Robert Rae

Robert Elwood Rae, 77, of Grants Pass died Jan. 1, 2009, at Three Rivers Community Hospital. No services are planned. He was born July 5, 1931, in Medford to Robert and Selma Rae. He graduated from Medford High School in 1949 and attended Southern Oregon State College (now Southern Oregon University). In June 1950, he married Bertha McCallister. They later divorced. He joined the Army in 1952 and served for two years, with 18 months during the Korean War. He earned his accounting degree in 1954 and became a certified public accountant in 1960. He worked for First National Bank, Haskins & Sells, and Harry and David. In 1962, he moved his family to Grants Pass and became a partner in O'Connor and Rae. He later opened an accounting firm with Hank Haydall. They were partners for many years until he retired and sold the business in 1997. He sang for weddings and was an accomplished pianist. He also sang in his church choir. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing golf and tennis. He was a member of the Kiwanis and Elks Lodge and past president of the Southern Oregon Society of CPAs. He enjoyed playing poker with his friends, watching football games and smoking a good cigar. Survivors include three daughters, Gina Holmes of Grants Pass, Julie Lacambra of Beaverton, and Pam Rae of Tigard; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A son, Robert K. Rae, died June 20, 2008.