Daniel Senn LaFar, Jr. “Dan” died on Thursday, March 3, 2022. Dan was born June 19, 1935 in Rock Hill, S.C. to the late Daniel Senn LaFar and Francis Marshall LaFar. Most people describe Dan as “always a gentleman”.
Dan’s childhood and early years were spent in Rock Hill and in the Camp Hill area of Pennsylvania during World War II. The family moved to Gastonia, N.C. in 1945 and Dan spent his years delivering the local daily newspaper and in scouting where he became an Eagle Scout and served as a counselor at Piedmont Boy Scout Camp for three summers. He graduated from Gastonia High School where he served as president of the Senior Class. Dan then attended Davidson College where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, elected to Phi Beta Kappa scholastic fraternity, served as President of The Student Body, and became a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1957. Dan then served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant and as a General’s Aide. After his military service, Dan entered Harvard Business School where he received his MBA degree.
Dan’s business career centered around the textile industry with a group of six yarn spinning mills each independently owned but operated by the LaFar family (under the name LaFar Industries) He worked closely in the business with his father Dan S. LaFar Sr., his uncle David R. LaFar Jr. (Doc), his 1st cousin David R. LaFar III, and later with his son Daniel S. LaFar III. Dan was active in the industry and became President of The American Yarn Spinners Association, the trade organization for the industry. He retired from the textile business in 2004.
Dan was born into the Presbyterian Church and served it in many areas and ways throughout his life. His deep, enduring Faith was always his driving force. As an active member at First Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, Dan served both as a Deacon and an Elder, and held numerous positions and involvements with many committees. He was recently active in the Hinderlite Bible Class. He was dedicated to the Wee Kirk Presbyterian Church in Linville during his summers. He also served as a member of The Board of Trustees of Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.
Dan was an avid golfer and many of his friendships and adventures revolved around golf. He began playing with his father at a young age and later played on the Davidson College Golf Team. After marrying Joyce in 1962, they played as couples most Sunday afternoons. He played regularly at Gaston Country Club and enjoyed many summer rounds at Linville Golf Club. Over the years, he especially enjoyed taking friends to play Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey, where he was also a member. Golf was something that he also enjoyed with his son Daniel. In addition to golf in Gastonia and Linville, they made many trips to Arizona for golf instruction and fun, as well as experienced many memorable rounds in Scotland and Ireland. Golf to Dan was more about fellowship than it was about the game. He made many friends throughout his life on the golf course. Additionally, some of Dan’s most fond recent memories were playing golf in Linville with his granddaughter Emily and planning another golf adventure to Scotland, this time with both Daniel and his grandson Taylor.
Besides golf, Dan was also an accomplished bridge player. He competed in bridge tournaments regularly both with Joyce and with others. He achieved his “Life Master” bridge certification in 2014.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joyce Taylor LaFar, his son Daniel S. LaFar III (wife Virginia), and his grandchildren Emily and Taylor. Dan is also survived by his brother Marshall (wife Dottie), along with his two nephews Marshall LaFar Jr. and Will LaFar.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM on Friday, March 11, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd, in Gastonia, with a reception to follow. Interment will be private.
Memorials may be offered in memory of Dan to First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia, 1621 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28054 or to Crossnore Communities for Children, 100 D A R Dr, Crossnore, NC 28616.
Condolence messages may be shared at www.McLeanFuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mr. LaFar.
Posted online on March 07, 2022
Published in Gaston Gazette