Ezra M. "Mac" Darville

Ezra McFarline "Mac" Darville, 75, of Quakertown, died at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, February 7, 2009, after battling cancer. Mac was the beloved husband of Susan Darville for 31 years.

Born on November 16, 1933, in Nassau, Bahamas, he was the son of the late Willard and Kathleen Darville. He grew up between New Providence and Long Island, Bahamas, where he would spend summers in Deadman’s Cay with an extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. There, his grandfather taught him to sail. He learned to enjoy fishing, though not with a pole, but holding onto the fishing line itself, "so you can feel the fish."

As a young man he was the successful owner / operator of the first Esso service station in Nassau.

He was able to repair any type of motor or engine, but lately, often complained that repair businesses were really "fitting" businesses--just fitting in replacement parts instead of truly making repairs.

Mac’s true talent and artistry was in restoring vehicles. He lovingly restored a 1954 Chevy Pick-up that was a family working truck for many years. And, he artistically restored a 1948 Jeepster that won many awards at local auto shows, but most importantly was the "limo" for his daughter’s wedding.

Mac loved calypso music and dancing, and he could play a mean saw. Like a cat with nine lives, he had so many adventures throughout his life . . . from boats blowing up out at sea, to changing a flat tire for Charlton Heston. His smile was quick, his laugh infectious, and he shared both easily.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four sons: David, and his wife, Naomi, of Point Pleasant, as well as their two children: James, of Point Pleasant, and Elisha, of Lansdale; Michael, of El Paso, Texas; Peter, and his wife, Hillary, as well as their two children: Alana and Amanda, all of Nassau, Bahamas; and Ryan, and his wife, Dorothy, of Stouffville, Ontario; his daughter, Talia, and her husband, Rowan, as well as their four children: Miriam; Irene; Cassia; and Edith, all of Sharon, Vermont; and his mother-in-law, Miriam Montgomery, of Point Pleasant.

He is also survived by numerous family members, including: Jimmy Knowles, Member of Parliament, of Nassau, Bahamas; and Hazel Johnson, of Seoul, Korea.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 7, 2009, in Doylestown Presbyterian Church, 127 East Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901. The family will greet friends after the service.

Memorial contributions in Mac’s name may be made to Doylestown Presbyterian Church Music Department, at the above address.