Bernard A. McFarlane

In memory of Bernard Alfred McFarlane, aka Mac, Pepsi and Pops!  Lawd Harry de judge send help, he had so many nicknames!

Bernard was born on November 11, 1938 on the beautiful island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to his parents, the late Caroline Agatha Davis and Theodore Oliver McFarlane. Growing up, Bernard loved being a big brother, helping his mother, playing guitar, singing, and simply being part of a big family, even though they could be rascals at times.

As part of his schooling Bernard trained in plumbing, becoming an apprentice for Master Plumber Arthur Hodge, and later worked for many years with his good friend, Elton Malone.  

Growing up in a musical family, it was only natural for Bernard to pursue a career in music.  As a young man he traveled throughout the Caribbean and the mainland singing Calypso with Milo and the Kings in the late 50’s and early 60’s.  A highlight of their career was performing at the Palladium in New York City.  During this time Bernard’s good friend, Lord Melody, gave him the stage name “Lord Spectacular”, which he cherished throughout his lifetime.  Bernard also wrote and sang, “New York Situation," with Milo, which he recorded while in New York City.

Not knowing that he had been sent a draft notice, upon returning from touring, his mother informed him that the government was looking for him and that he was listed as being AWOL.  Pops was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1964, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam War era.  He completed basic training in Jackson, South Carolina, was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and deployed to Germany for three years.  In his four years of service, Pops climbed the ranks quickly and made the best of every moment.  Bernard was later honorably discharged as an E6 Staff Sergeant.

Upon his return from Germany, Bernard was eager to use his skills to provide for his family, so he joined the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department in 1971.  Bernard served as security detail for the first elected governor of the Virgin Islands, a patrol officer, part of the mounted patrol, and worked in NCIC (National Crime Information Center).  His favorite job in the police department was the mounted patrol at Megan’s Bay, where Bernard and his horse, “Joe Loco” (a former race horse), had many adventures.

Bernard retired from the U.S.V.I. Police Department in 1991.  During his retired life, he continued with plumbing, singing and liming hard with his friends.  Bernard eventually settled in New Haven, Connecticut and continued having adventures with family and friends, savoring every moment, and sharing stories about his life, right up to the very end.

On July 24, 2021 Pop’s story came to an end.   He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends.  Pops we will forever cherish our memories with you, and will miss your singing, your jokes, your delightful stories and most of all your loving embrace.  Continue to do all the things you love in heaven, be the cowboy you were meant to be and ride free. We love you.

Bernard is survived by his loving wife Valynne McFarlane, children, late son Bernard A. (Butch) McFarlane Jr., Abigail McFarlane Freeland (Ira), Keith McFarlane (Cynthia), Dale McFarlane (Charmaine), late son Darrell (Popa Slim) McFarlane, Aaron McFarlane (Jacqueline) & Julia McFarlane Melbourne (Tito).  Loved deeply by his many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Beloved by his surviving siblings, Waldron Francis, Olanzo Hedrington, James Hedrington (Diana), Glenn (Kwabena) Davis (Wilma), Ulric Ferrari, Theodore (Delmo) Oliver McFarlane Jr. (Verna) & Juliet McFarlane.  His closest and loving uncle Roy McFarlane. Loved by his many nieces and nephews and in-laws.  

Please join us on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Keenan Funeral Home, 238 Elm Street, West Haven CT 06516.   Visiting hours 10:00 am - 11:00 am.   Service and Military sendoff at 11:00 am. 

Service will be livestreamed: https://www.fhwebhosting.com/XEZ/tributes/Bernard-McFarlane  https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1627921617128489

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernard's honor to Masonicare Hospice or an arts association of your choice.

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