Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Obituary: Stephen McFarlane  95312  CPO   MTP3  Royal Australian Navy   15/2/1950 – 11/8/1984

Stephen Heath McFarlane, the third son of Mr John and Mrs Hilda McFarlane, was born at the Cowell hospital 15th  February 1950.

Stephen was well known in Cowell where he attended the Cowell Area School until the end of 1965. He was often spotted with his pet dog Patch.

In January 1966, Stephen joined the Royal Australian Navy and commenced as a recruit in Western Australia.

During his naval career he served on many ships-the Melbourne, Sydney, Torrens, Hobart, Yarra, Stuart and Parramatta.

While on the HMAS Sydney a few lads from the Cowell area travelled to Vietnam with Stephen, including his brother Robert. He was also in service in Vietnam on the Hobart.

Stephen was offered the position of Warrant officer to take effect in June but due to ill health had to defer the position.

His last position was chief petty officer at the recruiting centre at Woden, Canberra and he was centre coordinator of the three services there.

Stephen died on August 11th 1984 at Woden Hospital. He was buried at Cowell on August 16th. The minister was the naval padre from Adelaide and the pallbearers were six of his navy mates.

Stephen was married to Margaret on 25 March 1972 and they had two sons, Peter, 10 and Andrew, 8. He was clearly a good friend as so many from home attended their wedding in Sydney- Lesley, Neville, parents, John & Hilda, sister Susan, aunt and uncle Lehmann, Ruth & Christine, Graeme, Reg, Bevan, and Tony.

He is mourned by his many friends and relations including his mother, father, brothers John, Robert and David, sister Susan , in-laws Pam, Vicki, Margaret and John and seven nieces and nephews.