Gary Kenneth McRae

On February 9, 2026, Gary Kenneth McRae of Goderich passed from the loving arms of his family to the loving arms of his Lord.

He is survived by his loving and adored wife and partner for life, Nancy (née Campbell). Cherished father to daughters Susan McRae (Kate) of Hamilton, Karen Brown (Sean) of Tillsonburg, and Julie Moon (Chris) of Newmarket. He will be lovingly remembered, each in their own way, by his grandchildren, Julia (Connor) Kiera (Matt), Logan Brown, Sammy and Luna Moon and his adorable great-granddaughter Charlotte Carothers. Family was very important to Gary. He is also survived by his sister, Marlene Fairbairn of Oakville. Gary was born and raised in Glencoe, Ontario. He was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Irene McRae of Glencoe, and by his brother-in-law, Michael Fairbairn of Oakville. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law Donald and Bernice Campbell. He will be remembered by numerous sisters and brothers-in-law and their families, and by his nephews Jeff and David Fairbairn and their families.

After graduating from Glencoe District High School, Gary worked for the Bank of Montreal for ten years prior to joining the Western Fair Association in 1975. He retired in 2011 as Chief Executive Officer.  During his career at Western Fair he served as President of Racetracks Canada, President of the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions. He was named to the Roll of Honour of CAFÉ and he was inducted into the IAFE Hall of Fame. Gary loved the fair industry, particularly the carnival business. He travelled extensively and formed many friendships in the industry. Gary was also actively involved in Tourism London and the Rotary Clubs of London and Goderich.

A memorial service will be held at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.