Lamont John (Monty) MacRae

Lamont John MacRae (Monty)

Middle River

With heartfelt sadness and gratitude for a life well lived, we the family of the late Lamont John MacRae (Monty) announce his peaceful passing on March 12, 2024 at Alderwood Long Term Care Facility, Baddeck. Monty was born in Middle River, NS, September 5, 1930.  He was the youngest son of Hector and Sadie (Campbell) MacRae. At 93, he was the last surviving member of his family.

Monty quit school at an early age in favor of The University of Life. At fifteen, his Uncle Murdock gave him his driver’s license and dad went to work in the family lumber business. in 1951 he married Kenene MacDonald and the couple soon moved to Nyanza.  In 1965 they built one of the first motels in the area “The Trailsman.”  With the help of their family and dedicated employees they ran the business for more than 50 years. In 2000, they developed property in Baddeck Inlet, which became The Baddeck Inn.

Monty’s lifelong love affair with horses led him to form Rae Bell Farm in the 1970’s with friend and cousin Carl “Mappo” Campbell.  They achieved much success on the harness racing scene.  In the 1980’s Monty branched out on his own.  Horses “Snowmobile” and “Stonegate Flasher” broke track records in Cape Breton with Monty at the reins. In later years his best horse, “His Boy Elroy”, was purchased on his behalf by friend Jamie Campbell.

Monty was predeceased by siblings Donald (Donnie), Estelle, Claude and Betty. He is survived by his children Bruce (Joyce), Nyanza; Dan (Donna), Baddeck Inlet; Cindy, Dawson Creek, BC. Grandchildren Cheryl MacRae, Nyanza; Heather MacRae, Nyanza; Melanie MacRae (Glen Thompson) Sydney Mines; and their mother Linda MacRae, Nyanza; Michelle (Darren Thompson), Cloverville; Greta (David MacKinnon), Beaver Bank, Jennifer Duguay (Brad Riehl), Cochrane, AB; Chelsea (David Goodland), Cloverville; and their mother Helen MacRae, Cloverville; and great grandchildren, Matthew, Rachel, Stephen, Zoe, Logan, Blake, Cameron, Liam, Isabelle, Georgia, Doris, Betty, Audrey, Jack.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

The family would like to extend thank you to the staff of Alderwood as well as Dr.’s Tribo, Woodford and Genge for the care and compassion shown to our father over the past few years. A special mention must be made to the staff of The Belle Isle Unit as well as friend and fellow horseman Dr. Carly Chow.

Monty was a lifetime member of the Liberal Party of Canada and Farquharson Presbyterian Church in Middle River, as well as a generous contributor to local charities.

There will be no visitation.  A graveside service will take place Saturday, March 16 at 11:00 am at Middle River Cemetery, Reverend Brian MacLeod officiating.  Arrangements under the direction of J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Reception to follow at Baddeck Inn.  Donations may be made to Victoria County Memorial Hospital Foundation, Alderwood Working Council or an animal charity of choice.