Steve McFarland

The sad news has devastated my soul.
It's an irreparable loss, especially for his family, but also for the friends on the forum who, like me, shared his passions. I can say that Steve was a true gentleman, a kind-hearted person, with a keen intelligence and interest in history and the German Imperial Military. He always shared his profound knowledge, making it available to our community, with photos of his incredible collection and his stories of life as a collector.
I will miss you, dear Steve, and I'm sure all of us at Pickelhaubes will. My deepest condolences to the family.
May the earth rest lightly upon you.
Zeb.
 
I don't have much to say except that Steve was very much respected in the field in a unique way. I appreciate the guidance he has given me over the years. Condolences to his family.

Gabe
 
This is a Steve-approved picture of Steve posted in another thread some months back, taken last summer. He's shown mid-story (I've never known anyone with so many excellent stories), and surrounded by his passion.

His son shared that he believed that everyone who "who helped keep up his interest in collecting and militaria extended his life and definitely made it happier." I think that is absolutely true and applies to all of his Forum friends here. He remained very (very) sharp, deeply interested in history and passionate about this hobby, and was still actively pursuing his interests to the very end. As Randy said - a force of nature. And a gift to our community.

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I've got a file of all of the posted pictures of the collection and him. His sense of display with this environment and the extraordinary diversity of complementary objects really evokes the period.
 
Jeff R

Thread 'A Wonderful Afternoon at Schloss McFarland'

We had the great pleasure last weekend of visiting Steve McFarland's home and collection, a virtual temple to the Imperial German Army. A few completely inadequate pictures follow that barely scratch the surface of this extraordinary collection. And Steve himself is a gracious, engaging host with an incredible breadth of knowledge and an apparently bottomless well of stories! We were lucky to have Mike Heuer visit at the same time and add to the excellent conversation (and invaluable help with local navigation). A great day.

The man himself - deep in his element and mid-story...
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Reingold said:
Now, the section about straps is probably not active at all. Steve was one of the main news makers...
Click to expand...

Sadly, it's just one of the many ways Steve will be missed. I used to love to see the many photos Steve would post from his vast collection.

Most of the time someone only had to mention a regiment or unit, and he would post some pictures.

He is really missed.
 
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WOW, I have been out of the loop! Early on after joining this forum, I learned of Steve’s vast knowledge of collecting Imperial German Pickelhaube, banners, flag poles, battle rings and uniforms. I found it all truly amazing! But most importantly how Steve would provide information to you one on one. His email’s in which he shard his vast knowledge and collection were truly warm and helpful.. Though only a several hours away, I was not able to take him up on his offers to visit, this I truly regret. However his knowledge and collection remain on this forum for all to enjoy, appreciate and learn about this unique period. God bless him and his family as he left all too soon.
My Condolences and Prayers
John
 
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