James "Lugs" Robert Rae

Dr. ‘Lugs’ Rae, is teeing it up on the 19th hole. With sadness and gratitude our family announces Dr. James Robert ‘Lugs’ Rae passed away Sunday December 5th, 2021. Lugs’ legacy as an athlete, academic, physician, alumnus, leader, friend, and family man is a gift to a community built over 88 years.

Lugs is survived by his wife of 65-years Lorraine Rae (Smith), four children, Kimberly (Howard), Paul, Janise, and Michael; their spouses Chris, Karen, Mike, and Shauna, 9 grandchildren, Scott, Sean, Georgia, Burke, Cassidy, Avery, Mackenzie, Jennifer, and Morgan, and 4 great-grandchildren Sam, Gus, Emma, and Zoe.

The life of James Robert Rae began September 22, 1933 in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia the first born of Lewis and Davida Rae, followed later by his younger brother, Ian (1936-2007). In his childhood, ‘Bob’ earned the nickname Lugs due to his prodigious ears and their similarity to the Scottish Lugge earflap gap. The name stuck, as did the ears, becoming known as Dr. Lugs more so than Dr. Rae and Grampie Lugs to his grandchildren.

Lugs excelled on the rink, earning a reputation as one of the finest defensive defensemen in the Maritimes (1947-1955), earning him a place on the three-time Maritime Champion STFX X-Men varsity hockey teams 1952-1955. He was a part of the 1950s X-Men hockey dynasty. Lugs, before leading the STFX varsity golf team to a 1953 championship, was the 1949 and 1950 Nova Scotia Golf Association under-19 provincial champion and later Senior Men’s Club Champion of 1955 at his home course of Abercrombie Country Club. His excellence earned him induction into the STFX sports hall of fame for both Hockey and Golf in 1984 as well as entry to The Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame in 2010. Lugs’ even temper earned him the added moniker of ‘complete-control’ that not only moved pucks and golf balls with precision, but also provided the foundation for success in academics, medicine, and family life.

After graduation, Lugs made the best decision of his life marrying Lorraine Smith, also of New Glasgow in 1956. Together Lorraine and Lugs managed the births of four children before finishing his medical residency and in one case before finishing a golf game.

Dr. Rae completed his Medical Doctorate with Distinction at Dalhousie University in 1968, followed by Residency at Grace Maternity Hospital 1968-1972, followed by his Harvard University Cardiology Fellowship at Boston General 1971-1972.

Upon completion of his training Lugs served at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish before delivering the majority of his practice at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax now the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre. Dr. Rae served many roles at VGH. Earning a Distinguished Service Award from the QEII Health Sciences Centre in February 2000. Lugs retired from active practice in 1999, but continued on until 2004 in the Cardio Lab. Dr. Lugs mended many a broken heart.

Lugs loved his family, hockey, golf and ice cream. Not necessarily in that particular order. While doing rounds at the hospital, maintaining a single-digit handicap, being an active alumnus (STFX Alumni Association President 1977-1980), providing administrative leadership to the hospital, and season tickets to the Halifax Mooseheads; Lugs was always there for his family. Grandpa/Papa/Lugsie made a quiet but strong impression on his nine grandchildren. Attending sporting events all over North America and even carpooling to Summer School in support of their happiness. Lugs’ great-grandchildren carry his dance moves onto a third generation.

Lugs lived an impactful life with great humility, building a loving family, making a lasting impact on Nova Scotia health care, and a true legacy at STFX as one of Pictou County’s greatest athletes. He is and will be long remembered.

Visitation will be held at J A Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax from 1 pm to 3 pm Thursday December 9th, 2021

Please direct gestures of remembrance to the Alzheimer's Association and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in honour of Lugs.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.JASnowFuneralHome.com for the Rae family.