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Colin McRae Obituary
McRae was piloting the helicopter, which he owned and was licensed to fly, when it crashed Saturday in a wooded area near his home.
McRae raced in the World Rally Championship from 1987 until 2004, becoming champion in 1995. He also took part in the Paris to Dakar rally, the Le Mans 24 hour race, the Race of Champions and the X Games.
McRae also lent his name to a best-selling computer game, but it was his flamboyant racing style that earned fans in all types of motorsport and lifted the profile of rallying in Britain.
Two other people also died in the crash - 6-year-old Ben Porcelli and 37-year-old Graeme Duncan. The aircraft was badly burned, making it impossible for police to immediately identify the occupants.
The son of five-time British rally champion Jimmy McRae, Colin McRae was competing on motorbikes by age 7. He competed in his first rally in 1985, but qualified as a plumber while he built his racing career, which kicked off when he became the British rally champion in 1991 and 1992.
He lifted the world title in 1995, and was runner-up in 1996, 1997 and 2001. He won 25 races in a World Rally Championship career that ran from 1987 to 2004. He made intermittent appearances on the WRC circuit until 2006.
McRae's success on the rally circuit led to a computer game "Colin McRae Rally," first released in 1998, which is now found on PlayStation, Game Boy, Xbox and PSP platforms.
McRae received an MBE award in 1996 from Queen Elizabeth II. He was married and also has a daughter.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
38 Entries
Here is U.S. baby Colin McRae
Curtis Tyler
October 12, 2009
Colin McRaes Surviving Family,
I just wanted to let you know my wife and I had our first baby boy on October 1st, 2009. Colin was such an insperation to my whole family we decided to name our son after him, our sons full name will be Colin McRae Tyler. Just wanted to let you know even in the United States we as Americans appreciate what Colin did for the sport of Rally and his never quit attitude! Just wanted to let you know he is still very much loved world wide. Thanks Curtis Alan Tyler
joseph robert edward scott
November 7, 2007
colin mcrae is a legend and will always be in my hart when i drive when i sleep when i walk when i talk he will be with me till i die i had a liver trans plant when i was 11 moths old and had a lung operation when i was 15 now iam 19 i was only giving my teen years and after that the hospital wasnt sure i think iam the longest living person and the youngest with a liver trans plant iam not sure but as ive had a liver trans plant i cant thank colin enough for all he has enbraced me and other with i cant thank him enough i had lots ove dreams ove becoming a scottish legend now my dreams have been crushed like and ant its so hard to find the words i hope u all no how i feel and take in to account how colins family feel thats all that matters that u relise how easey life is taken away from us in a instint life is sackred so take care a be safe to all those who read this and feel how i feel thax for taking the time to read this a god bless
Elizabeth De Rosa
October 14, 2007
Dear Colin...may you and wee Johnny rest in peace, together forever. God bless. xxx
STUART BROOKS
October 1, 2007
I RALLIED ALONG SIDE COLIN WHEN HE FIRST STARTED& WHATCHED/MARSHALLED THE RAC/RALLY GB FOR 20+YEARS, COLIN WILL BE SADLY MISSED, GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY
How you can show support
Angela Mayers
September 20, 2007
Trust in the knowledge that Colin McRae touched many many people worldwide frum the time he entered the motor sport arena and inspired many people to follow their dreams. May that knowledge comfort you in your time of need.
David King
September 20, 2007
Colin never have i seen a more technical driver in my life. No matter what, in my eyes you are the best of the best and even though i live so far away my dream in life was to one day meet you and have you show me how it is really done. I am talking of the famous flat out driving that you so skillfully do, my heart goes out to your family and your dad JIMMY cause he too has alot to do with the best motorsports driver there is and that is you COLIN. You will never ever be forgotten cause you branded a name in the motorsport industry that no one can replace and i will never ever forget when you went up against Travis in the x-games. The way you controlled the car and drove it through the corners you are the best of the best. I believe in you and i will continue to do so and no one in my eyes will never shine like you Mr McRae. I still remeber the look on Travis's face when you flipped and as fast as the car was back on its 4 wheels you were back on throttle, you are a true driver and JIMMY you have done a good job. I know it is hard and hurtful but hold your head high cause not only have you raised a damn good driver but also a good sportsman and I am sure a wounderful father. My heart goes out to his wife and his little daughter he was the best of the best. REST IN PEACE COLIN MCRAE (1968-2007)
Janet Bowden
September 20, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
Lois Bateman-Staveley
September 19, 2007
I didn't know you or your son, but my heart aches for all your family members and to the families of your passengers. You will all be in my prayers tonight. I am so sorry for your loss and pain.
Nathan Kauffman
September 19, 2007
Thank you for your contribution to others. God bless your family and friends!
Fred Borek
September 19, 2007
you were the best racer i ever saw.
R.I.P.
Rebecca Blaugh
September 18, 2007
I didn't know you or your family but i'm so sorry for your loss!!!
Richard Moore
September 18, 2007
Dude you were awesome and did a lot to promote the sport. Enjoy the racing in heaven.
CIN BROWN
September 18, 2007
IAM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
D.L. ZIMMERMAN
September 18, 2007
REST IN PEACE OLIN MCRAE
Steph Goodhurst
September 18, 2007
My condolences to the McRae family, the Porcelli family and the Duncan family.
Michele Golub
September 18, 2007
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
KamCarr
September 18, 2007
Rest in peace.
Thanks for being an inspiration to young kids.
Sarah Murray
September 18, 2007
To the McRae family...May God's peace which passeth all of our understanding comfort and bring you hope at this most distressing time of your life. Godspeed Colin and your little son
sarah langston
September 18, 2007
i am so sorry for your loss i know you don't know me. but i want you to know that i'am praying for you.
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
September 18, 2007
You are the champ Mr. McRae,rest in peace and enjoy the broad highways in heaven.
Ralf G
September 18, 2007
Im Dearly Sorry for the loss of father and son. Im a huge fan of you Colin. God Bless the both of you. You will be missed.
Sheila Smith
September 18, 2007
Rest in Peace Colin.
September 17, 2007
Deepest Sympath
m brown
September 17, 2007
To the family I'm sorry for your lost. Keep them alive in your heart. May God watch over them.
Rev. & Mrs. Sanks & Family
September 17, 2007
To Mrs. McRae & Family,
I am so sorry for the lost of your husband and son. May God peace rule your heart and help you to find comfort at this time of beaverment. You all are in our thoughts and our prayers. The same goes for the other family which was with Mr. McRae.
rose leclair
September 17, 2007
i heard about your great loss from the nascar race in nh yesterday.i heard jimmy johnson was a close friend of Coin McRae . god bless you all.
rose L. upton ma.
Irene c morrison
September 17, 2007
sorry for your loss he is in gods hands may god help you in your sad time may god in with you
denise ouellette
September 17, 2007
im so sorry to hear what happen even i dont know him the angels will guard him and his son
Teresa Johnston
September 17, 2007
May the grace of our Lord help the family to find peace during these times.
Charlena Schloemer
September 17, 2007
I am so sorry for your loss,may God comfort & guide you in this difficult time.
LIZ & SERGIO SALDANA
September 17, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rosie
September 17, 2007
May you rest in peace.
Maggiebeth
September 17, 2007
I am so sorry for your pain. Hold on to each other.
Dianne
September 17, 2007
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Kim Weldon
September 17, 2007
To the McRae Family-
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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