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Rae

1947 - 2013

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel - Rae(2013)
It is with sadness that the family of William (Bill)?Spencer Rae, beloved husband of MaryEllen, announce his passing on Saturday, August 24, 2013, at the age of 66 years.  Bill was born on February 14, 1947.  His mother Marian called him, “the best Valentine she ever received”.  Bill spent 30 years with the Medicine Hat School District, No. 76 beginning his career as a Phys. Ed. teacher at River Heights and retiring in 2002 as Deputy Superintendent. Bill was a passionate educator, always putting the needs of his teachers and students first. He supported all students and ensured each student had a place and found their way. Bill’s professional associations were many including provincial appointments and serving on the Medicine Hat College Board of Governors, but his love for Medicine Hat High School was unparalleled. His blood flowed green and white. Bill was a devoted son, a cherished husband, a loving father and a caring Papa. His family was often on the receiving end of his many pranks, particularly his sister, Betty Ann. Bill spent countless hours in the water with Tyler and Erica at Riverside Pool and Flathead Lake as well as long walks in Police Point Park and along the river. He was a talented cook and many family and friends were treated to tasty meals he had prepared. In more recent years, Papa Bill often had a grandchild curled up in his lap reading stories or he could be found up at the crack of dawn scrambling eggs and making waffles on sleepover mornings. Being outside, whether in the Cypress Coulees, the mountains of Montana, the South Saskatchewan river or his beloved garden was where Bill was most at home. He was proud of his tomatoes, hot peppers and his beautiful fragrant roses of all colors and varieties. Always generous, Bill often shared baskets of produce and flowers from his garden with family and friends. After retiring, Bill found his way into a number of ‘big kitchens’ and treasured his time cooking at ‘Splash Camp’ and for Core Association. Memories of Bill will forever be cherished by his wife of 45 years, MaryEllen; mother, Marian; children, Tyler and his wife, Kim; Erica and her husband Bob; and grandchildren, Kassidy, Kiera, Kobe, Grace and Fred who will carry forward loving moments of their precious Papa. He will also be remembered by his brothers, Keith (Mary), Bruce (Kathy); brother-in-law, Bob (Sandy); nieces, nephews, cousins and the Montana family. He was predeceased by his sister, Betty Ann and his father, Spencer. Bill will be loved and remembered always.  A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Carriage House (Stampede Grounds) 2055 - 21 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat on Thursday, August 29, 2013 beginning at 3:00 P.M., followed by a BBQ. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Bill’s name directly to the Core Association, 412 - 3 Street S.E., Medicine Hat,   T1A 0H1.



 

  1. Bernadette Kinch:
    Aug 28, 2013 at 03:08 PM

    Dear MaryEllen, I was very sad to hear of Bill's passing. Please know that I am thinking of you and will pray for you and your family. Sincerely, Bernadette Kinch

  2. Barry and Mavis Haysom:
    Aug 29, 2013 at 10:08 PM

    MaryEllen and family, Marian, Keith and Bruce and families, our deepest sympathies on your loss of Bill who we were just getting reacquainted with since returning to the Hat. We also regret not being able to attend the Celebration of Bill's Life today but our hearts were with you all.

  3. Diane and Jerry Smith:
    Aug 29, 2013 at 08:08 PM

    We were saddened to learn of Bill's death. Our thoughts go out to you and your family. We hope that as you mourn your loss your memories and the sharing of them will help bring you comfort and peace and give you renewed strength for tomorrow. With our sympathy to you all

  4. Shelly Longmore:
    Aug 29, 2013 at 07:08 PM

    I would like to share my heart with you at this difficult time and thank you for Bill's contribution to our education system. I had three sons who attended Medicine Hat High and I will always have such a deep respect and appreciation for Bill's influence in their education. I trust that your family will have an immeasurable number of fond memories to keep his love close to you in times of feeling his absence. He will always be close because you hold him in your hearts. Xoxo

  5. Wayne and Penny Sinclair.:
    Aug 29, 2013 at 03:08 PM

    Mary Ellen and Family
    it is with great sadness in our hearts that we have been notified of Bill's passing. We are unable to attend the Celebration of Bill' s life as we are away. Know we will be thinking of you, your family and friends today as you celebrate Bill's life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. We have so many fond memories of fun times together including us visiting with you and Bill at the end of our honeymoon 42 years ago sleeping in the kitchen in your apartment and meeting your family Mary Ellen. Our trip driving all night out to the Humphries wedding . These are just some of the many times we will never forget.
    Bless you all Wayne and Penny Sinclair

  6. Richard & Dorelle Brooks:
    Aug 29, 2013 at 03:08 PM

    With sad hearts we send our sympathies to you MaryEllen and the family at this time. We so appreciated Bill as an educational leader in our community and a friend. He was instrumental in the lives of both of our children and a colleague I respected in my career. I loved working with Bill at Vincent Massey and there recognized how one person can be a major force in a school community. We hope you'll find comfort in the friends and family who will gather to comfort and share with you the goodness of Bill's life and its impact on so many people. Love and prayers, Dick & Dorelle

