Clyde McFarland, age 98, lifelong Montana resident passed away on April 29, 2018 in Miles City.
Clyde was born on May 27th, 1919 on the family farm just south of Miles City. He was the son of Hugh & Agnes (Clarke) McFarland, the seventh of eight children.
Clyde grew up loving the farm and ranch life, attending the Weaver School, riding and taking care of his first horse, Casey, and of course doing the many chores the tough times of the 20’s and 30’s entailed. In 1940 he married his “Babe,” Ada Taylor and together they raised their son, Mickey. Clyde augmented the farm income by bartending. He eventually purchased a share in the Bison Bar in 1963, which he owned for decades with various partners, the last being his son.
Clyde developed a passion for rodeo at an early age. Through the Bison he met and helped many rodeo cowboys with entry fees and a few words of encouragement. He loved attending the National Finals Rodeo, the Denver Stock Show, and all the local rodeos.
Clyde had many adventures in his life. He was a steward on a cruise ship in Alaska when he was a young man. He enjoyed his time with his friends in Shriner’s Bugatti Patrol. He looked forward to selling Shrine onions around South Eastern Montana, where a day trip could turn into several. Or the time one of the kids mentioned that he would like a milk cow, so Clyde and a friend jumped in the pickup and trailer and brought home a whole load of them. He enjoyed going on trips with the High Plains Car Club. Some of Clyde’s adventures earned him a small backhanded slap on the shoulder from “Babe” and then there are the adventures we will leave for another day.
Another one of Clyde’s passions was his grandchildren. First, his “girls,” Michelle and Mikki Jo, followed by his “boys,” Cory, Matthew, Casey, and Jesse. There was nothing he would not do for them. His favorite saying as they headed out the door to do the things kids do was… “Be good, and if you can’t be good, be careful.”
Clyde is survived by his son Mickey (Marcia) McFarland; his granddaughters Michelle (Ralph McWilliams) Cunningham, Mikki Jo (Tony Williams) McFarland; his great grandsons, Cory (Tiffani) Cunningham, Matthew (Nichole Woods) Cunningham, Casey (Marlee Shaw) Clauson and Jesse Clauson. He is also survived by his great, great grandsons Jaxon and Carter Cunningham and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ada, and just about all of his friends, relatives and enemies, since he was old as dirt.
Memorials may be made to the Miles Community College Rodeo, or to the charity of one’s choice. The family would like to thank everyone that helped take care of Grandad these last few years and especially his good friend Al Kutt.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held street side at the Bison Bar on Friday, May 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 3, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 4, 2018
Bison Bar
618 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 3, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday May 4, 2018
Bison Bar
618 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Clyde was such a wonderful person to know. His stories will live on and we can all treasure the memories.
Martha Crandall says
So sorry. My sympathy.
Marcia (Huber) Heydt and Family says
Dear McFarland Family: Clyde was a wonderful man. His love for his family was endless. RIP, Clyde.
Mike & Darlene Ballensky says
Sorry to hear about Clyde but he sure lived a full life!
Ginger & Joe Kiel says
Prayers and hugs to the McFarland family. Clyde was amazing man setting an iconic example for his family. He was a hoot too! He will be greatly missed but he will always be with you and watching.
linda walker says
A legend in Miles City. He lived a good life. Sad for the family. Thinking of you.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Hugs and prayers to the entire McFarland Clan! Clyde was an amazing man who will be greatly missed by many.
He always made us chuckle! What wonderful memories he has left, and now he will be with his dear Ada.
Rest in Peace dear Clyde.
Beth Ann says
Think of you at this time of loss.
Randy & Janet Randi and Rachel Stanhope says
We are so sorry to hear about Clyde’s passing. You are all in our prayers.
Rick & Bev Harris says
So Sorry. We will miss his devilish smile.
Linda Winkley says
So sorry for your loss, Clyde will be missed by all.
Kathy Strub says
Hugs to all of you. This guy was very good to us. Tom rode a lot of horses for him. Many memories with him and all good, how often does that happen!! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Happy Trails cowboy ?
