January 1, 1954 - February 27, 2011
John Gregory McFarlane of Palm Springs, California, passed away on February 27, 2011, while on a business trip to Toronto, Canada.
Known as "John" to his friends and colleagues, and "Gregg" to family and home-town acquaintances, John Gregory was born in Del Rio, Texas, on January 1, 1954. The first baby born in Del Rio that year, his arrival was a celebrated event appropriate for the joy that he would bring to so many people during his 57 years.
Growing up in Del Rio, John identified his career direction early in life. He documented his passion for flying when he received his first pilot's license before he was old enough to hold a Texas driver's license. More than a quarter century later, John's continuing love of flying led him to enroll at the Sierra Academy of Aeronautics in San Francisco, aiming to qualify on twin-engine aircraft. Just recently he had re-qualified for his private pilot license.
Shortly after graduating from Del Rio High School in 1972, John set off for Dallas to attend the Braniff Career Academy. He thrived at the Academy, joining Braniff International Airways as a flight attendant and eventually serving as a purser on major routes. He represented Braniff with distinction until the airline went bankrupt in 1982. John then worked two years for Piedmont Airlines before joining a revived Braniff from 1984 to 1989. During this period, he pursued a second career as a licensed practical nurse at San Francisco General Hospital. American Airlines hired John in 1990. Los Angeles International Airport was his AA base at the time of his passing.
John's career in aviation afforded him enough free hours to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. He was involved with several creative ventures before successfully founding HMC Real Estate (Hoban McFarlane Company) with his partner Richard Hoban several years ago. The partners became licensed real estate brokers with operations and agents in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palm Springs and Murphys. John was president of the company.
John particularly enjoyed his membership in two organizations - the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Clipped B's, a social organization for Braniff flight attendants. He helped secure benefits, participated in fund raising, and organized reunions for his "Braniff girls."
John's family and many friends loved him as a principled individual with an abundance of those human traits that matter the most. He had a razor-sharp wit, loyalty, compassion, courage, industry and an uncanny ability to spread good humor. He was the glue that held us together, whether we were his extended family or his Braniff alumni. He was the son who provided comfort, the brother who was always there, the uncle who provided hope, the friend who did whatever had to be done, the guy who made life fun when he was around. We shall miss him deeply.
John Gregory McFarlane is survived by his parents: Alvis McFarlane and Evelyn McFarlane of Del Rio, Texas; his brother Harold McFarlane and sister-in-law Mary Ellen McFarlane of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his nephew Matthew McFarlane of Boise, Idaho; and many cousins in Texas and California.
A celebration of John's life will be held Sunday, March 13, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Escena Golf Club, 1100 Club House View Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262. Donations in his memory may be made to The Wings Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 610563, DFW Airport, TX 75261-0563 [www.wingsfoundation.com].