Matthew Kenneth McFarland
September 14, 1982 – December 28, 2012

Matthew was born on September 14, 1982 in Orange County California. He and his family moved to Virginia Beach in 1999. Matthew, a member of Green Run Baptist Church, loved the Lord Jesus and wanted others to love Christ as well. He often looked forward to worshipping through sermons and music. He also prayed for others as well as being prayed for. He truly loved his church family and the many church activities.

Although confined to a wheelchair he never thought of himself as disabled or felt sorry for himself. Matthew was very social and he enjoyed showing children and adults alike how his power wheelchair worked. He enjoyed attending sports events, shopping, movies and dancing in his wheelchair. He is now on his feet dancing with Jesus. Matthew enjoyed painting and other artistic projects. He regularly participated in the art program and spent time with his girlfriend Kim at the Skill Quest day program.

At West Neck ICF where he lived, he came to care for staff and care givers as extended family giving them directions and reminders.

Matthew previously attended Cerebral Palsy of Virginia activity and day camp. He enjoyed raising money and participating in the annual walk-a-thon. He liked coming home after church for lunch, activities and celebrations. Matthew had bright blue eyes, a big smile and a sense of humor that was infectious to all who him. He was an amazing young man who collected lighthouses and was a beacon of light and joy to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed!

Left to cherish his memories is his mother, Mary Preston and stepfather, Fred Preston, VA; father, Gregory McFarland, AZ; sisters, Amanda McFarland and her son, Liam Brenes, CA, Shannon and Arianna Preston, VA; brothers, Kyle and Addison Preston, VA; grandmother, Gayleen Bice, AZ; uncle, Dennis Griffin, AZ; aunt, Ruth and her husband Marv Sampson, AZ; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Green Run Baptist Church, 1201 S. Rosemont Rd., Virginia Beach, on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Green Run Baptist Church, Cerebral Palsy or you charity of choice.