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Robert “Bob” MacFarland, 91, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, died Aug. 12, 2024. MacFarland — who served as the 28th president of the American Rental Association (ARA) in 1989 — became involved in the rental industry in 1963 when, after spending 10 years in the construction industry, he opened R.H. MacFarland in Halifax.
MacFarland helped organize the first local chapter of the Provinces Rental Association of Canada/ARA Region 10 in 1972 and became the chapter’s first president. He was actively involved in ARA and the Rental Association of Canada (RAC) while also expanding his rental business.
In 1977, he created a multifunctional store that included separate showrooms for event and equipment inventory.
In 1979, he was elected ARA Region 10 director and served on ARA committees. He was elected ARA vice president in 1987, moving up the ranks to serve as president in 1989 and chair of the board in 1990. He sold his rental business in 1993, retired and became an active community volunteer in Halifax.
MacFarland was recognized by ARA throughout the years for his volunteer service. He was honored with the:
- Region 10 Person of the Year in 1976.
- Canadian-American Recognition Award in 1983.
- Distinguished Service Award in 1985.
- Rental Hall of Fame — the most prestigious honor offered by ARA to those who have made outstanding lifetime contributions to the industry — in 2004.
In a 2004 article in Rental Management, MacFarland said his proudest rental industry accomplishment was “being recognized by my peers for my volunteerism in promoting the rental concept and leading by example.”
MacFarland is survived by his wife, Honey; children, Heather (Steve) MacFarland, Diana (Scott) Ferguson, Carol (Brent) Blackie and Curt (Twyla) MacFarland; grandchildren, Kathryn Dougherty, Michael Dougherty, Adam (Karoline) Ferguson, Eric (Alessandra) Ferguson, Curtis (Hillary) Ferguson, Sarah Jane (Sean) Langille, Andrea (Mark) Blackie, Rachel (Couragyn) Blackie; great-grandchild, Cecilia Honey Chretien; and many nieces and nephews.