L. Andrew "Andy" MacRae

L. Andrew (Andy) MacRae, of Plattsburgh, NY, 74, died unexpectedly on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Albany Medical Center. The family is deeply saddened by his sudden death. He was born during a blizzard in Montreal, Canada, attended Bedford High School in the Eastern Townships of Québec and lived in Plattsburgh since 1965 in pursuit of the American Dream and escape of the Québécois.

Andy was well-known in the area, owning his own business, Image Audio Video, for more than two decades. Prior to opening Image, he sold the first portable color television in Plattsburgh at the former Grandway Department Store in Plattsburgh Plaza, was the sales manger for Scott’s Discount & Appliance Center and finished his sales career at Ashley Furniture in Plattsburgh.

He loved nothing more than hanging out at home with his family and cats, watching the news, detailing his favorite cars and enjoying a good steak (because he hated seafood and poultry).

Although he always expected he would die of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), he successfully beat that dragon into remission thanks to the talented medical team at New York Oncology and Hematology in Albany, under the direction of Dr. David Shaffer, and research assistant, Dr. Farqan Ilyas, and primary care physician, the late Dr. Stephen Hausrath of North Wind Primary Care in Plattsburgh. Ultimately, it was a tired aortic valve (not RCC) that won (maybe he should have eaten the chicken).

Anyone who knew Andy was touched by his acerbic wit, thirst for knowledge and love of American politics and (good) rock and blues music. He made no apologies for his strong conservative convictions and took great pride being thrown in “Facebook jail” 16 times for expressing his First Amendment right to free speech.

Andy is survived by his wife, Barbara (Mickalonis) MacRae, whom he fell in love with at first sight, and drove from Plattsburgh through nearly four feet of snow to marry on December 27, 1969 in Mechanicville, NY; daughters, Rana (and Joseph) Huber of Colonie; Rory (and Craig) LaPage of Plattsburgh, and Lucas LaPage, the brightest 9 year-old grandson a man could wish for; younger sister, Arlene (and Larry) Bragg of Kansas; step-sister, Barbara Nichols of Ontario; step-brother Glenn of Québec; as well as his favorite nieces, extended family and an abundance of friends. They will all miss him more than words can say.

He is predeceased by his beloved mother: Elsie MacRae; his oldest sister, Carole MacRae; and his maternal grandmother, Hazel (Hyde) Stephens. Additionally, he is predeceased by his father (not worth mentioning); his paternal grandmother, Clyda MacRae, of Seattle, Washington; step-siblings, Craig & Norma of Canada; in-laws, George & Theresa Mickalonis of Mechanicville; and his partner-in-crime and fellow-patron of Arnie’s, Mike Silver of Plattsburgh.

Calling hours and a Celebration of Life of this proud Scotsman and patriot will be held from 10 a.m. to Noon on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Heald Funeral Home, 48 Court Street, Plattsburgh. Burial will immediately follow in St. Mary’s of the Lake Cemetery on Cumberland Head. If you’re unable to join the family in-person, listen to Amazing Grace and bow your head in honor of a great man.

Contributions in memory of Andy can be made to the NYOH Community Cancer Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation to help provide emergency financial support for those undergoing cancer treatment.

To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence please visit www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com