Patrick Mcrae

On Saturday, November 18th, at the age of 61, Patrick McRae won his battle with Leukemia by entering Heaven. Born in Grand Haven and raised in Benton Harbor, Michigan, he attended Lake Michigan Catholic High School, and then the University of Michigan (much to the annoyance of his parents, who were Michigan State and Notre Dame fans). There he earned a degree in Western European Language and International Studies. Patrick was fluent in Russian and Spanish, and could carry conversations in Mandarin, German, and French. He had many overseas adventures, traveling to places like Russia, New Zealand, and Korea, on business and as a US Diplomat and as a Foreign Service Officer for the US Department of Commerce. He lived in London, Washington DC, New Orleans, and Arizona. After obtaining an MBA at the Thunderbird School of Management in Phoenix Arizona and more overseas adventures, he eventually settled back in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Active and athletic, he wrestled in high school, Lettered on the varsity University of Michigan wrestling team, coached high school wrestling, occasionally taught Spanish, and played rugby for over 20 years. He loved sailing, motorcycling, deer hunting, and international travel. He was devoted to his church, and an active participant in a Catholic Men’s group (Arise). He was preceded in death by his father, William McRae. A loving, dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, he leaves behind a wife Lisa; three children, Killian (32), Rory (29), and Lily (13); two grandchildren, Isabella (7), and Liam (2); his mother, Maureen McRae; his sister, Shannon McRae; countless cousins, and friends on several continents. His final moments were spent in his home in Grand Rapids, surrounded by loved ones and a heart full of peace. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, with Rev. James Chelich officiating. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Patrick Mcrae, please visit our flower store.