  7. Dave and Marilyn Humphries:
    Aug 29, 2013 at 04:08 AM

    We were saddened to hear of Bill's passing through the Medicine Hat News and phone calls from friends. While we have not been in Alberta for some 20 years now, we have many fond memories. I think that the person who wrote the obituary did an excellent job, as the words kindled thoughts of our past relationship. We both pass on condolences to the family, and we are sorry that we are unable to attend the services. Bill left us all much too early. His friends will miss him and his high energy spirits that often led to high jinks. I recall that if he did not invent the game of "spoons", he sure led the pack in enjoying it. Best wishes to all on this sad day. DRH

  8. Donna Martin:
    Aug 29, 2013 at 03:08 AM

    Tyler, Kim and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the passing of your dad, Bill. Treasure the memories. Donna and Larry Martin

  9. Thinking of You:
    Aug 28, 2013 at 05:08 PM

    Bill was a gentle, kind man. His quiet unknown acts of kindness to others were our joy and now his reward. Sd76 has yet to find someone quite as caring and capable. He cared about people and helped lead when when we were looked up to. He put people, not reputation or fear of what others thought first. Rest well Bill. Your earthly cares and pain are over. God bless you Mary Ellen

  10. Glen Giduk:
    Aug 26, 2013 at 01:08 PM

    MaryEllen, Tyler, and Erica: I wanted to let you know that I was greatly shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. For 40 years, I considered Bill to be a colleague, mentor, and friend. Working together at Alexandra Junior High School were times that I will always treasure and value. Bill was truly a servant-leader. To paraphrase Robert Greenleaf, Bill possessed a natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. This attribute is very different than those of other leaders. Bill was never driven by power drives or the need to acquire material possessions. From a personal perspective, Bill was able to get people to a higher level by leading people at a higher level. Several weeks ago, Bill and I had the opportunity to have coffee, together. We reminisced about our times at Alexandra, and Medicine Hat Public School District. I think we both agreed that we were very fortunate to have served thousands of children in this community. Bill was special. Shakespeare's Hamlet said it best. "He was a man for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again." "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

  11. Lewie@Sandy VinnishThinking of You:
    Aug 28, 2013 at 04:08 AM

    Dear MaryEllen, Tyler and Family, Erica and Family: So Saddened to hear of Bill's passing. So many GREAT memories of him on 8th Street as a great neighbor and friend. We know you will all miss him dearly. He was a humble servant to many! Bill will forever be in our memories and hearts!! God Bless you all! Sweet PEACE be yours!!
    Love from the Vinnish Family.

  12. Wayne Johnson:
    Aug 28, 2013 at 01:08 AM

    Bill will always be in my mind and prayers as a special person/friend known to me for over 40 years. Bill was always special to our family as a friendly and devoted friend, father, grandfather and husband. May God richly bless Bill in heaven where he is in peace and with excellent health. I can see him now discussing the scriptures with his fellow saints, as he knew the bible well thanks in part to his devoted and faithful wife, Mary Ellen. I will look forward to the day when I can again meet Bill and he can give me a tour of heaven.
    With Love, Wayne Johnson

  13. The Hamby Family:
    Aug 28, 2013 at 12:08 AM

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. The Hamby Family

  14. Sharon S:
    Aug 27, 2013 at 05:08 PM

    Dear Mary Ellen:
    I'm very sorry to hear Bill passed away. Know that others are thinking of you with warm thoughts of peace.
    Sharon S

  15. Elaine Shand:
    Aug 27, 2013 at 12:08 AM

    Very saddened to hear of "Mr. Rae's" passing. I feel so fortunate to have been one of his students, from that first year at River Heights School right through to the green and white era. I cherish fond memories of his twinkle and grin, no matter what he was trying to get through to us! His passion for teaching made learning such fun. He was an amazing educator and made a tremendous difference to so many. I will always appreciate the positive influence he had on my education. Sincere condolences to all.

  16. Lilas Litousky:
    Aug 26, 2013 at 11:08 PM

    My mother Mary and I are both saddened to hear of the passing of Bill. We both first met him at Alexandra Jr. High where my mom was a Teacher's Aid and I, a student. Bill was always kind, fair, and possessed a humble understanding for those he served. He could make decisions with that delicate balance of heart and intellect which made him a wonderful Principal to both staff and students. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.

  17. Jacquie Doran:
    Aug 26, 2013 at 06:08 PM

    Dear MaryEllen and Family,
    We were so very sad to hear of Bill's passing. We have fond memories of our acquaintance with you both through the MHC Board of Director years. What a wonderful guy Bill was, taken much to soon. You are in our thoughts and prayers and may your many good memories together be a comfort to you.
    Take care of yourselves.
    With deepest sympathy,
    Jacquie & Terry Doran, Bow Island, AB.

  18. Betty & Jim Horsman:
    Aug 26, 2013 at 04:08 PM

    Betty & I extend our sincere sympathy on Bill's passing. He has made a significant contribution to education in Medicine Hat and will be missed by many whose lives he touched. The Rae garden is much admired by friends and neighbors. Our thoughts are with the family and know that he will be missed by a host of friends and colleagues.
    Betty & Jim Horsman