Roy MacRae

Roy “Big Mackie” MacRae of Blackville was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather during his incredible 96 years of life. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, at Percy's Place, on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Born and raised in Blackville, to Lester and Christina MacRae, Roy grew up with his parents and two siblings developing a strong work ethic that he carried with him throughout his very full life. 

Upon graduating from high school, Roy went to work with NBTel. Shortly thereafter he opened the MacRae General Store, which he operated alongside his uncle Walter MacRae before taking on the position of manager at Lounsbury’s in Blackville, where he worked until his retirement in 1983.

When Roy was not working, he was busily raising six energetic sons with his lovely wife of 75 years, Christina (Ward) of Blissfield, N.B.

Together, they taught their sons the importance of family, and of giving back to their community.

Roy was proud of the village of Blackville that he called home, and he worked tirelessly to improve his community whether it be in the form of coaching minor softball and hockey teams, serving on the village Recreation Council, or creating memorable Canada Day parade floats to which the entire village grew to look forward, with great anticipation. In addition, he was instrumental in acquiring funding and support to build an outdoor rink, a bowling alley, as well as a new school after the 1972 fire which left countless students in the village without a place of learning. 

Every project Roy took on was done so with passion and a zest that few could match. Perhaps, this was best illustrated with his love of music. Roy’s beautiful singing voice could be heard ringing out at St. Andrew’s United Church in Blackville, where he was a member, and a faithful chorister. There was a good chance that any other day of the week, elsewhere in the community, you could hear his voice and watch his playing skills on any number of instruments, as he was a member of multiple music ensembles. Most notably, and perhaps his favorite was with the Miramichi Men of Harmony. His unique sense of humor coupled with his love of music made performing with him a true gift for those who were fortunate enough to do so.  His resume also includes a feature on the CBC for his haunting vocal performance of the ballad, the “Dungarvon Whooper”.

In his retirement, Roy was instrumental in planning, developing, and maintaining the Blackville Municipal Park. Apart from his sweetheart, Christina, this was his pride and joy, as it was the perfect creative outlet for him to exercise his talents and love for landscaping, and of course enhancing his community. Roy’s belief in commitment was also demonstrated in his 76-year membership with the Highland Society at Miramichi.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Christina (Ward) of Blissfield; sons Brian (Faye) of Regina, SK; John (Gisele) of Taymouth, NB; Merle (Bonnie) of Blackville; Neil (Karen) of Miramichi; Paul (Karen) of Fredericton, NB ; and Scott of Blackville; grandchildren Candace (Ryan) MacRae of Miramichi, Shannon (Janelle) MacRae of Grand Prairie, AB, Justin (Jennifer) MacRae of Regina, SK, Genevieve MacRae of Fredericton, N.B.,  Katie (Mike) MacRae of Fredericton, N.B., Matthew MacRae of Saint John, NB, Abby (Samson) MacRae of Fredericton, N.B.,  Jaima (Ian) Gilchrist of Kingston, ON, Rebecca (David) Best of Riverview, NB; great grandchildren Colton (Aaron) Curtis of Toronto, ON, Hillary (Devon) Curtis of Miramichi, Emily and Taryn Bamford , Devon and Kieran Gilchrist, Kiana and Kullen MacRae, Isla, Jacob, and Everly MacRae, Casey and Karlie Best.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Anna (Bliss) Barry of Blackville and brother Sterling (Nola) MacRae of Fredericton, N.B. 

The family will receive relatives and friends from St Andrew's United Church Hall, in Blackville, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 3 pm, from St. Andrew's United Church, in Blackville, with Rev. Charlene Maguire MacKnight officiating. Interment will take place in the church cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, or to the Blackville Municipal Park by way of the Village Office in Blackville or via email at office@mrvrc.ca.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home & Crematorium, 102 Pleasant St., telephone (506) 622-7741. Where your loved one never leaves our care.