Clark L McRae, age 65, peacefully passed away on Friday October 15th, 2021, at St Vincent’s Healthcare in Billings Montana, lovingly surrounded by his children, brothers, and twin sister. His final wish was to be spread among the old wheat fields on the land he grew up on.
Clark was born three minutes earlier than his twin sister Christine, in Miles City, Montana September 1st, 1956. His eagerness to enter the world made him the 4th child born to Donald and Ina McRae. The McRae Ranch is where the family called home and raised their six children to work and respect the land. Clark cherished his time spent on the ranch throughout his life. Despite working elsewhere full time and raising his own family, Clark always jumped at the chance to work the land and cattle alongside his father, uncles, and brothers. He consistently took his children and many others to the country to work hard, play harder, and instill within his guests the same respect for the land that he was taught. Clark graduated from Custer County High School in 1974. Shortly after graduation, he married his first love, Cheryl Thomason. Together they welcomed their first daughter Jenifer in 1976 and soon followed Janelle in 1977. At the time, Clark worked for Clarence Cridland at Cridland Steel. He spoke very highly of Clarence and their paths crossed many times throughout life. Clark and Cheryl lived in Miles City, raising their daughters. After their marriage dissolved, they continued to raise and love their children immensely. In the summer of 1980, he caught the eye of Robin Siebert “Pepper”. She asked him to go dancing at the Alta Club, and they were married two years later. They remained in Miles City and started their family with Courtney in 1987 followed by Cory in 1993. During this time, he worked as a heavy equipment operator for Portable Pavers. He was so fond of all of his co-workers at Portable Pavers and always shared stories of the shenanigans that occurred while on the job. Until his dying day, it was the highlight of any day to bump into an old co-worker and relive those fond memories. Upon leaving Portable Pavers, he was ready to be his own boss and purchased what is formally known as McRae Overhead Door. It gave him such a sense of pride working and serving his community in this way. Even after retirement, he would still get calls asking for help from his prior clientele and would jump at the chance to get his clients up and running again.
Clark was a great storyteller and always had jokes to share, which made his visits last longer than they would have. He believed his word and a handshake was as good as a contract and treated everyone as if they were childhood friends. In his later years, he would jump in his pickup without a destination, sometimes spending hours visiting with whomever he bumped into. He had a standing breakfast date with his good buddy Bruce every Saturday, which was followed by a BBQ at his place. He cherished his friendship with Bruce and would look forward to going to breakfast all week long. His grandchildren were what made his eyes sparkle and his biggest pride and joys. He would always be scrolling the internet looking for the next enticing trinket to surprise Macy with, and planning ice cream dates with Rhett at their new favorite place.
He was proceeded in death by his Father Donald McRae, Sister Lana Louise McRae, Grandparents Duncan “Chief” and Janet “Nettie” McRae, Peter and Eleanor Thulesen, Uncle Al McRae, and Aunt Donna McRae. Including many other cherished family and friends. Clark is survived by his children, Jenifer McRae of Billings MT, Janelle (Nik) McRae-Muggli of Hillsboro OR, Courtney McRae of Miles City and Cory (Shaynie) McRae of Buffalo WY. His grandchildren were the lights of his life, Rhett McRae and Macy Muggli. His Mother Ina McRae of Billings MT. His siblings Alan (Ann) McRae, Rod (Gwen) McRae, Chris (Sam) DeBoer, Marge McRae, Rich (Deb) McRae. His Uncle Art McRae and John McRae as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family will receive friends on Friday, October 22, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Parlor, 1806 Main Street. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday October 22, 2021
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday October 22, 2021
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Nik Muggli says
Thank you for always treating Macy like a true grandkid when I married Nellie. You will be dearly missed.
Kerry,Dorothy Thomason says
Our thoughts go out to Clark’s family. He will be dearly missed.
Alma & Jerry Smith says
Yo all youMcRaes; lm am so sorry for your loss.each one of you enjoyed the time spent with him, I know I did . He will never be lonely , sad ,never be nerves about any thing. He will you be eternerly happy watch over all of you!!! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERES ANYTHING I CAN DO!!
Scott (Duke) Hearon says
I’ll never forget coming out and riding 3 wheelers and go carts when I was little. Sorry for your loss.
Maggi says
I always thought Clark was cool guys. So sorry for your loss.💘💘
Tena Wiley says
Oh so sorry for your loss . We have lots of great memories
Bill Moths says
So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories from my youth and the visits to the McCrea’s when we would come into Miles City. Clark would take me along delivering papers and trick or treating, what fun for a country kid. May God be with all of the family and friends and help you through the pain and sorrows of your loss.
Kathy Culy says
My heart is heavy for you all.
May your great memories carry you this sad time
Mary Ottoy says
My heartfelt sympathies to the McRae family.
