Bruce Richard McFarland

Bruce Richard McFarland, 69, died unexpectedly at his home in Fort Myers, Florida on October 9, 2025. His family and friends are deeply saddened by his death. Bruce was born on March 17th, 1956.

Bruce was born in Evanston, Illinois to Robert and Charlotte McFarland and grew up in Glenview, where he attended Glenbrook South High School. He worked at Bruce Equipment in Glenview for 20 years, servicing and selling heavy equipment. Bruce married the love of his life, Susan McFarland, neé Melton, in 1988, and lovingly helped raise her son, Patrick Downes. He and Sue moved to Fort Myers, Florida in 2001, where he owned and operated Harborside Limo from 2006 to 2025.

Bruce loved boating, touring the country in their motor home, doing home renovation and repair, and carpentry. He was highly skilled at building and fixing just about anything. He was a perfectionist in his work and his attention to detail was on display in all the beautiful homes he and Sue renovated together. A devoted dog lover, he doted on their labradoodles, Riley and Henry. Bruce was known for his quick, dry wit that always made people laugh, his generosity, and his deep commitment to God.

In his lifelong pursuit of happiness, Bruce carried a small piece of paper in his wallet that read: "Remember the five simple rules to be happy: 1) Free your heart from hatred. 2) Free your mind from worries. 3) Live simply. 4) Give more. 5) Expect less."

May we honor his memory by striving, as he did, to live by these simple keys to happiness.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Susan McFarland; his sister, Dale McFarland; his stepson, Patrick Downes (Meg); his grandchildren, Allie and Drew, who affectionately called him Cappy; his sister-in-law, Sally Grilli; his brothers-in-law, Brian Melton (Sheila) and Scott Melton (Aimee); his sister-in-law, Suzanne Melton; and his many wonderful nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Bruce dearly.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Scott McFarland, and his brother-in-law, Bill Melton.

A memorial service will be announced next spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center (online at moffitt.org or mailed to 12902 Magnolia Drive, MBC-FOUND, Tampa, Florida 33612).

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." — John 3:16

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