Robert McRae

Dr. Robert J. McRae In the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, July 23, 2015, Dr. Robert James McRae passed from this earthly existence into life eternal where in the words of one of his granddaughters "he will at least get to be with grandma and Jesus again". Robert was born the son of a sheepherder and spent the first several months of his life along with four other siblings and his parents in a tiny sheep wagon deep in the remote hills of eastern Montana. From this seemingly simple beginning, "Bobby Jim" as he was known back then, would learn many challenging lessons early in life that would continue to serve him well all throughout his time on earth. His own father passed away when Bob was not yet a teenager. From this early age Bob learned to serve in the capacity of father figure to three younger siblings, a role that unbeknownst to him at the time would become a lifelong responsibility. Graduating with a class of 22 students from Garfield County High School in 1949, Robert continued his education at the University of Montana where he studied Math, Physics, and English and worked with a large team of fellow students to create the permanent "M" that currently rests on Mount Sentinel, overlooking Washington Grizzly Stadium. While at the University of Montana, Robert was a member of the Honor Society and joined the ROTC program receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1953. Three years later Robert married the love of his life Beverly Jean Pine of Missoula, Montana. With the birth of their first child a few short years later, Robert again settled into the role of father of what would eventually become a large multi-racial family consisting of both their own two birth children and eleven adopted children. In the late sixties a Doctor of Philosophy (PHD) was conferred upon the now Doctor Robert J. McRae in the field of Physics from the University of Wisconsin Madison, at the same time that the good doctor and his wife, now with five kids in tow returned to his home state of Montana. Settling in Billings Montana Dr. McRae was hired by Dr. Will Clark the Chairman of the Division of Science and Mathematics at Eastern Montana College (now known as Montana State University Billings). This job as a college physics teacher would be just the beginning of a long and storied career in the Montana University System. Eventually Dr. McRae would become a Full Professor, Department Head, a Dean, and hold multiple titles on an 'acting basis' within EMC's administrative staff. Dr. McRae retired as the Director of Graduate Studies and Research before moving into an Emeritus Status. Along the way, he also became a recognizable expert in accident reconstruction, spending hours in his home office, or kitchen table pouring over mathematical equations with reams of hand written notes and his trusted slide rule (which was only replaced with a calculator after years of convincing discussions with both family and colleagues.) In what he accepted as a natural fit, this man of science also fully embraced a life of ministry. Throughout his adult life Robert helped establish multiple campus, and community based, Bible Studies including a local Intervarsity Chapter at EMC and a long running Non-Denominational Community Bible Study known simply as the "Thursday Night Group". During this time Bob spent many hours counseling others in overcoming life's difficulties in a manner that would allow them to live a full and meaningful life walking in the footsteps of Christ. He never tired of leading and participating in Bible studies and worship services. Whether it was through his ministering, teaching, or parenting, his impact on the lives of those who knew him can never be fully measured. Bob is survived by his brothers George (Neva) McRae, Bruce (Jackie) McRae, and sister Jackcee Anderson; his children - Ross, Kendall (Laura), Quintin (Rilla) Kingfisher, Mary, Stuart (Helaine), Anne, Sarah, Keith (Michelle), William, Kathryn (Nolan) Meadnis, and Emily; 30 grandchildren; 7 great-grand children; and many unofficial extended family members too numerous to count. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Beverly, two daughters Janet and Leigh, and grandson's Sam and Caleb. Arrangements are in care of Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral Services are Monday, 7/27/15, 1pm, at First Presbyterian Church, immediately followed by an interment at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. Bob and Bev always loved visiting over a cup of coffee and/or a meal so please join the family for a reception back at the First Presbyterian Church following the burial. The family would especially like to thank the wonderful staff at Valley Health Care for their excellent care of both Bob and Bev while at their facility. Those wishing to make a financial contribution in honor of Dr. McRae can reach out to the MSU-B Foundation where 2 separate scholarships (including the McRae Service to Humanity Award) have been previously established. Memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com