RAPID CITY--Dan F. McFarland, beloved husband, son, father and brother, left this physical world early Monday, March 30, 2009. His lifetime of service to his family, business and community, included hallmarks of compassion, mentorship and unmatched work ethic and attitude. In his more than 26 years in the real estate industry and 19 years with Coldwell Banker, he was the current President and Managing Partner of the Rapid City offices. Dan was President of the Black Hills Association of Realtors in 1985, Leadership Rapid City Alumni in 1986, Realtor of the Year for the Black Hills Association of Realtors in both 1986 and 1992, and Realtor of the Year for the SD Association of Realtors in 1992. Dan was the President of the SD Association of Realtors in 1993, and became an Accredited Buyers Agent in 1998. He received numerous awards for his outstanding service, including the Don Zenk Spirit of Cooperation Award in 1994, Outstanding Leadership Awards of Service from 1996-2001, Council of Residential Specialist of the Year in 2004, Sterling R Contribution in 2004, Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers Award in 2005, and Realtors Political Action Committee Hall of Fame in 2006. Dan was on the Pennington County Planning Commission for nearly a decade, and also served as the Chairperson of the Fair Housing Committee on the National Board of Realtors. Dan spent his early years living at the family homestead on Elk Creek, riding horseback to school with his big brother, Bruce. A 1969 graduate from Sturgis Brown High School, Dan received his B.S. in Secondary Education with a Chemistry major and Mathematics minor from Northern State University in 1973. It was there he met the love of his life, Susan Fedell. He worked for the Bristol High School District, where he taught physics, chemistry and math for three years. In 1976, Dan returned to work on the family ranch on Box Elder Creek. As a guitarist, he was a cofounder of both the BH Bluegrass Festival, and Second Saturday Concerts, presented at the Dahl Fine Arts Center. Dan served two consecutive terms on the Rapid City Arts Councils Board of Directors, and was President for the Lifetree Montessori Board of Directors during the mid-nineties. Dan was passionate about preserving the century-long family tradition of ranching, and dedicated 48 years of his life to this. His hobbies included playing guitar, vintage automobile restoration, woodworking, photography and sailing. Remaining family members include his wife of 27 years, Susan Fedell, and their two children, Christopher and Brianna McFarland; parents, Patricia A. McFarland of Sturgis and Fred A. McFarland of Rapid City; siblings, Bruce A. McFarland (Ruth), Marilee McConnell (LeeRoy) and Julie A. McFarland (Jeff S. McGough); mother-in law, Peggy Fedell; sister-in-law, Sherry Little (Mike); brother-in-law, Dave Fedell (Ellen); four Aunts; one Uncle; 17 cousins; six nieces; and three nephews. He also leaves behind a vast network of friends and associates. Dans only son describes him as, the toughest man I ever knew, and his lifelong love for his family, the outdoors, and animals was evident in all he chose to do. His loyalty and high expectations of self and others conveyed a standard of integrity and clarity which made him seem hard and crusty on the outside, with the heart of a giant teddy bear on the inside. He leaves a giant Dan-shaped hole in the hearts of those who knew and love him, and in the future of our community. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 3, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 4500 Jackson Blvd. Rapid City, with Rev. Brian Wendt officiating. Refreshments will follow at Canyon Lake Receptions and Catering. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial gifts be directed to the organization of choice.