OBITUARY - John McRae, Age 64

John McRae, former general line foreman of the Taunton Municipal Light Plant, died at his home on July 27 following a period of failing health. Born in Brockton, Mass., he was educated in Taunton Schools, graduating from high school in 1964. He started his 34-year career with TMLP as an apprentice lineworker working with his father, who had a long career at TMLP as a lineworker and troubleman. Mr. McRae is a 4th generation lineworker and his son, John, is following in his footsteps.

In the late '60s, McRae joined with several other lineworkers from municipals across the state to establish the Massachusetts Municipal Lineman's Association. This group was instrumental in getting electric lineworkers with the association hazardous occupation retirement benefits in 1973. Over the years, he held several positions including president.

While serving in the U.S. Army, he spent many months in 1966-1967 in the central highlands of Vietnam and he wrote the standard for Power Line Training for the U.S. Military. He retired as a SFC in the U.S. Army Reserves, and some of his medals include National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster) Army Service Ribbon, and Viet Nam Service Medal. Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Army Commendation Medal.

He was active in the Army military reserves for over 20 years and was a key component in both of NEPPA's mutual aid relief efforts to St. Croix and St. Thomas in the mid-nineties. His contacts in the military helped arrange for C5 aircraft to airlift line crews from Massachusetts to the Virgin Islands. Mr. McRae competed in both the American Public Power Association and NEPPA lineworker rodeos.

After retiring from TMLP in 2002, he began a new career in San Diego, Calif. as the apprentice training director of San Diego Gas and Electric. He became an instructor at SDG&E’s Skills Training Center in Mission Valley, where he had the opportunity to pass along his experiences to many SDG&E apprentice linemen, including his son, John Jr., who today, is a journeyman lineman at Beach Cities.

"We are forever grateful to John for his leadership, influence, knowledge, experience, and outreach," said Keoki Kamau, operations performance support manager at the Skills Training Center in Mission Valley. "John’s charismatic personality and ability to include everyone made him a lifelong friend to so many people and one super, special person."

He was a member and past president of local 1729 SFCME and also of Local 465 IBEW in San Diego. He spoke to utility lineworkers throughout the country on Electrical Training.

He leaves his wife Marianne (Dolan) McRae, four children and three grandchildren. Donations in his memory may be made to the DAV or Home for our Troops, Taunton Green, Taunton, MA 02780.