WILLIAM ‘BILL’ SPENCER RAE

February 14, 1947 ~ August 24, 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 and made school ‘work’ for all students. 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. 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.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com)  Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta  T1A 4V4.  Phone 403-527-6455.