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In Memory

George B McRae - Class Of 1950

 

George B. “Barney” McRae
Sept. 15, 1932 - Feb. 3, 2021
SOUTH BEND, IN -

George B. “Barney” McRae, 88, of South Bend passed away peacefully on February 3, 2021 in Hospice care in his family's home, after COVID-19-related complications. He was surrounded by his loving two-legged and four-legged family. A lifetime resident of South Bend, Barney was born September 15, 1932 to Ursula (Kaiser) McRae and George McRae II.

Upon graduation from school, Barney enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served two years (1950-1952) in the Korean War as a Sergeant and platoon leader. After returning home, he joined the Bendix Corp. as an engineer. He retired after 32 years at the young age of 53 to pursue his love of travel, fishing and spending time in upper Michigan.

On Nov. 17, 1956, he married Patricia Lee Hartman, who preceded him in death. After retirement the couple traveled the U.S. and Europe. In 2007 he was able to spend a week in Ireland with his family traveling the countryside in his grandparents' place of birth. In the early 1990s alongside his wife, he volunteered as a coordinator for the care of horses, owned and loved by Reins of Life Therapeutic Horseback Riding of Michiana.

Barney was an avid Notre Dame football fan. He bragged that he was their No. 1 fan. Those who knew him were subject to Words of Wisdom -- “Barney-isms”, as his family and friends fondly called them. He shared advice and wisdom to anyone who would listen. Barney cherished his Irish heritage and would always be quick with an ole Irish saying. He was a gifted creator of unique nicknames for loved ones. A few of his most famous nicknames were Mutt, Big Brat, and Little Brat, along with his nickname for his wife, “Treasure.”

Surviving are his daughters, Kelly Platt (Michael) of Zionsville, IN and Leslie Whitney of Mishawaka, IN; his sister, Mary Suzanne Fitterling of South Bend; grandchildren, Adam Coquillard (Ahmanda), Derek Coquillard (Elizabeth), Corbin Whitney, and Aidan Whitney; and great-grandchildren, Avery, Kayleigh, Harper, Cora, and Rohlen.

There will be no services. Memorial contributions in George McRae's name may be made to Reins of Life Therapeutic Horseback Riding of Michiana or Love of Labs' (LOLIN, INC). Palmer Funeral Home assisted the family with final arrangements.

 

02/07/2021 JFC