Patrick Joseph “Pat” Mac Farlane, 77, of Westville, passed away on December 13, 2025 at the Aberdeen Hospital. Pat was born on June 29, 1948 in Margaree, Cape Breton, to Walter Scott and Annie Jane (Le Blanc) Mac Farlane.
Pat spent his childhood breaking road hockey records and making a name for himself in Inverness, NS. He took over his big sister Ethel’s old piano at a young age and soon found himself playing at parish halls and supporting local fiddlers. There are tales of the eight-year-old who played some tunes one night with Winston Scotty Fitzgerald or the twelve-year-old who recorded in a Mabou living room with Donald Angus Beaton. Later on, he would harmonize at dances with his older brother Peter, singing hits from the Everly Brothers and more. When the Beatles and Rolling Stones hit the scene, it changed everything for him. This sparked a lifelong love affair with Cape Breton fiddles as well as rock and roll, blues, and country music. He created bands like The Corporate Sound, Bad Angus, Granfalloon among others. For many years there wasn’t a dancehall that didn’t recognize his voice or a parish hall piano that was safe from being played hard.
In 1972, during what he described as an early genius phase of life, Pat married his dear Rona Mac Donald from Inverside knowing he’d cherish her forever-and he did just that. Before long children came along.
After finishing up at St. Mary’s University, he kicked off his career at National Sea Products in Halifax before relocating his young family to Westville in 1977 to work in General Accounting at Michelin Tire. There he discovered a second family of friends who remained close even after he retired in 2006.
Pat is survived by sons Scott (Lisa Hayden), Stellarton; Kristopher (Sara), New Glasgow; Jamie (Aleta Rose), Westville; daughter Katie from Westville; grandchildren Evan (Cortney), Brady, Jalen and Arley; great-granddaughter Kit; and sister Lucille (Neil Mac Dougall) from Dartmouth, NS.
He was predeceased by Rona in 2018 after nearly 47 years together as well as by parents Walter and Annie Jane; brother Joseph who died in infancy; sister Ethel Corinki-Mac Farlane; brother Peter; brother-in-law Bobby Corinki; daughter-in-law Meghan Bragg.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Glen Haven Manor for their care and kindness and also thanks Tony Le Blanc for being a wonderful roommate while keeping an eye on him. Special appreciation goes out to music therapist Klorissa Farnsworth for helping him stay engaged musically these last few years.
A special mention goes to his honorary grandchildren Riley and Penelope whom he loved dearly as well as every musician he ever shared songs with throughout his life. He remembered each one of you fondly-his lifetime filled with memories that brought him laughter through each story told.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Thursday December 18 from 2-4 pm and again from 6-8 pm at Eagles Funeral Home in Westville. He will be laid to rest alongside his beloved Rona come springtime at Holy Name Cemetery in Westville.
Please consider making donations in Pat’s name instead of sending flowers to either Summer Street Industries Foundation (summerstreet. ca) or Pictou Landing First Nation’s after school music program (admin@pictoulandingschool. ca) or any charity close to your heart.
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