Muff Engdahl says
To all of the McFarland families our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to all of you. What a wonderful man, he will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Jim and Ann Willson says
To all of the McFarland Family, We are so sorry to hear about Clyde What a great man and friend to all. He always had to tell Ann about all of the times Ann’s Dad Axel Haglof had to pull Clyde and his car over the Haglof Hill when it was muddy. He was courting Ada Taylor at the time, and it seemed the only time he could get away to see her was when it had rained. We always enjoyed visiting with him and all of the family. We will miss him very much.
We had quite a thunder storm last nite, I wonder what caused that. Rest in Peace Clyde
Prayers to all- Jim and Annalise Willson
Janet Klein says
To all of Clyde’s family….another cowboy just rode off into the sunset to awaken at heaven’s pearly gates. Clyde was a very special cowboy to many, but especially to his Ada. I am sure she was there with wide open arms to welcome him to his heavenly home. You rode this life hard, worked harder and lived your life to the fullest, now ypu may rest in peace….
Gerome and Rita Wemmer & family says
Well, Clyde, you have earned your resting place with Ada! You will be missed by so many, the stories and the many Hershey candy bars that were handed out to the littles that we parents, all dressed up for some occasion or another, had to wipe off the hands and faces of the happiest kids in the world. Also every shoulder that carried those children! We loved you and will miss you. Your road is now smooth and no mud to worry about!! The prayers of many are with each and every one of your families! <3
Todoroff Family says
Thinking of your family. Clyde was a great man and I will always remember my parents stopping by the Bison and he was always there with a big candy bar! Share all your wonderful memories of him, it helps the healing!
Cindy Ingraham says
Clyde will be remembered as a Fun Generous man. He lived a full life and a lot of have our favorite Clyde story❤️
Christine W. Keltner says
My prayers to the family———I will miss Clyde and his teasing—knowing him for over 50 years, there were many times!!! He was so fun to visit with when seeing him anywhere—-and you never knew where or when he would show up!! Maybe he and Chris will have that Blackjack game they always talked about now—-
Keith & Lori Ullery says
Clyde will be missed by all. Prayers for comfort and peace during this most difficult time. GOD Bless you all.
Mary Beth Kibler says
Clyde was an incredible person…I remember in 1973 when I showed up on a Sunday morning asking Clyde to cash a check so I could make bail for my brother and fiance 3 days before our wedding…of course he gave it to me! He was extremely kind, generous and had a terrific sense of humor! Special special friend to so very many of us! RIP Clyde!
Ray and Kathleen Long says
Thoughts and prayers go out to all of Clyde’ s beloved family as we mourn with you at the loss of a true national treasure.
Cindy Scanlan says
Always a great man with a smile and a glint in his eye. A True Miles City Legend. He touched so many lives. Peace and prayers to all of your family.
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
So sorry to hear about Clyde’s passing! He will be remembered as the “father figure” to many of us locals! He was ruthless is his friendships with his guiding hand! As mentioned “Be good, it you can’t be good, be careful!!” His legend will live long into the future through our family generations! And I know that he is now kicking up his heels with Ada and all the old-time cowboys, friends and familees! Peace and prayers to all of the families!
Berta Cauthron says
Mickey and Marcie–So sorry to learn of Clyde’s passing. He was a favorite cousin of my mother, and such a good man. While I didn’t see him often, it won’t be the same knowing he won’t be around any more. My thoughts are with you.
Julie LaBree Livengood says
I am sorry to learn of Clyde’s passing. He touched many lives along the way. What a smile!! What a cowboy!! What a character!! Prayers to you.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Clyde was one of those special people, he made a lasting impression on everyone who came into contact with him. He is a Miles City icon and will be missed. Chris and I send our deepest sympathy to the whole family. God bless.
Chris and Diana Elwood
Bill and Roxanne Harding says
With sincere sympathy of the passing of a great man, Clyde. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Crystal Moore says
Prayers to the McFarland family. Clyde was the sweetest man ever. I always enjoyed the many many stories he had to share. It was fun and a great honor to know such a good man. He was one of the reasons you could just never have one at the Bison. May you rest easy Clyde and keeping smiling. You made my first trip to the NFR the best!!
