Roland Moncrief McFarland

Born March 24th, 1937, in the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota. Roland Moncrief McFarland graduated from St. Paul Central high school. Roland was a great athlete, but even at an early age, his mind had turned from the fields of play and allowed his artistic expression to become real through his hands. His love of art through multiple media expressions allowed his talent, and his expression the ability to travel around the world.

His artistic expression gave him a remarkably successful career as a graphic designer working for General Dynamics around the globe. It is his time in the Middle East and Africa, where he made prolific numbers of art pieces that were inspirational in nature. It is in these pieces of jazz, musicians, women in the marketplace, children, baseball, and other subjects he found a great amount of joy. Upon retiring from his corporate career, he made his home in California. It was there in California, where he continued to teach, offer seminars, and enjoyed meeting fellow artists at festivals and shows.

In 2010 Roland was commissioned for a special sculpture piece by the pan, African community endowment and former St. Paul foundation in St. Paul Minnesota. The sculpture was to be an award for outstanding citizens and their impact on the local Twin Cities community. This award was to be known “Legacy” award.

Along with the sculpture, the inscription on the plaque red as follows:

“As I began my path, my eyes were focused on my job was clearly set on the road ahead. It was then that I started out I became unsure about the toll, but then I remembered I had been given a powerful gift called legacy. It was the gift of legacy that created the road, and allowed me to walk on the path, it is now since I have gained some distance from my starting point that I realize that the toll is not the cost. It is the gift of legacy debt that I owe, and it is my duty as legacy to improve the road that others may travel on after me!”

Justice Alan C. Page received the award on May 18, 2011. Although his illness prevented him from attending the legacy award ceremony, his contributions helped the event stand out.

On January 11, 2013, Roland Moncrief McFarland passed away. With dignity and divine guidance, Roland Moncrief McFarland completed the journey that all must undertake. The joy he shared through his work, with his life, humor, love for home and family remains and is legacy gift for all to enjoy.

He was and is my Uncle and I am and will always be his nephew, the way the universe intended it to be!

Mac..