John Ross McRae, 90, of Spokane and formerly Deer Park, passed away on February 22, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born to Frank McRae and Mabel Emerson McRae (Wilkins), on December 28, 1932, in Los Angeles. At age 17, he went to live with family in Edwall, Washington, where he met his wife-to-be, Shirley Kintschi, and graduated from Edwall High School in 1951. John served for two years in the U.S. Navy, where he sailed throughout the Western Pacific aboard the USS Lyman K. Swenson and often shared stories of his adventures on the high seas. John and Shirley were married in 1954. After leaving the Navy John was employed by Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company (now Lumen), until he retired in 1995.
John was passionate about caring for his family. He designed and constructed the family’s home near Deer Park in 1976, where they lived for over 40 years. John also helped build the Grace Church of Deer Park, where he served as a Deacon for many years.
The family has fond memories of vacations spent camping, fishing, hiking, and a special trip to Disneyland. John loved spending time with his grandchildren, taking them on walks, tossing a softball, helping them with the computer, flying kites, going sledding, and reading their favorite stories. He also enjoyed attending their sporting events and music concerts through the years.
John will be deeply missed by wife Shirley and their four children – Connie Whitehead (Jerry), Russ McRae (Cherylyn), Terri McRae, and Christy McCloy (John). He is also survived by grandchildren Kelly (Lisa & son Gabe French), Casey, and Ryan Whitehead; Megan and Trevor McRae; Tanner and Dana Parkin; and Maxwell, Gavin, and Henry McCloy. John was greeted in heaven by grandson Connor McRae, parents Frank McRae and Mabel Wilkins (Chris), and sister Betty Black.
A military honors service will be held at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake on June 16 at 2:30 pm, followed by a memorial service at Grace Church of Deer Park on June 17 at 2:00 pm.
