William Douglas 'Bill' MacRae
Born In: West Middle River, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: May 16th, 1942
Passed in: Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: September 13th, 2012
William Douglas ‘Bill’ MacRae with family by his side, as they had been for the many years of his debilitating illness, Progressive Supraneural Palsy, Bill passed away Sept. 13, 2012, in Colchester Regional Hospital.
Born May 16, 1942, in West Middle River to parents Douglas and Katherine (Shaw) MacRae, Bill was a hard-working man who worked with automobiles and machinery all his life in companies such as Vantage Motors, Stewart Pontiac and Wilsons Heavy Equipment in Truro.
In Toronto, he maintained the fleet for Loomis Courier, and in later years owned and operated Morningstar Automotive in Hilden. In addition to his love for cars, engines and riding his beloved motorcycles, Bill had a love of music, a wide-ranging interest in the world, and read extensively. He was fascinated by the behaviour of birds and animals — crows in particular due to their high intelligence and organization.
In later years at Vimy Court Nursing Home, the dog, Timbit, was a cheerful visitor, redeeming himself after previous conflicts caused by a shared, but overly enthusiastic, interest in Bill’s squirrels and crows. Bill was proud of his Scottish heritage, marching with his daughters at a special event in New Glasgow. He was a strong competitor at Truro Rifle and Revolver Club, and served as a volunteer fireman in Hilden.
Throughout his difficult illness Bill taught us all a lesson in living and dying, through inner strength, endurance, quick willingness to laugh, and his pleasure in recognizing the love, loyalty and support of his family.
Bill is survived by wife, Alvina (Matheson); daughters Wendy and Debbie; brother, Thomas (Sue Burton); sisters, Elaine, and Martha (Mike) Monteith; nephews, Douglas and Findlay, as well as brothers-in-law, Terry (Donna Buckley) Blackstone and Gus Matheson and their families.
Bill was predeceased by father, Douglas, 1968, mother, Katherine,1989, and infant son, Kirk Douglas, 1964, as well as his mother-in-law, Kathleen, 1983 and father-in-law, Donald Matheson, 1989.
Very special thanks to the staff of Vimy Court for their wonderful care and to the palliative care staff at Colchester Regional Hospital.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation with reception will be Tuesday, Sept 18, 7-9 p.m. at Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. A graveside service will be held in Middle River at a later date. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made towards research at the Parkinsons Society, Maritime Region, 7071 Bayers Rd., Suite 150, Halifax, N.S., B3L 2C2.
Donations and condolences may also be sent by visiting www.colchestercommunity.com.
