The Class at 1960 and the entire aerospace community lost a wonderful friend when Col. (Ret) Willard R. MacFarlane died of heart failure on Aug 3, 1992.
Mac was born Sept. 1, 1938 in Ogden, Utah. His distinguished 30-year Air Force career began in 1956 with his appointment to the Academy. Throughout his life, Mac always set the standards, not only with his many accomplishments but more importantly by providing the example so necessary of true leadership. He was first, foremost, and always a fighter pilot, and he was recognized as one of the best everywhere in the fighter community.
Among his many accomplishments: distinguished graduate from USAF pilot training; outstanding graduate and top gun of his F-100 weapons school class; selection as an RAF exchange officer; selection as the first USAF YF-15 test pilot in 1972; setting three world time-to-climb records in the F-15 Streak Eagle; awarded the Mackay trophy in 1974; induction into the Utah Aviation Hall of Fame; and finally, after retirement from the Air Force in 1986, Mac was selected as program director of Hypersonic Applications at McDonnell Douglas.
He flew 3,800 hours during his career. Among the aircraft he flew were the F-100; F-104; 0-1; British Lightning; F-15; and, finally, as the wing commander of the 3rd FFW, the F-4. Mac flew the F- 104 and the 0-1 in Vietnam, amassing 165 combat missions. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster; the Air Medal with 10 oak leaf clusters; and literally hundreds of other U.S. military, civilian, and foreign awards. He was a member of the Order of the Daedalians and the Riser Rats.
Mac was a lifelong member of the LDS Church, serving as an elder and at the family history center at the time of his death.
Shortly after graduation from the Academy, Mac married Rita Nelson in Logan, Utah. Together they raised five children: Lori (Mrs. Robert Davies), Steele (USAFA '87), Stanton, Stuart, and Stirling. Another son, Steven, died in 1965. Mac is also survived by his mother, five brothers and five grandchildren.
Mac was laid to rest on Aug. 8, 1992 at Lindquists Washington Heights Memorial Park in Centerville, Utah.
One of the true aviation pioneers of our time, Mac was an immensely gifted individual who will be terribly missed by everyone he touched, both in his personal and professional life. His wit, sense of humor, enthusiasm for life, and above all his friendship, will all live on through his memory. Hopefully, the faith which guided him throughout his life will help sustain those he left behind.
(Ed Haerter, '60)