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George Alexander MacRae

  • September 12, 1917 - June 7, 2010
  • Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Memories & Candles

“I was sad to just learn of Mr. MacRae's passing. We met when he came to visit the Air Force Academy in 2005 and had conversed via email off and on...Read More » ”
1 of 15 | Posted by: Jason Clayton - Wheatland, CA

“I was blessed to know George MacRae as a mentor and a friend who offered me his encouragement and support. He will be missed. I will honor George’s...Read More » ”
2 of 15 | Posted by: Bruce Burlingham - Lynwood, IL

“We are so lucky to have shared time with George and Gloria here in Cape Breton over the years. As one of the "elder statesmen" of Mom's MacRae...Read More » ”
3 of 15 | Posted by: Gordon, Pat, Kristin, Philip & Lauren Matheson

“While I have only had the pleasure of knowing George for a short while in the grand scheme of things, I have known many other men cut from the same...Read More » ”
4 of 15 | Posted by: Chris Biache - West Trenton, NJ

“I'll remember George as a unique relative with whom I shared our athletic experiences. He is a perfect example of someone who followed his passions...Read More » ”
5 of 15 | Posted by: Joan Matheson - Halifax

“George was a great man, kind, gentle, smart, strong and a warrior with honor. I was blessed to have him as my room mate last year when 4 of the...Read More » ”
6 of 15 | Posted by: Louie Marsh - Kingman, AZ

“Dear Gloria, I was so shocked to hear of George's passing..I believe I thought he could go on forever.We will all miss his enthusiasm for life in...Read More » ”
7 of 15 | Posted by: Linda MacRae - Baddeck

“Our sincere sympathy to Gloria and family.We were some of the fortunate"relatives" to have met George when he vivited Baddeck. ”
8 of 15 | Posted by: Sally & Winston Cameron - Baddeck

“Glad to have George pass through our lives and enrich it ”
9 of 15 | Posted by: Vi Collier - CA

“A profound gentleman, father and husband. So quiet; so much quiet admiration. Bob ”
10 of 15 | Posted by: Robert Bruce Felty - VA

“God Bless George & Family !! Semper Fi to a Marine & fellow Scot/American. It was always an Honor & Pleasure to march with, be with, and share a...Read More » ”
11 of 15 | Posted by: Jim & Claire Ogilvie - Cibolo, TX

“We are truly blessed that we had the fortune in our lives to become friends with such a great man. George will be missed by the many people whose...Read More » ”
12 of 15 | Posted by: Jeanne and Steve Lovett Oromocto

“George was a special and caring person. On numerous occasions, we had the pleasure of his company and enjoyed listening to a number of his stories...Read More » ”
13 of 15 | Posted by: Roy and Cekine Rivers - VA

“We are truly blessed that we had the fortune in our lives to become friends with such a great man. George will be missed by the many people whose...Read More » ”
14 of 15 | Posted by: Jeanne and Steve Lovett - VA

“George was a man who we admired. He was a Marine through and through. We will miss him. As Carol would say, He was a such a lovely man. I loved to...Read More » ”
15 of 15 | Posted by: Wayne and Carol Buck - Norfolk, VA


George Alexander MacRae, succumbed to illness June 7, 2010, at the age of 92. Survivors include his wife Gloria; sons, Robert Bruce and Donald Robert (wife Karen); grandsons, Craig (Carrie) and Eric (Patti); and great grandchildren, Nicole, Justin and Megan; nephews, Bruce, Barry, Rob and Val. He was predeceased by parents, Donald A. and Emmy Elva Paine; daughter, Jennifer Allison; daughter-in-law, Madonna; and brother, Robert G. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he was a survivor of the "Halifax Explosion" and evacuated to Baddeck where several cousins and relatives live today. His father, Col. Donald Alexander MacRae, was wounded in WWI and later moved the family to southern California. George was a track athlete in high school, Glendale Junior College (news accounts referred to his as the "Glendale Greyhound" and was awarded a "golden shoe"), and received a track scholarship to LSU in Baton Rouge, LA. He set records at each school and ran (but lost) against Olympic runner Glen Cunningham. He enlisted as a Marine in WWII and transferred to the US Marine Raiders. He spent 2 years in and out of hospitals after being wounded and losing use of one arm. With help from his Mother, he became a "leftie" and found employment with Lockheed, Dumont Aviation and Queen's Medical Center. He was a certified Purchasing Manager. He lived in Cape Breton Island, Harbor Springs, Michigan, Glendale, Catalina Island and Honolulu, retiring to Virginia Beach. He was an amateur photographer, loved sailing and golf. He served as Assistant and later Curator of the Marine Raider Museum now located at Quantico, and was active in the Raider Association fielding numerous inquiries regarding raiders and their service; former Chieftain of Caledonian Society of Hawaii, member of Clan MacRae of North America, St. Andrews Society, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, FRA Branch 99 of Virginia Beach, and Scottish Society of Tidewater. He was a guest speaker and received many awards and citations from military and historical groups. He will be remembered by many for his signature jacket and special hats, and for his ramrod straight marine posture. A memorial service will be conducted Friday at 2 p.m. at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church with Father Mark Wilkinson officiating. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Aidan's Episcopal Church or the Marine Raider Association.