Obituary of Gordon McRae

On Friday March 20, 2020, Gordon George McRae, at the age of 66, passed away suddenly of a heart attack in the comfort of his home in Birch Hills, SK. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, and so much more to so many. Gord was born on September 15, 1953 in Craik, SK and was the 2nd baby born in the Craik hospital. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 43 years, together for 47 years, Bonnie; his daughter Tara and her daughter Ashley (Jazz) and grand daughter Aiyanna, her daughter Kayla (Tristen) and grandson Jackson, and her daughter Victoria and step-sons Everett & Ethan Havet; his son Geoffrey (Colleen) and their daughters Katie, Abigail and Hailey; his son David (Shannon) and their daughter Adriana and son Lorne; his brother Donald McRae; his sister Sharon Miller; his father-in-law Frank Greter; siblings-in-law Terry (Beverley) Greter, Randy (Anita) Greter, and Robert Bailey; as well as numerous nephews and nieces and their families in both Saskatchewan and Alberta. He was predeceased by his parents Adriannah and Lorne McRae, his mother-in-law Katharina Greter, sister-in-law Katharina Bailey, brother-in-law Chris Miller, and his beloved sidekick Brandy (AKA Rat Dog). Gordie was a proud farmer on the family farm in Aylesbury, SK. He enjoyed various careers working at Sakundiak in Regina, Repski’s Manufacturing, Harvest Service and Co-op in Craik, and on occasion worked at the Aylesbury hotel, Silviba Services and Big Al’s in Prince Albert. One of Gord’s favourite jobs was 13 years of driving school bus. Getting the kids to and from school safely was his top priority. He moved to Prince Albert in 1992 to obtain his education and career in the Forestry and Environmental sectors, holding a position as Echo Charlie with the Ministry of the Environment. Gord enjoyed many things throughout his life. In his early years he participated in various sports such as ball, hockey and broomball. He loved camping and all the related outdoor activities like fishing and canoeing. In his youth he enjoyed his parent’s cabin at Lovern Lake near Chamberlain and later that became a favourite camping spot for his family and friends while his children attended two weeks of swimming lessons each summer. He was a Chamberlain Elks member and enjoyed many social activities and parties in the close community of Chamberlain with his family and friends throughout his life. In Prince Albert the lake nearby called Struthers Lake became his family’s fun zone with campers all gathered closely. Gordie welcomed all to this oasis and friends from far and near enjoyed his hospitality. As in true Saskatchewan style he was an avid Rider Fan and even had the TV at the lake to watch the games. At the 2013 Grey Cup he volunteered for a week’s worth of practice in minus 30 degree weather to be part of the team responsible for getting the half time show on and off the field! As well he sported a great jersey in tribute to his second favourite team the Toronto Maple Leafs. Those fortunate enough to know Gordie remember his wit and humour with his one liners that he delivered followed by his Gordie chuckle. Gordie was also a collector: he had a colossal number of pins, trains, McDonald’s toys and hockey cards with his most valuable collection the hearts that will always remain his. 2019 saw Gordon celebrate his 65th birthday, 43rd wedding anniversary and his final Christmas with his family. Christmas was his favourite time of the year. He would set up his train set all around the big Christmas tree and have a village of people in the middle. Gordon had chosen to donate his body to the University of Saskatchewan to the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology for the purposes of teaching and research. Donations in Gordon’s memory may be made toward a memorial spot at Struthers Lake, Gordie’s “home away from home”, care of gmcraememorial@gmail.com. Due to the current state of emergency a Celebration of Gord’s Life will be held at a later date. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.