Deb Bartholomew says
Mickey, Marcie, Michelle, Mikki Jo and Families:
God has gained a great Cowboy Angel. Clyde was not only a long-time legend cowboy but a great family man, business man and partner and a great friend who knew and loved him. He could talk to anyone and he would always know you the next time he saw you. His stories were great and entertaining and you felt like you had been right there with him. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Clyde will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten! Treasure your memories as they will help get you through difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike Niles says
Mickey, Marcie, Michelle, Mikki Jo, papa Clyde will be sorely missed down here. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Glo Simpson says
He was such a great man that will truly be missed. Much love to the entire family!
Francy Martin says
Awe, dang it, this news makes me very sad. I was looking forward to seeing Clyde during the bucking horse sale and races and getting in the win picture of his feature race. Clyde was a real Legend around Miles City. E:ver since I first raced there in 1973, he has been a very special friend, good to all of us. He always remembered what kind of beer I drank and would set up the first 1 or 10 if we hung out in the Bison long enough. 🙂 His wife and son, the whole family treated us so well. I will never forget Clyde McFarland. Sending Love, Prayers, and fun Memories to all.
Francy Martin, Casper, WY
Linda Jones says
My thoughts are with the family. Clyde was wonderful man and the kindest person you could ever know! We loved him so much and he will be greatly missed.
Cindy Stanton says
My condolences to Clyde’s family.
What an unforgettable man. I will always be grateful for him helping get my son into Shriners Hospital 33 years ago. I always enjoyed getting to sponsor circus tickets and buying him a cold drink when he came to Jordan, years ago. Clyde was one of a kind, with a heart of gold. He blessed so many with his kindness and generosity. What a legacy. God speed.
James Liles says
Mickey, Marcie, Mikko Jo and Michelle, Our condolences on the death of a good man. He will be well remembered.
Jim & Mary Ann Liles
BONNIE ASHLEY CURRAN says
I am so sorry for the loss of Clyde. He was a ‘character.’ He saw a lot, knew a lot but did not talk a lot. That was what you call a ‘gentleman saloon keeper.’
I enjoyed reminiscing with him since my husband (Bud Curran) were old time friends. Years ago we had a joke about him being Clyde and I was Bonnie. He will be missed by a lot.
Donna Waddell says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Clyde was always happy to see you and ready to set a spell and talk. I treasure the memory of when I took him out to dinner and we stopped at the Bison before heading home. As different people came in, they would stop and talk to him and by the time he was ready to go home it was midnight. What fun we had.
What a loss to all those who knew him. He is in a better place now and Ada is by his side.
May you find peace in knowing others share in your loss and are praying for you. May God bless you and strengthen you during this time.
LInda & Richard Meidinger says
So sorry for the loss of Clyde. He was onc awesome fella. He always had a twinkle in his eye and you never
knew quite what to expect he was going to say or was thinking. Always fun to be around when we would go
to the Bison Bar on a quiet day. May he rest in peace. The Mcfarland family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families. Clyde was a great guy.
Dean Holmes says
wow, there is more Miles City history passing with Clydes passing. My prayers are with the family.
Shelley Killen says
Thoughts and prayers to the whole McFarland family on the passing of Clyde. He was truly a Miles City tradition.
Greg & Michelle Johnston says
Mickey & Marcy and family (all great people)
Cheyenne Glade Wilson says
I am saddened to hear of Clyde’s passing. I will forever remember that twinkle in his eye and that sly smile he had. His witty comments always delighted me! He was such a kind and friendly guy. Miles City has definitely lost a pillar. I send my deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire family. May he rest in peace.
Greg & Michelle Johnston says
Montana lost a 98 year old legend last week, I heard stories about the Bison over in South Dakota 30 years ago. Hard to be sad about a life well lived, your funeral at a big time bar. We should be so lucky!!
Glenda (May) Flint says
My condolences to Clyde’s family. A year ago, my son and I took my mom to see my aunt, Maxine May, at the care facility in Miles. We got to see Clyde there, as well. He remembered my mom and they shared some stories about my dad’s and Clyde’s adventures when they were young. My mom passed away a week later. I’m so glad we were able to have that visit. Happy trails to a fun and very nice man.
Bill and Hazel Cocke says
What a guy.
