I first met Rich McFarland around 1988, while I was working as a Pharmacist at Pontiac General Hospital. Rich was our Bristol Myers (Squibb) Pharmaceutical Salesman and he was also a Pharmacist in the Army Reserve Medical Unit that was based at that hospital.
Pharmaceutical salesmen are not usually someone that you look forward to see walk in your door, but Rich was the exception. He was always friendly, quick with a joke or story and was always welcome. I recall attending a few medical education conferences and dinners with Rich and Louise along with my wife at some of the better restaurants in Detroit, and I even recall a dinner cruise on the Detroit River that stands out in my memory.
When Desert Storm was put into action, I recall that some of the members of their Army Reserve Medical unit were activated to backfill positions where active duty Pharmacists had been mobilized. Rich and some other Pharmacists ended up in Texas (Fort Sam Houston?) and several of them pooled their money and bought a used Cadillac with bull longhorns on the hood. I can picture Rich and that silly grin driving a Cadillac with horns!
The McFarland "farm" in Farmington was a beautiful little sanctuary. My wife and I visited several times. I even bought their 1948 Ford tractor when they were downsizing and getting ready to move to Florida. I think of Rich when I am using it to plow out my driveway on days like today.
I was blessed to have known Rich and I'm sorry that I didn't find the time to come see him in Florida.
Rest well Gentle Warrior.
George and Gayle Peck
Howell, Michigan
