Obituary of John Daryl MacRae

Forever Loved, Never Forgotten ... 

MacRae, John Daryl

July 15, 1951 – December 7, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of John Daryl MacRae of Taymouth, New Brunswick on December 7th, 2025 at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Born on July 15, 1951 in Blissfield, New Brunswick he was the son of Christina Clara (Ward) MacRae and the late Roy Lester MacRae.

Those left to mourn his loss are his beloved wife of 50 years, Gisele (Sam) Gaudet, his daughters, Genevieve MacRae and Katie MacRae (Mike Bamford); his mother, Christina MacRae (Roy) and his grandchildren, Emily and Taryn. He will be dearly missed by his siblings Brian MacRae (Faye), Merle MacRae (Bonnie), Neil MacRae (Karen), Paul MacRae (Karen), and Scott MacRae; his in-laws (Out-laws) Charlene Gaudet (Suzanne Vaudry), Ginette Carroll (Frank), Michael Gaudet (Rhonda), Dianne Audette (Jean-Roch), David Gaudet (Suzanne) and Denise Gaudet (Yves Landry) and his furry friend, Jay. John will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and too many amazing friends to count.

With a focus on hard work and results inherited from his Dad, Roy, John graduated from Blackville High School and then from UNB Engineering which led him to a career as an environmental engineer. He worked 16 years for the NB Department of Environment, had a brief stint in the private sector and then started his own company, MacRae Environmental Services Inc. It seems like we all worked for him at some point and we all lovingly referred to him as the Dark Overlord. Our motto: We’re slow and we’re lazy, but we do poor work. All joking aside, John had a great commitment and focus on caring for the environment throughout his career and in his personal life.

John built two homes from the ground up with and for his family as well as a quiet camp retreat in the woods. John, Jack, Poppy, Papa Bear, Daddoo, Johnny, Hut Hut… whatever you called him, John was dedicated to his family, friends and community. He had a huge heart full of special places for all those who will miss him so much: the love of his life Sam, his magnificent strong Mom Christina (Mackie) for whom he would move the earth, two adored daughters of whom he was so proud, and his precious granddaughters who brought so much joy and fun to his life. He leaves five brothers with amazing memories of growing up in Blackville with his unwavering support, guidance and good humour. Always generous with his time, willing to lend a hand or ear to care for anyone whether the projects or situations were big or small, John had a great capacity for acceptance, understanding and compassion for all people and all living creatures, especially dogs. All this compassion and generosity was learned from his wonderful parents, Roy & Christina.

Although he worked hard, John also loved and appreciated life well in many ways with his family and good friends everywhere. He enjoyed a Moosehead, fine wine, spicy Thai food, lobster dinners and sushi night with good conversation, debate and laughter. He embraced all seasons but had a special passion for winter with skating, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, building snow forts with Emily & Taryn, and especially clearing beaver ponds for ad hoc skatings rinks with Emily & Taryn because at his core, he was a hockey guy. Growing up, he played hockey on the Bartholomew River in Blackville before he moved on to the UNB Red Devils and then to Recreational and Old Timers leagues. This led to Katie & Genevieve being raised by a whole team of toothless hockey dads, whom they love dearly. His team was always the Chicago Black Hawks but it didn’t matter who was playing when he was watching Hockey Night in Canada with his mom. When winter was over, he enjoyed watching a good ballgame, canoeing on the Nashwaak, Caines and Miramichi rivers, camping and fishing. And golfing was a passion. He even managed to accomplish the ultimate goal of a hole in one! To be truthful though, his passion for golf was mostly just jocularity and connection with friends and his brothers on the course.

There were so many ways that John found to enjoy life whether traveling through New Brunswick, Canada and around the world, or simply soaking in the peace of home in Taymouth. He found joy in the garden with Sam, in a good book, an intriguing show, or an afternoon spent by (or in) the river. He loved cards and board games that turned into nights of laughter, and he never passed up a chance for a loud, unapologetically joyful rock & roll concert whether it be outdoors, indoors, or Katie & Genevieve rocking out in his own garage. Music threaded through his days: guitar in hand, singing, playing Rock Band with Emily & Taryn, or howling at the moon just for the fun of it. He built strong friendships, earned deep respect in his community, and gave back to it with heart.

John has left a legacy of intentional living, enjoyment, humility and powerful devotion to his family and friends.

The unwavering support of friends and family through John’s illness will never be forgotten and he was grateful for every one of you.

A special thank-you and shout out to the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and all ICU staff that supported John through his time at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital and Saint John Regional Hospital. In particular, John and his family truly appreciated Doctors Rideout, MacDonald, Aslam, El-Almoodi, Armitage, MacKenzie, Raza, McLean, Irrinki, Ramirez, Fagir, Sherwood, O’Brian and Loggie; RNs and LPNs Sharon, Jace, Jessica, Avery, Cristina, Keniece and Terri; RTs Jodie, Taylor, Reese and Alysha; and all the other amazing staff at the DECH, including Breagh, Hannah and the kind gal from housekeeping with the fabulous hair.

To honour John’s memory, friends and family will gather on Monday, December 15, 2025 at the Taymouth Community Association, 2144 Rte 148, Taymouth, NB from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. If you have a favourite hockey jersey or Rock & Roll t-shirt, John would appreciate an informal atmosphere. If you wish to wear white socks with your black suit, that would work too.

In Memory of John, donations may be made to Nashwaak Watershed Association, the Taymouth Community Association or donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com