Tayvee says
Cannot express how much Ucle Clyde will be missed! Love and prayers to you all! The Steen’s (Kevin, Tayvee, Erowyn, Colten)
Eveeral Nelson says
Clyde will be missed – he was kind, generous, protective = (even if I was not allowed to dance with Granddad”). He was a great supporter of our Bowling team when I bowled for the Bison and no I did not bowl for him for a “hundred years” as he said. Hugs to his family. “Several”
Mary Alice Murnion says
My deepest sympathy to the Macfarland families, We always loved to see and visit with Clyde, he had an infectious personality that brought happiness to many people. He is a legend in his own right and will be missed by all who knew him.
Cory Martinez says
I remember Clyde from when I was a kid. As a neighbor he always treated me as if I was one of his own grandchildren. His grandson Cory and I use to listen to the stories and loved everyone of them.. My thoughts go out to the family. He will be missed.
Marie Geddis says
Have lovely memories of Clyde and am so glad that he came to Northern Ireland in 1980 on his own to look up his friends here, otherwise we would never have met. I was made most welcome by Clyde and Ada when I visited Montana in 2002 and remember going to the Bucking Horse Sale where Clyde was voted the best dressed cowboy. My father, Ringland McFarlane, often talked about Montana and enjoyed his two trips to Montana and those when Clyde came back here. Our family send their deepest sympathy to Mickey, Marcie and the wider family circle at this sad time. Having lost our dad last April at the age of 94, I know the loss but have to be thankful for the long and healthy life they both had.
Karen & Jobie Morris says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Norman Willson says
When I think of Clyde I fondly remember him leaving his position in the Bugatti routine at the Shriner’s parade in Minneapolis to come over to speak to me. He told me that he recognized me standing in the large crowd on the Minneapolis street watching the National Shriner’s parade. Rest in peace, Clyde. We’ll miss your smiling face. Our sympathies to Mickey and families. Norm and Laura Jane
Judy Sprandel says
Our love and sympathies to all of you. Such a character and great guy who will be missed by so many. He was a legend for sure. Love to all, Ray and Judy Sprandel. Ps can’t be there as we are traveling home from our Italy trip but thinking of all of you!!!
Makenna Kirkland says
I was absolutely blessed to have such an amazing soul like Clyde brought into my life. Although I was only around him the last year and a half of his life, he had a large impact on me. I’ve never met a 98 year old man that has as much spunk as he did. Clyde made my job so much more enjoyable with his smart-alec comments and remarks 😉 He will certainly be missed.
Mickey, Marcie, Michelle, Mikki Jo & Family: You are all in my prayers… I’m glad you are part of the Cottonwood Family.
Love,
Makenna Kirkland
Kim Stanton says
Dear Michelle, Mikki Jo, and families,
I’m so sorry to read of your granddad’s passing. He was certainly a “one of a kind” and meant a great deal to so many people. Peace, prayers and condolences to you all.
Kim Stanton
Ervin and Janice Laib says
Sorry for your loss Clyde was a kind and great legend his great smile will be missed. Prayers for all of you God Bless
Audrey Haumschild says
Our heart felt blessings to you all . He had a great
long life with wonderful family . Hugs to all .
Bill & Sheryl Cathey says
Our thoughts and prayers to a wonderful family. Cherish your memories and smile. Clyde was a real cowboy and gentleman.
Mike Correll says
My condolences to all the McFarland family.
Clyde was truely a friend all. Everyone who knew him has at least one story to tell of his acts of kindness and friendship. I could tell several as I had many relatives who spent many hours bending Clyde’s ear in the Bison
And have to admit I might have as well but don’t remember all of them. I do though remember when I showed up in Miles City the night before the big cattle drive from Teaxas was going to be coming into town.
When I stopped at the bar Clyde and started talking and he said “Mike I know your grandad Montana Bill
Came up from Texas to Montana with early drives.
Tell you what you show up at the ranch a sunup and I’ll have a horse saddled for you and you can ride in with the herd, I think that would make your grandad proud”
Thanks Clyde. It sure made me proud I hope it did him.
Mike Correll
Betty O'Brien says
RIP CLYDE – I remember you fondly,
W S Bingham says
RIP Clyde ,fond memories from long ago when we visited you on vacation from N.Ireland. Billy and Kathleen Bingham. God Bless.