William Frederick MCRAE

McRAE, William Frederick "Bill" At 3:29 p.m. Friday March 28, 2008, Bill served out his last tennis match of life, a ferocious competitor to the end against cancer, the score, with his family at his bedside, love, love, and more love. He was in his 86th year. Predeceased (in 2006) by his beloved wife of 60 years, Betty. He is survived by his children Earl (Marlene), Christine, Bill (Loretta), Bob (Sylvie), Laurie (Larry), and Steve (Mei). Also his daughters-in-law Patricia and Beverly, grandchildren Jill, Robert, Neil, Dave, Caitlin, Marlee, Jordan (Lindsay), Angie, Billy, Charlie, Lindsay, Scott, and great-grandchild Hayden. Predeceased by grandchild, baby Lauren. Survived as well by sisters-in-law Muriel (Blyth) and Joyce (Blyth). Born in Ottawa, the son of William McRae and Rose Filiatrault, Bill served at sea with the Royal Canadian Navy in World War Two followed by lengthy service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, retiring as a Flight Lieutenant. He then taught math and science for several years at Ottawa Tech. A superb athlete, Bill, a graduate in chemical engineering from Queen's University, both coached and played tennis, winning numerous singles championships, including that of the United States Air Force when in the early 1960s he was stationed in Tennessee as part of the American areospace program, working on the Redstone rocket. Before joining the Navy, Bill played goal in hockey, leading his Ottawa Junior Canadians to the Memorial Cup semi-finals. His champion Naval team at Cornwallis boasted such NHLers in the uniform of their country as Bob Goldham, Gaye Stewart, and Joe Klukay. When he was in his late 60s, Bill entered and completed three, full distance, Ottawa Marathons. Golf is one sport that won't miss him, especially his airborne clubs. Bill continued to play winning tennis (doubles) every morning of the week in the summer and, up until his recent illness, twice a week indoors in winter. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Paul Hacker and the medical staff at Queensway-Carleton Hospital, and also to Dr. Virginia Herdon. Family will receive friends on Wednesday April 2 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Pinecrest Visitation Centre, 2500 Baseline Rd. Ottawa. Funeral service will be Thursday April 3 at 11 a.m. in the Pinecrest Chapel. A reception will follow Bill's interment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the charity of one's choice. Published in the Ottawa Citizen from 3/30/2008 - 3/31/2008