Obituary of John Arthur Rae, C.M.

RAE, John Arthur (Jackie) C.M. D.F.C. Peacefully and unexpectedly in his sleep, at home, on Thursday, October 5, at the age of 84. Predeceased by his beloved wife Patrician McKinnon Rae. Lovingly remembered by his four children: Robin, Jeffery (Ellen), Paul (Leah) and Rebecca (Peter); grandchildren Joanna, Thomas Matthew and Hannah, all living in England; Patrician�s daughter Shannon; his sister-in-law Lois, niece Jennifer, nephews John (Phyllis), Bob (Arlene), Ginny (Michael) and their families. Jackie began his entertainment career at age three with sister Grace and brother Saul as the Three Raes of Sunshine; by the time he was a teenager, he was an accomplished performer. He won the DFC as a Spitfire pilot in World War 11, following which he continued to enjoy a distinguished career in the entertainment industry, both in Canada and in England. In 2001, Jackie was honoured with the Order of Canada in recognition of his significant contribution to the television and music industries and the concert program he and Patrician spearheaded for cancer patients at the Princess Margaret Hospital, often featuring The Spitfire Band, which he founded with colleagues in 1981. A man with a lot of talent, an infectious personality and a big heart, Jackie was blessed throughout his lifetime by an unfailing group of close friends, whose fellowship meant the world to him. The Rae family wants to express deep appreciation to them and to Vivian Henderson-Banton for her kind care, friendship and support. A service of Thanksgiving for Jackie�s life will be held on Tuesday, October 10 at 4 p.m. at THE CHAPEL OF ST. JAMES-THE-LESS, located in St. James Cemetery at 635 Parliament Street (between Wellesley and Bloor). After the service, friends are invited to join the family at the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville. Private cremation on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, Jackie�s wish was that donations be made to the Musicians Benevolent Fund, c/o the Toronto Musicians Association, 15 Gervais Drive, North York, ON, M3C 1Y8.