Obituary of Reginald Alexander McRae

Reginald Alexander McRae passed away on the morning of Sunday May 14th, 2023 at the Strathmore hospital after battling liver cancer.

Reg is predeceased by his mother, father, and brother Finley. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Donna and two children Jeff (Sandra) McRae and Tiffeny (Tom) Sanden as well as his 7 grandchildren Daniel, Ethan, Scott, Jay, Eric, Dayna, and Kallie who he loved more than anything in the world. Reg loved being a father and grandfather and set a high bar for all of us.

Reg was a passionate, proud, complicated, intelligent, fun, caring man who started his life in Melita Manitoba January 4^th,1944. His family moved to Ashcroft and then Mission BC where he grew up playing flute in band and participating in air cadets where he earned his wings and enjoyed flying planes. He continued to play music throughout his life playing piano and guitar. He had heartfelt memories and told stories about his time in BC growing up. 

His family moved back to Elva Manitoba when he was 16 where he worked on the farms in the area. After high school he attended the University of Brandon where he achieved his registered nurse and registered psychiatric nursing designations. He continued his education becoming a member of the Canadian College of Health Service Executives as well as becoming certified in board governance.

He met Donna while working in Brandon Manitoba and the two moved across the prairies while he advanced his hospital career eventually building two hospitals including the one here in Strathmore where he was the administrator for several years. He sat on the board of the Alberta Hospital Association for many years. Reg exited the hospital world and spent the remainder of his career self-employed working with promotional products.

Reg loved to travel and was often in Mexico practicing his Spanish or travelling the world seeing all he could see with his family.

He had many lessons to teach us all and we are grateful to have had the privilege of having him in our lives.

 

At Dads request there will be no service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. We ask that you think of all the good memories with Reg, we know that would make him smile.