Thursday, January 11, 2024
Jean Rae or Miss Meek as I first knew her was my Sunday School teacher in Scotland at Uphall Station 'wee school' back in the mid to late forties. Fast forward twenty odd years to the early sixties when I was second mate on a ship in Halifax which Jack Rae happened to be visiting. On hearing where I was from Jack invited me home for tea. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Miss Meek was now Mrs Rae.
A few years later I emigrated to Canada and worked winters in Halifax. Jean and Jack invited me to stay with them for the season and I became part of the family. Later on, when I was waiting to join a vessel to be delivered to Hudson Bay, I again lived with the family. Jean was always welcoming, bright and cheerful and fed me like the proverbial prodigal son.
Jean was always ready to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate and was very involved with the church. Jean and the Rae family played a significant role in my life and contributed to any success I may have attained.
Now that Jean has left us to join Jack the world will be a little drearier. We will miss her laughter, kindness and exuberance. Although I lived many miles from Halifax, first in Montreal and later in Victoria, I never lost contact.
I will miss her very much and we send our deepest condolences to the Rae family.
