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MICHAEL DAVID RATTRAY (MDR)
Date of Passing: Sep 12, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
MICHAEL DAVID RATTRAY
Michael David Rattray died peacefully in Winnipeg on September 12, 2022, at the age of 91. He was surrounded by family, only months after the passing of his wife Gail. They were happily married for 62 years. He thoroughly enjoyed connecting with so many at her Celebration of Life in August.
Michael (MDR as he was known) was predeceased by his parents, Price and Dorothy and brothers, Burnett (Butch) and Peter. Michael was born in Winnipeg in 1931, and attended Queenston and Kelvin schools and later the University of Manitoba faculty of Architecture.
Michael is survived by his children, Amy (James), Jane (John), Glen (Anne) and David (Polly). Eight grandchildren and four grand-dogs knew him as YaYa.
Mike was a lifelong Winnipeg resident. During his career as an architect, he and his firm changed the skyline of Winnipeg. Duncan, Rattray, Peters and Searle Architects later became MMP. The Winnipeg Stadium, Winnipeg Arena, and the University of Winnipeg's Centennial Hall are only a few of the projects that Mike oversaw over a career that spanned five decades. As a developer and businessman Mike worked on projects across North America.
Mike was the president of the Manitoba Association of Architects in 1972, and the campaign chair of the United Way in 1976. He also served as president of the Granite Curling Club and the Manitoba Club.
Over the many years, Mike shot ducks, built boats, flew airplanes, curled at the Granite, played golf at Southwood and later at St. Charles, played billiards at the Manitoba Club and served on the board of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He had a huge circle of friends. They all had nicknames. He always made time for a cup of coffee.
Mike and Gail loved spending time with family and friends at Dock on the Bay on Longboat Key, Florida in the winter and on Treaty Island at Lake of the Woods in the summer. Mike spent 90 summers at Lake of the Woods. Every one of them just a shade above so-so.
Dad's favourite things included Salisbury House, golf carts, airplanes, boats, cinnamon buns, airport restaurants, Hellmann's Mayonnaise (just the merest whisper), cheese and crackers, and bacon and eggs.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Agnes for taking such great care of our parents over the past few years. We're also grateful to the care team at St. Boniface Hospital for their kindness and compassion.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
For those who wish, please consider a donation to the Winnipeg Architecture Foundation, Rossbrook House or a charity of your choosing.
Rest easy, Yaya. Take the Cart and
we'll see you soon, Pal.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 17, 2022
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I worked for MDR at MMP Architects 1979-1992 and we remained friends until his passing. I spoke to him after Gail's death and he was worried about what the rest of his life was going to be without Gailsie. Not to worry anymore Rat....you are with her. Rest in Peace my friend. Say hi to the guys. - Posted by: Theresa Stasiuk (Friend) on: Sep 20, 2022
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Bev and I are deeply affected by the deaths of our two friends, Gail and Mike, and we hereby extend our condolences to their children, grandchildren and all other members of their extended family. Bob has known Mike for about 70 years (from Southwood) and Gail for a few years less, having been introduced by Mike to "The Princess", at that Club. Bev has known Gail since childhood as a school friend and was probably introduced to Mike by her friend, Thorlein Mitchell, sometime after Thorlein's marriage to Lawrie. We will miss them both. May they rest in peace. Bev and Bob Goodwin - Posted by: Bev and Bob Goodwin (Friends) on: Sep 18, 2022
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Condolences to all. First met the Rattray clan on Kingston Row … we were introduced by Liz the dog! When I delivered papers on cold Winterpeg nights it was a warm up house, great conversation and a tip. Later got to know them differently as the girls’ teacher and perhaps their 1st coach! ? Always there, positive and solidly supporting! A wonderful family! Rip - Posted by: Ted Bigelow (Friend ) on: Sep 18, 2022
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To the Rattray family, On behalf of The Salvation Army I write to send our sincere condolences on the passing of your family patriarch, Mr. Michael Rattray. We mourn with you in these days but also join you in celebrating a life well lived. May you cherish wonderful memories and embrace a rich legacy of family, community and others. In your moments of grief, I invite your to reflect on the words of the Psalmist David as recorded in the the beloved, 23rd Psalm: Psalm 23 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. May God bless and comfort you each one in these days. Sincerely, Lieutenant-Colonel John P. Murray The Salvation Army Canada - Posted by: Lieutenant-Colonel John Murray, The Salvation Army (Friend) on: Sep 18, 2022
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