Obituary of Ian MacRae

Ian MacRae, a hardworking & determined rancher whose grit & love for the land defined a life well-lived, passed away peacefully at the age of 89.

Born & raised in Hardisty AB, Ian spent his life where he felt most at home–in the company of livestock, his family & friends. From an early age, he learned the value of putting in a full day's work & he never stopped believing that anything worth doing was worth doing right. Stubborn in the best of ways, Ian didn’t believe in shortcuts. His hands bore the proof of a lifetime of labour & his legacy is etched in every fence post he set & every acre he tended. To Ian, ranching wasn’t just an occupation–it was a calling. He loved the land, respected & loved the animals in his care, & honored the traditions handed down through generations. He met challenges head-on & taught those around him to do the same. Many learned from his example–how to mend a fence, how to break a colt, & how to meet life with grit & grace.

Ian is survived by Stevie MacRae (Brock, Phoenix), Mackenzie MacRae (Evan, Odin, Lily), James MacRae (Zana, Weston), Josh MacRae (Haylee, Havanna), Bill Dyer (Yvonne, Christopher, Kimberly), Allan Dyer (Lourdes, Jackie, Thomas) all of whom carry this strength, his values & his deep connection to the land. His legacy lives on in the pastures he worked, the family he loved & the countless lives he touched along the way.

Ian was predeceased by his parents John & Mary MacRae, sister Morag Morris, daughter Mary MacRae.

A memorial service will be held on May 23, 2025 At 2:00 pm at the Hardisty Community Hall.

Donations can be made to the local 4H club of your choosing, the Hardisty cemetery or charity of your choice, honoring Ian’s lifelong commitment to rural life & stewardship of the land. He rode through life on his own terms–and now, the trail ahead is open & wide.

Ian MacRae, your boots may be empty, but your footprint remains.