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John MacRae Obituary
MacRAE, John Norman Peacefully in his sleep July 29 at the home of his beloved daughter Penny and her husband Paran Balakrishnan in New Delhi, India. Loved husband of Pamela (nee Lee). Proud and loving father of his son Will. He leaves his cherished grandson Alexander, nieces Sally, Susan, Beverley and Marilyn and nephew Teddy (Canada) and Sally, David and Brian (UK), cousins Arch and Dr. Alex Mackenzie and other relations and numerous good friends across the country. Predeceased by brothers Bill, Ken, Keith and sister Anne. Born in Regina, Sask., to Elsie (nee Jacques) and John J. MacRae, he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan and began his career as an announcer with CKCK, Regina before joining the CBC International Service in Montreal, followed by four years as representative at the CBC office in London, England. Returning to Canada in 1961 he moved to Ottawa where he helped to establish the enormously successful children's TV program Razzle Dazzle. He later worked on Reach for the Top and helped to set up the CBC's innovative Regional Exchange show before moving to the Northern Service. Known for his quick wit and ready quips he was above all a man of enormous heart and generosity who bore the final stages of a debilitating illness with unfailing good humour. Service at the Cathedral of the Redemption, New Delhi. Memorial Service in Ottawa, time to be announced. Donations may be made to the World Federalists. 395167
Memories and Condolences
for John MacRae
7 Entries
Robin Collins
August 7, 2007
A farewell to John MacRae and my best to all his family. I just read that John was a founder of CBC's Razzle Dazzle. I'll admit right now that I sent away for a "decoder" at least once, and remain a big fan of Howard the Turtle for life.
From a fellow World Federalist.
Fergus Watt
August 7, 2007
Dear Pamela,
It’s very sad to learn that John has passed away.
I loved – yes, loved - his sense of humour, For a period in the 1990s John took minutes at meetings of the World Federalist Foundation. I never so much looked forward to reading the minutes of any meeting. With an “Over to you, Fergus, for a little touching up,” he would pass along the most hilarious rendering of a meeting imaginable. Painfully banged out on an old typewriter, the text only faintly resembled what had actually transpired in the meeting but never failed to leave me crying with laughter.
What a great guy.
Fergus Watt
Executive Director,
World Federalist Movement - Canada
Len Chapple
August 3, 2007
Dear Pamela,
Along with the sadness that came with the reading of John's death, came flooding back memories of the good times in Montreal. Could it be 60 years? We should never have lost contact! How are you? Where are you?
Love,
Len Chapple--happy in Victoria!
Tina Farmilo
August 1, 2007
Dear Pamela, Penny and Will - sad news of John's quiet death at home with Penny in Delhi, surrounded by love and good will. He endured his last years of illness with great stoicism. Such a patient person under duress.
He was a very dear man and a good friend to my parents in their time. I have many fond memories of his kindness and gentle humour as we were growing "up" [including the occasional wonderfully dreadful pun...]. I know he will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him. My love and best wishes to you all.
Tina Farmilo
Madeleine Pouliot
August 1, 2007
Pamela, Penny, Will, so sorry to hear about John's passing. It sounds trite to say that at least he's not suffering anymore... Pamela, please let me know if there's anything that I can do to help. Penny, I am so glad that Andree is there with you in Delhi at this difficult time. I know it meant at lot to both you and your Dad that you were with him till the end.
Much love to you,
Madeleine
Brian Potvin
August 1, 2007
Dear Pamela, Penny, Will and family:
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. It seems like such a short time ago that we were neighbours on Holmwood and again in Old Ottawa South. Of course there was the time that Fiona and John worked together at the CBC.
We have many wonderful memories of those years, not to forget the Christmas hospitality on Grove Avenue.
Love, kisses and hugs from Fiona and Brian
Terry Dilger
August 1, 2007
Dear Pamela and Family, I was very surprised and sorry to read in today's paper that John had passed away. I often wondered what had happened to you and to John, although I had never met him, and had no idea that he had been seriously ill for some time. I wish you all strength in these days to come, and my sincere condolences. Terry (formerly USC)
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