Brian MacFarlane ’86

Brian, history major, sportsman, and Crown prosecutor in Vancouver, died July 6, 2022, while body surfing off the Outer Banks in North Carolina. He was 57.

Born in Montreal, he was educated at Selwyn House School and Bishop’s College School, both in Quebec. At Princeton, he bonded with roommates and neighbors, forming a group called “Da Dude Ranch” that still lives on. He considered becoming an engineer before settling on history.

Brian moved back to Canada, where he studied law at McGill University Law School and married Leah van der Voort ’88, who was introduced to him by his brother Tom ’88. They started a family, raised three girls (and several guide dogs), and reveled in skiing, golf, tennis, squash, and of course, hockey. He was affectionately known as the last person at every cocktail party, and he never missed a polar bear swim in the St. Lawrence River.

In court he was a diligent counselor, devoted to the principles of justice and fairness, who chaired committees and planned continuing legal education throughout his 28-year career. In the 35th-reunion yearbook, he wrote, “Seems weird for a prosecutor to say this, but ‘can’t we all just get along!!!’ Let’s listen to each other, and effect change to alleviate inequality and exclusivity.”

Brian is survived by Leah; Tom; daughters Kathryn, Carolyn ’19, and Zoë, and countless family members and friends. The Class of 1986 extends its deepest gratitude for his unique gift of lifelong friendship.