Douglas MITCHELL

MITCHELL _ Douglas McRae ("Rae") passed away on May 16, 2002. Born in Vancouver on March 5, 1910, Rae is survived by his wife of 65 years, Evelyn, daughters Gail and Nancy, son-in-laws Robert and John, grandchildren Kathy, Laura, Alison and John, and four great-grandchildren. A resident of North Vancouver for over 50 years, Rae attained prominence as owner of Capilano Suspension Bridge. His entrepreneurial spirit gave rise to success in several careers. He developed residential and commercial property throughout the Lower Mainland and B.C. As owner of Mitchell Bros. Ltd. he introduced forced air heating to Canada and air conditioning to Vancouver, retiring in 1951. Still a young man, he recognized the enormous potential of the Suspension Bridge, purchasing it in 1952 and managing it until his second retirement in 1971. His aggressive marketing approach turned the business around and the Bridge became a major Vancouver visitor attraction. Rae will also be remembered as a dynamic owner of the popular Oscars Steak House from 1964 - 1974. Attendant to the business operations was his active involvement in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Vancouver Board of Trade and Vancouver Executives Association. Rae was a tourism pioneer who saw beyond his own business needs to those of the industry. His vision of the whole community pulling together to make every visitor stay one more day was a highly lauded campaign. In 1990 he received the Howard Merilees Memorial Award from Tourism Vancouver in recognition of his "outstanding contribution to the awareness of the Greater Vancouver area to the world". In 1991 he was honored with a District of North Vancouver Distinguished Citizen Award. Rae was a true entrepreneur with all the intelligence, vision and courage that the term invokes. He was able to pass those traits on to his children and grandchildren. Many of his pearls of wisdom will be passed from generation to generation. He was dearly loved by all and will be greatly missed. Many thanks to Dr. Liang Ng for his kindly care. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Union Gospel Mission. By his request there will be no funeral service.