Peter Francis MacFarlane

Peter Francis MacFarlane 

04/17/1947 to 07/23/2024 

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Peter F. MacFarlane, 77, on July 23rd , 2024. 

Pete was a beloved Husband, Father, PopPop, and Great PopPop. He is survived by his beloved wife Donna, mother Anne, step-father Jack; children Brian (Kelli), Daniel (Farida), Molly (Jay), Gabriel (Kate), and Gina (John); grandchildren Makenzie, Blythe, Dainna, Nicholas, Brandon, Atticus, Leonidas, Theron, Xander, Claire, Reid, Tess, Lane, Hunter, Morgan, Riley, and John Roy; 5 great grandchildren; and siblings Rick, Kim, and David. He was preceded in death by his father Stanley and sister Linda. 

Pete was born April 17th , 1947, in Darby, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Central Bucks West High School in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He was drafted into the United States Army and served honorably from 1966 to 1968. While serving as an Army intelligence specialist in Vietnam he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the Army, he met his cherished wife of 52 years, Donna, and they married in 1972. Pete earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from West Chester University and a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Colorado State University. 

After moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1975, he joined the Sandia Prep School faculty and became the Head Volleyball Coach and Athletic Director. For 42 years Pete dedicated his professional life to Sandia Prep School and the advancement of interscholastic athletics. In 2006, he was inducted into the New Mexico Activities Association Hall of Fame. Pete retired from Sandia Prep School in 2017 but remained active with the school and Athletic Department. In 2019, Pete, who was better known as “Mac” to Sandia Prep students and faculty, was inducted into the Sundevil Athletic Hall of Fame with his 1977 Volleyball Team. In 2021, he was inducted to the Hall again as Athletic Director for setting the standard of No Cut Athletics in New Mexico and serving 28 years as the Head Coach of Sundevil Volleyball. He also loved teaching archery and running. He completed several half marathons and two marathons, often running with his children and grandchildren. At the time of his passing, in fact, he had run for 1,534 consecutive days. 

Pete touched more lives than can be counted, teaching his kids and thousands of students how important it is to be present every single day. He lived his life to the highest level of integrity and humility, and sportsmanship was the only path to follow. 

Most importantly, Pete never hesitated to make a friend, tell his wife and children how much he loved them, and encourage and support anyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path. His smile never faltered, his kindness never wavered, a joke was never far from his lips, and it was likely that he would remember your childhood phone number even if he couldn’t place his keys. His impact will be felt for generations to come. 

A viewing will be held at 9:00am with a funeral mass to follow at 10:00am on Monday, July 29th , 2024, at St. Edwin Catholic Church 2105 Barcelona Rd, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87105. This will be followed by internment at Fairview Memorial Park at 700 Yale Blvd SE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106. A reception will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sandia Prep School Athletic Department in honor of Peter MacFarlane: https://www.sandiaprep.org/giving/make-a-gift-form