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 grew up creating memories and setting road hockey records in Inverness, NS. At a young age, he took over his big sister Ethel’s old piano and quickly became a fixture at parish halls and backing local fiddlers. There are tales of the 8-year-old who played some tunes one evening with Winston Scotty Fitzgerald or the 12-year-old who recorded a song in a Mabou living room with Donald Angus Beaton. Later on, he would harmonize with his older brother Peter at dances, singing songs from the Everly Brothers among others. When the Beatles and Rolling Stones came onto the scene, it solidified his passion for music. These moments sparked a lifelong journey through Cape Breton fiddles as well as rock and roll, blues, and country music. He played in various bands like The Corporate Sound, Bad Angus, Granfalloon and more. For many years there wasn’t a dancehall that didn’t recognize his voice or a parish hall piano that didn’t see him play.
In 1972, during what he called an era of early genius, Pat married his beloved Rona Mac Donald from Inverside because he knew he could adore her forever-and he did just that. Soon after they welcomed children into their lives.
After completing his studies at St. Mary’s University, he kicked off his career at National Sea Products in Halifax before moving with his young family to Westville in 1977 to work in General Accounting at Michelin Tire. There he found another family among friends who remained close even after his retirement in 2006 until the end of his days.
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 in 2018 by Rona-his wife for almost 47 years-as well as by parents Walter and Annie Jane; brother Joseph when he was an infant; sister Ethel Corinki-Mac Farlane; brother Peter; brother-in-law Bobby Corinki; daughter-in-law Meghan Bragg.
The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Glen Haven Manor for their care and kindness along with Tony Le Blanc for being a wonderful roommate who kept an eye on him. Many thanks also go to Klorissa Farnsworth-his music therapist-for keeping him playing these last few years.
A special mention goes out to his honorary grandchildren Riley and Penelope whom he loved dearly along with every musician with whom he shared a song. He remembered each one of you fondly and had countless memories that kept him laughing and smiling whenever stories were shared.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be 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 Rona this spring at Holy Name Cemetery in Westville.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations in Pat’s name to Summer Street Industries Foundation (summerstreet. ca), Pictou Landing First Nation after school music program (admin@pictoulandingschool. ca), or any charity that holds meaning for you.
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