Long time Comox Valley resident Douglas Kenneth McRae, a proud teacher, wordsmith, and genealogist, passed away after a brief illness on May 15th, 2019. Having recently returned from a winter in Mexico and preparing to enjoy his convertible for the coming summer, he left with a life well lived.
Doug was born in Chilliwack on February 5th, 1941 to Gertrude and Gordon McRae, and though his father died in WW II, he grew up enjoying an active childhood in the Fraser Valley. After graduation from high school, he gained his teaching degree from the University of Victoria and moved to the Comox Valley in 1966 to begin his career. First teaching at Robb Road, he soon moved to the recently opened GP Vanier High School where he taught in the Social Studies Department until his retirement in 2000.
He is survived by his daughter, Katie McRae of Courtenay; son and daughter-in-law, Don and Deanne McRae of Courtenay; granddaughters, Gracie and Chloe McRae; brother, David McRae of Aldergrove; sister Margaret Kristjanson of Sardis; and his Mexican rescue cat, Sweetie. Doug was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Hugh McRae.
Doug loved to explore, whether travelling across the Pacific Northwest by RV or boat, visiting Asia, Europe, or his beloved Baja Peninsula in Mexico. He loved to meet new people and old friends, take photos, and see what was around the next corner.
His loud, deep voice and hearty laugh will be missed by all who knew him.
A service will be held on Saturday June 22nd, 2019 in the Courtenay Legion Hall at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the GP Vanier Alumni Association at local branches of the Coastal Community Credit Union.
Additional Photo(s):
