JOHN “JACK” ARCHIBALD McRAE
DECEMBER 19th, 1927 - JUNE 23rd, 2016
Our Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Husband Jack left us peacefully on June 23rd, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.
Left to celebrate his life are his wife Margaret who shared with him a happy and loving 65 years of marriage; daughter Janet (Jack Sawicki) London (here), grandson Ryan (Chantal) London (here), great granddaughters Abigail and Addison, grandson Justin (Jody) Hamilton (here), great grandson Charlie Jack; son John (Bev), grandsons John and Anthony, granddaughter Veronica (Matt); son Ralph (Cindy Kurvitz), grandsons Jacob and Trevor.
Dad was born on December 19th, 1927 to Annie and John McRae in the family home on Margaret Street. Dad started working at the young age of 15 at Abitibi Provincial Papers where he spent the next 44 years. At the age of 59 he retired as a Millwright Supervisor. Dad made many lifelong friends during his time at the Mill and spoke fondly of them throughout his life. Family was most important to Dad and he never missed the events in our lives. He was always available to offer advice and a helping hand. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and the accomplishments in their lives.
Dad enjoyed hunting, fishing and ice fishing. His most memorable experiences were fishing on Lake Nipigon with his good friend Jimmy Warren and his yearly fly-in fishing trips with his brother-in-law John Smykalski and the gang from Sturgeon Timber. Dad looked forward to the annual moose hunting trip at the hunt camp on the Dog River with his sons and grandsons. Most of his time was spent at the family camp at Pine Point, Lac Des Milles Lac, which was a gathering place every summer for family and their many friends. Grampa taught the grandkids to enjoy the outdoors including fishing and swimming. He always said this was his “Heaven On Earth”.
Dad was predeceased by his parents Annie and John, sisters Florence Lane and Penny Geike, in-laws Mary and Bill Holigan, brothers-in-law Stan, Mike and Bill Smykalski and nephew Ricky Smykalski.
Other surviving family members are brother-in-law John Smykalski and wife Shirley, brother-in-law Georgie Holigan, sister-in-law Lorraine Smykalski, cousins Jim Holt (Cheryl) and Barbara Vester, Jamie Holt and godson Peter Holt as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Dad is also survived by his lifelong friends Don Guerrieri and Norm Wright.
Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Skunta and the wonderful nurses at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital who cared for Dad with kindness and compassion.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held in the Reception Hall of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street on Wednesday, June 29th from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. The family gratefully declines flowers; however donations to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
