Samuel Keith McFarland, 84, died May 10, 2003, at his home at Useless Bay, surrounded by family and friends.

Keith was born Jan. 25, 1919, in Roosevelt, Minn. He grew up in Bellingham and graduated from Fairhaven High School in 1936. After a brief stay at Washington State College in Pullman, he moved to Seattle and began a career with Boeing. He soon met Marilyn Taylor, and they were married in 1941. He raised his family in Seattle, moving to Whidbey Island in 1976.

He spent his entire career at Boeing, retiring after 43 years to enjoy golf, fishing, family and friends, endeavors he accomplished with great success and pleasure. He will be remembered for his intense dedication to his wife and his wonderful traits as a father, and as a loyal friend.

He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 62 years; children Karen Aikins and her husband Jim, Dan McFarland and his wife, Candace, and Betsy Sherrow and her husband, Dale; seven grandchildren, Mary Jean D’Amelio and James Aikins, Nick and Ian McFarland, and Laura, Dale and Andrea Sherrow; three great-grandchildren, Joe and Sam D’Amelio and Wylie Sherrow; and a brother, Loren McFarland of Drayton, N.D.

A memorial service is planned at 2 p.m. May 14 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland.

Memorials may be made to The Friends of Home Health Care of Whidbey General Hospital, 101 N. Main St., Coupeville, WA 98239-0400 or a charity of choice.