Rodney McRae, 72
Lake County Leader | UPDATED 2 weeks, 5 days AGO
Rodney McRae
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rodney Donald McRae of Polson, who passed away peacefully June 20, 2026, at the age of 72, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.
Rod was born Dec. 29, 1953, in Miles City to Ina and Donald McRae. Rod built a life filled with adventures, ambition, love and laughter.
He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a jet engine mechanic and a flight engineer from 1972-1976. In 1978, he got his A&P license from Northrup University and went to work for SAT/CIA until 1982.
RD studied electronics, and graduated valedictorian from Miles City Community College. He then pursued an electrical engineering degree from Montana State University and subsequently worked for SSR Engineers, Vigilante Electric, Montana Electric Supply, and then eventually started his own company, RM Reps.
Along the way, he acquired an orchard, which became a labor of love and a retirement hobby for Gwen and Rod. RD was happiest when he was barbecuing, golfing, fishing, tinkering with any number of projects at his shop, working in the orchard, and traveling the country with his bride.
Rod was truly a phenomenal man, known for his unwavering kindness, infectious humor, humility and work ethic.
Rod is survived by his wife, Gwen McRae; his mother, Ina McRae; his siblings, Alan McRae, Rich/Debbie McRae, Chris/Sam DeBoer and Marge McRae; and his children, Zach (Kelsey) McRae, Josh (Kristen) McRae, Caity (Chance) Mayer, Chris (Terra) Dyk, Lisa Alex (Stefan Burandt), and Tyler Dyk.
He is preceded in death by his father, Donald; siblings Clark and Lana; and stepson Kory Dyk.
A memorial service will be held July 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at The Lake Funeral Home in Polson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rod's honor to the Mission Valley Junior Golf Association, 111 Bayview Drive, Polson, MT 59860, or the Mission Valley Elks Lodge #1695, 512 Main Street, Polson, MT 59860.
Messages of condolence may be shared with the family online at lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.