Suddenly at Maplewood Retire
ment Residence on May 2, 2020 at the age of 91. Son of Thomas and Meta Brown, Rae was born in Coupar Angus Perthshire, Scotland on 10 June 1928. The son of a local printer stationer, he grew up as one of a family of six children. Following his time at Perth Academy, Rae served in the RAF spending time in Egypt. On release from conscription Rae returned home where he met and married Isabelle Johnston. Finding his employment in the jute mills of Dundee unfulfilling, and with the birth of his son Gavin (Judith) in 1955, Rae applied to join the RCAF, a decision which would prove to shape his future career. With his posting to the Maritimes, Rae completed officer training and a degree at the University of New Brunswick. Joined now by his son James and daughter Janet, the family moved to Ottawa and then to a posting in Germany in 1965. Rae returned to Ottawa in 1969 and was again posted to Germany in 1971 where he, now separated from Isabelle, was joined by his sons. Returning to Canada in 1975, Rae served at NDHQ until his return to Germany in 1980 where he served with NATO forces at Ramstein. He returned to Ottawa in 1984 where he served until his retirement, having reached the rank of Major. Retirement opened a new chapter for Rae. Now remarried and with a new family of step children, David (Anna), Carleen (Ron Ridley) and Janice (Graham Root), Rae devoted his time to his love of sport, in particular golf and curling, and was a long time member of Hylands Golf Club and the Ottawa Curling Club. Rae was devoted to his four grandchildren from New Zealand, Iain (Stina), Anthony (Megan), Kate (Trent Gurau ) and Heather, as well as his great grand children Elsie and Edmund, his two grandchildren from Jersey, Kayra and Devin, and found immense joy in participating in the day to day raising of his Ottawa grandchildren, Brayden (Nancy Li) and Kendra (Connor Johnson). A modest and unassuming man, Rae’s quiet humour and wisdom will be sadly missed by those who were privileged to be a part of his life.
Digital Guestbook
Jen C. Cranston
Michael Loewen
Whether we were sharing dinner and drinks in his loft or around the Ottawa Curling Club, our years spent as members together were always full of lively spirit and competition.
Sandra Chisholm
Whether we were kibitzing at the Ottawa Curling Club (where he was quite the fixture) or bumping into one another on the golf links, I always loved spending time with Rae. He was exceptional in his knowledge of the rules of golf as he made his way up the volunteer ranks as a rules official. We had some great conversations about my visit with Jamie in Edinburgh. My heartfelt condolences to all the family.
Janice Moore
Rae was a loving, generous and principled man, someone I came to respect deeply over the years I knew him. Though living on different continents for the last several decades, Rae was always engaging and took a keen interest in our lives. Most recently my son Kayra, whom Rae was the third person to hold when he was born and with whom we stayed, got a chance to get to know him while in Canada (thanks to my sister Carleen). Sending our love and thoughts to everyone whose lives he touched.
Sarah Hearn
I knew Rae through his son, James, a long time friend. In 1980 when James and I were both doing post-grad work in Scotland, Rae kindly invited me to spend Easter vacation with him and James in Ramstein. He was a warm and generous man, making sure I enjoyed my first-ever visit to Germany. Although I lost touch with Rae over the years, I kept up with him through James. I was so sorry to hear of his passing, and send my deepest condolences to his whole family.
Victoria, Bob and Graham Ridley
Rae was a lovely man, and we were privileged to know him. Quiet as he was, we'll certainly miss him when the families get back together again.
Michèle Taché
Carleen,
A few brief conversations at the dining room table at Maplewood were enough to convince me Mr. Brown was humble, witty and wise! May the fond memories ease the sorrow in time...
Steve & Patricia Mitchell
We enjoyed many memorable and fun mixed curling games together with Rae that extended over several years at the Ottawa Curling Club. Rae was true competitor and gentleman both on and off the curling ice. Rae conveyed many interesting and funny stories over the years after our curling games.
Our sincere condolences to Rae's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to all of Rae's family. Shared a dining table with Rae at Maplewood for over a year and, as a fellow Scot, reminisced with him about our old Scottish traditions, language foibles and growing up in Scotland during the war years. His enthusiasm for his beloved sports was ever present. I shall miss his dry humour and his quiet presence.