Arvis ‘Steve’ Mcfarland

Arvis "Steve" McFarland, age 78, of Billings, passed away on Oct. 25, 2016, in Missoula, at St. Patrick's Hospital, after a wonderful day spent elk hunting.

He was born in Sand Springs, Okla., on April 29, 1938, to William P. and Gladys L. McFarland. He served four years in the United States Navy. Upon his honorable discharge from the navy, he worked for Title Insurance in Bakersfield, Calif. He eventually went into the oil business, becoming a "leasehound," which led to his job with Northwestern Energy. He was employed there for over 25 years. He loved the work he did and considered many of his coworkers family.

He made lots of friends throughout his life and career, and was considered to be a fair and honest man, and a man of his word.

One of Steve's greatest passions was hunting with family and friends, and he never passed up an opportunity to take anyone hunting and always had a great time. If he wasn't hunting, he was telling stories of hunting adventures!

He loved telling jokes and making people laugh. He was a gentle soul who had great love and patience for his family.

Steve was a beloved son, father, brother, husband, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his loving sister, Linda of Fresno, Calif. They had a special bond. She was his baby sister born on his birthday when he was 8 years old. He loved telling people they shared the same birthday.

He is also survived by four daughters, Pennie, Deanna, Cheryl and Toni; two stepdaughters, Dede and Niki; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.