Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Alan R. MacRae, 57, passed away in his home in Centerville, Wash., Feb. 1, 2017. Alan was born on March 1, 1959, in Moscow, Idaho, to Kenneth and Sandra (Selden) MacRae. He moved to Ellensburg, Wash., at the age of 2.
He was active in high school sports, football and wrestling. He graduated from Ellensburg HighSchool in 1977. After graduation, Alan attended Walla Walla Community College where he was a member of the rodeo team, participating in calf roping, team roping, and steer wrestling. He competed in the NIRA steer wrestling finals in Louisiana in 1979. Alan graduated from Walla Walla Community College with a journeyman’s card in carpentry before deciding to pursue a degree in education. He graduated with a bachelor of arts in Elementary Education from Central Washington University, and later received his masters of arts from Portland State University.
In 1983, Alan married Kim Nogle MacRae. They made their home in Centerville.
Alan was known for a keen sense of humor and quick wit. His many friends had to be on the alert for the practical jokes he loved to pull on them.
Alan began working as a teacher and coach for the Centerville school district where he remained for 10 years. He later worked for the Lyle school district as a Physical Education teacher, a position he held with great pride and enthusiasm for 22 years. Alan retired from teaching in 2016.
Alan was a life member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and competed for many years in calf roping, steer wrestling, team roping, and steer roping.
Alan worked as a Northwest PRCA rodeo judge for more than 20 years, working many of the largest rodeos in the Columbia River Circuit. He continued to work as chute boss and ran the timed event barrier at northwest rodeos after retiring from judging.
Alan is survived by his wife, Kim, his sons; Chase and Zane; his father Dr. Kenneth R. MacRae; sister Mary (MacRae) Gordon and husband Steve; brother John MacRae and wife Karen, all of Ellensburg; numerous nieces and nephews; and his granddaughter Michaela. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra.
A service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Assembly of God Church in Goldendale, with a dinner to follow at the Centerville Grange Hall. All are welcome to come and celebrate Alan’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alan’s name to WWCC Rodeo, 500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla, Wash. 99362, or Ellensburg Rodeo Hall of Fame, 110 W. 6th St, PMB 374, Ellensburg, Wash. 98926.
To send condolences to Alan’s family, please visit www.gardnerfh.com.
