Major Dr. Donald MacRae

Donald MacRae was born December 23, 1896, son of William Donald MacRae and his wife, the former Agnes Burton Campbell. The MacRae home is one of the head water banks on the Scotch River a short distance west of the “Little Bridges” south of Dunvegan.

Don MacRae graduated from the nearby Kenyon S.S. No.4 public school. He then attended Maxville Continuation School. His enrollment at McGill as a dental student was interrupted by his enlistment with the Eastern Ontario Regiment. He was later transferred to the Montreal Black Water and proceeded overseas to the World War One trenches in France.

Following an honourable discharge, Don MacRae resumed his dental studies at McGill. He graduated in 1925 and was now Dr. Donald MacRae D.D.S. He began his dental practice in the New Building, in downtown Montreal. Later he practiced in the Sun Life offices, on the seventh floor.

Dr. Don MacRae’s relaxation from his personal work was his fondness for rifle target shooting. This led to his founding of the Royal Montreal Rifle Association in 1946 and also to his presidency of the Quebec Rifle Association. He later became the Governor of the PQRA.

Donald MacRae excelled at rifle target shooting in Canada and the Bisley Ranges in England. Due to his excellent marksmanship and leadership qualifications, he was appointed commander of the Canadian Bisley team. While in England, he was made an honourary member of the National Rifle Association of Great Britian, one of only two Canadians ever so honoured. Later, Dr. MacRae was made honourary life governor of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association.