Jan Dinardi says
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers and deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Bobbi Durst Askin says
I am so shocked to hear this. Clark was an amazing friend, always had a smile and a joke to tell. We always had the best visits. I and the Class of 74 will miss him, Sending thoughts and prayers to Clark’s family.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Nancy Torgrimson Gerch says
I am so very sad to hear about Clark’s passing. I have fond memories of he and Chris when we were in high school together. My heartfelt condolences to all that loved him.
Christine Simonsen says
Courtney, Rhett, and family,
I am terribly sorry for your painful loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeri Heath says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Clark was a good man and kind to everyone he met.
Terry says
So sorry to hear this.My sympathy goes out to you all. Clark was always good to me, we had lots of great visits. Praying for you all.
Shelma Erikson says
To the McRae family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Clark was one of a kind guy and will be missed.
Rick kransky says
Sorry for your loss. Clark was a good father and friend, alway greeted you with a smile. He will be missed.
Vicki king carrafa says
I am so sorry to hear that Clark passed. He was such nice guy. He will be greatly missed. I pray your happy memories will help you through this pain and sadness. God be with you.
Rose Harriet says
Sending prayers of comfort to you, Cory, and all your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Christine and family. I am so sorry for the loss of Clark. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of pleasant memories that I was involved with Clark in Class of 74 and in the community. So many memories I would like to go back and do it again in school. God bless you Clark and I’m so sorry to see you leave us. Thank you for the thoughtful things you have done with others in the community.
Linda Schrock says
McRaes,
So sorry for your loss!
Rest in PEACE!
Ken & LIsa Ridenour says
Sorry to hear about Clark. Many prayers to the McRae family.
Pam Moths Nisley says
I am so saddened to see this!!! We were blessed to spend time in the McRae home when we were kids. Always something fun happening there, and our hearts go out to all of you!! To all of his loved ones, mom, spouse, kids, grandkids, siblings, nieces and nephews and others, our prayers will continue. May you be comforted by the one who gives us peace, Jesus. May you all sense His presence holding and guiding each one. Much love to you all, with big hugs!!!
Scott Jens& Sue Jens says
So sorry to hear the news of Clark’s passing. I had Clark as a student in my science class. Sending out our prayers aa.nd condolences to all the family.
David Smith says
My heart breaks for the Clark McRae family.
He was a great Man.
He will be missed.
Jackie Armstrong says
I am so sorry for your loss. Clark liked to pay his garbage bill and then share many stories of work day.
Myrna & Jr Perkins says
Sympathy to the McCrae family. Clark was a friend for many years. Peace to you all.
Nancy Letke says
I am so sorry for your loss. It was always a treat to chat with Clark when I was out walking. He will be missed in our neighborhood.
Bruce Ingraham says
Sorry for your loss. Clark created a lot of memories in high school with his old black Chevy. We had many visits at our shop. We mostly talked about old times and grandkids. Rest In Peace Clark.
Shawn & Joanie Niedge says
Sorry for your loss.
Shawn & Joanie Niedge says
We are Sorry to hear the news.
Stephanie Michels says
I’m so very sorry to hear of Clark’s passing. He was truly one of the good ones. Condolences to all the McRae families
Craig Schultz says
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult times. Clark and I go way back. We enjoyed our time together 😌
Beth Ann & Doug Wiedeman says
Our prayers include comfort for Clark’s family during this time of grieving.
Dave Gunderson says
Rest In Peace Clark.
Brian and Maggie Dice says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Clark was a very treasured friend. We always enjoyed our visits with him.
Bruce Baxter says
Bruce Baxter says
Clark, you my best and closest friend. You can never be replaced and you will be
sorely missed. To the family, you know you can call on me for anything.
Lori Campbell says
Sorry to hear of the passing of Clark, I spent a lot of time at the McRae household when I was growing so, so sad , Rest In Peace Clark
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry to hear about Clark Enjoyed working with him. He allow had time to stop and visit What a great guy He will be missed by many My sincere sympathy
Larry French says
RIP Clark
Laurie / Kathy Boutelle says
During this sad time I have been thankful to reflect on so very many fond memories of growing up in the old neighborhood with “Clarkie” and the entire McRae family. He will be missed, but I would hope and pray that all of your memories provide each of you with comfort and healing during this time of sorrow.
Thoughts and prayers to you all
Laurie and Kathy Boutelle
Louise de Montigny says
My condolences to the McRae family and friends for this loss.
Mary Anne Hathaway says
I am so sorry to hear this sad news, he was so young! I did not know Clark very well, but he always has a shy and sweet smile for everyone. My sympathies to you all. You have an angel watching over you now.
Chauncie Kucera says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Chauncie Parker Kucera
Marlys Richards Hogan says
I was so shocked to read about Clark’s passing. I too have fond memories of him in school. My sympathies to his family. God Bless.
Marcy Parks says
I am so sorry! Clark was a great guy, and he will be missed. My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
John McRae says
Clark was a good man.