September 29, 1939 – July 9, 2016

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our Husband, Dad & Papa, Frank “Red” McRae. Red passed away on July 9, 2016 with Barb and family by his side at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice Home.
Red was born September 29, 1939 in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Frank Sr. and Dorothy McRae (both deceased). He was the youngest of 4 children, Jim, Betty (deceased) and Fran.
Red is survived by his large family. Children: Carrie (Brent Hamilton), Barbi (Terry Yakubowich), Frank, Rusty (Jenny), Misti Rode, Dori (Eron Wright)& Jodi Foss. Grandchildren: Dustin (Chrissy), Halina (Dainen) & Danica, Payden (Taylor), Wyatt & Kealee, Brianna & Kaylin, Alexandra, Kody & Katelyn, Jessica & Chelsea, Scarlett & Lilliana, Carter & Liam. Great Grandchild: Thea.
Red was working at CN Railway in the 1960’s when he met colleague Colin Stewart, who became his best friend. Red and Colin left their jobs at CN and ended up at Colin’s parents home where Red met Colin’s little sister Barb. The boys joined the Canadian Navy from there and were joined by the Stewart family in Victoria where they were stationed. It was at that time, Red began dating Barb and their lives began together. Red and Barb were married on September 1, 1962. While Red was in the navy they had 6 children from 1963 to 1971. Years later they made their way to Kamloops which become their final home and where they raised their children. Red spent years employed by Weyerhaeuser which ended as a result of a serious work accident in October 1996. He was just 57 years old at the time of the accident and never returned to work after. His final and favorite “job” became Papa Daycare and taxi to his grandchildren.
Red was first and foremost a family man. He worked hard to care for his family. Barb was his life and he loved her with everything he had. He devoted his life to Barb and their 6 children, later adding a “keeper” daughter in Jodi, making it 7 children in total. Although Jodi was not their biological daughter, she was theirs to keep. Him and Barb always included the neighbourhood children and everyone always had a safe place to go. Their door was always open for those in need. Today, several of those children are grown with families of their own and still call him Dad. Red always knew when someone was in need, even when they didn’t realize it themselves. He was always there to pick up the pieces for others and make everything better.
Red will be missed. His family will always remember his beautiful voice singing in the kitchen while he made breakfast and coffee. His goofy sense of humor and relentless tickles until you said “oogy googy goo, I love you” to make him stop. His big hands which he would place on your head to rub when you had a headache, or that shoulder to cry on when you needed. You never had to ask, he just knew. Red was one of the most compassionate people you could ever meet. He left a mark on the path of everyone he met. He was a protector, a teacher and most of all, the strongest man anyone who met him ever knew. He volunteered his time with Kamloops Minor Hockey, the Kamloops Blazers and with the Norkam Music Department.
Memorial services to be held at the Kamloops Funeral Home on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 2pm. Barb and the family are requesting in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home in his honor. Thank you to the staff for their amazing care and compassion on his last few days. You were the strength we all needed. We would also like to thank his family doctor, Dr. Brenda Laupland for such amazing care over these past few years.
Condolences may be expressed at www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2016-07-09
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.