Obituary of Melvin Howard Rae

Melvin Rae (Mel) was born November 28th 1936 in Roundup, Montana. Childhood wasn't the best time in Mel's life, in fact it was quite rough. Abandoned by his mother at the age of 8 to be left to a coalmining gruff dad who wasn't around much, only to pass through about 22 foster type homes. Needless to say Mel didn't have much supervision. During Mel's teen years he spent an entire summer in the hospital, during Montana's hottest weather, because he was shot in his groin, on accident, by a friend. Who to his death bed he remained loyal to never reveal. Loyalty was one of Mel's great qualities. Which suited him well, I'm sure, in combat when he served in the Vietnam War. I'm sure Mel was drawn to the military for many reasons, but the desire, whether he realized it or not, was probably that of being unified, unlike the family he had in childhood. During Mel's service I'm sure the Air force brought a structure to Melvin that he longed for, the Air Force fulfilled him. When stationed in England Mel met the woman of his dreams. A classy Brit that stole his heart. Soon after they married they traveled the world together. After being married 11+ years they adopted a girl, Michaeline, who Mel didn't even see due to his service until she was a year old. If the military didn't tame his former years, his daughter surely did. 13 going on 30 was an understatement. Eventually she also settled down with the man of her dreams, a son that Mel never had, her husband David. We joked that Mel paid him to take her off his hands. Mel enjoyed his family, his friends, camping, hunting, fishing and some parties-especially the Big New Year's Eve gatherings. At campouts of the 36th TAS you could often find him playing cards with buddies under a giant parachute to keep out of Washington's rain. He was "Uncle Mel" to many as he was well liked and easy going, would give you the shirt off his back and often a mentor to younger airmen. Mel was a man of few words, but when he spoke you listened. He had a great memory for trivial pursuit and a quick witted, dry sense of humor. He was very opinionated on Politics and always a Patriot. We recall a time at his local donut shop where the fire work vendor had displayed an American Flag wrapped around the trash can. In a few words, he let them know that was no place for a flag! Needless to say the next day the flag was removed. Much like Mel and Margaret, Dave and Michaeline were ready for children around 30, so God blessed them with 3 - all at once!! Blake, Beau and Taylor were a joy to Melvin and Margaret. He faithfully drove his wife to be with their grandchildren each day and picked her up each evening. A Blessing to All. When Margaret's health declined Mel was always committed to injecting Margaret's shots, making her meals and doing even housework. He loved her to the end. Once Margaret went to be with the Lord, Mel stayed active with his daily trip to the donut shop where he visited old military cronies' and even had a clip posted in the News Tribune about their daily camaraderie. He frequented his daughters house for a good home cooked meal...............................prepared by Dave. And often went to dinner and played Poker with friends. In March of this year, Mel was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Prostate Cancer. Then his daughter and son-in-law moved him to their Gig Harbor home where she did her best to shelter him from the disease that tried to steal who he was. During Mel's last months with his daughter and son-in-law, he accepted Christ and was baptized in their tub. He is now with our Lord and Savior and Forever "39" in Heaven.