so every chance that he had. His devotion as a caregiver to his mother during her final years was nothing short of amazing. He was a constant supporter and protector right to the end.
These last few years living in Green River, Utah and working at the State Park were some of the happiest of his entire life. The many friendships that he built and relationships that he found helped him to quit many lifelong unhealthy habits, come outside of his shell and branch outside of his comfort zone. He was the healthiest, strongest and happiest that he had ever been. You might even be able to say that he became the social butterfly that he was always meant to be.
Survived by Sister-in-law, Cheryl McFarland; brother-in-law, Mike Johnson; niece, Audra (Mike) Patron; nephew, Kyle (Tori) Abeyta; neice, Amber Seppi; niece, Arrin (Rob) Rackstraw; niece, Austin (Chris) Cowan; nephew, Tony (Amy) McFarland; Niece Alyse (Andrew) Olsen.; also many great nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Floyd R. McFarland and Eunice M. Shearer McFarland; sisters, Tara Ruane, Jana Johnson and Gema Riley; brother, Todd McFarland; and niece, Amanda McFarland.
Memorial graveside, Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 11:00 a.m., Valley View Cemetery in Sunnyside. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.