One of Petersfield’s finest will be remembered not only for his incredible career on the curling ice.
Terry McRae’s provincial plaques are displayed in his beloved sports themed garage. McRae won three Curl Manitoba Senior Men’s Provincial Championships from 2018-2020, a Manitoba Mixed Championship in 2000, and a Legion Championship representing Selkirk #42 Branch in 1989
Terry McRae, whose death came suddenly on March 4, 2025, was a five-time provincial champion with multiple national appearances. But more than that, he was a beloved teammate and figure in his community.
In 2020, injuries ended McRae’s impressive playing career, but his love for the game and support for his team never stopped.
Up until his passing at 61, the former Team Manitoba member could still be found at the rink, cheering on his former teammates and offering pointers as they pursued a Canadian Senior Curling Championship.
Whether for team events or neighbourly get-togethers, McRae’s garage in Petersfield was the place to be—often after a victory from the squad that dominated the Manitoba circuit for so long.
McRae’s common-law wife, Lori McEwen, who was also a competitive curler on the women’s side, said it was his welcoming spirit that drew everybody in.
As a youngster growing up in Clandeboye, McRae’s sporting career began on the ice—but with a goalie stick in hand rather than a curling stone—as a AA goalie in Selkirk.
McRae’s childhood hero was Montreal Canadiens goaltender Ken Dryden. In the 1973-74 season, an 11-year-old McRae had a Dryden-esque year, winning the Most Outstanding Goalie Award with the Selkirk Minor Peewees.
Despite his natural talents, other challenges—such as his slight build, being the youngest of six siblings, travel, and the expenses of hockey equipment, especially as a goaltender—made it difficult to pursue the sport. That ultimately led him to switch to curling.
McRae began curling the following season out of the more affordable Petersfield Curling Club, alongside friends who were also early in their curling careers.
McEwen said the challenge, courtesies, and camaraderie of the game were what attracted McRae to the sport, which kickstarted a lengthy curling career.
“Curling for nearly 50 years, he displayed qualities of sportsmanship, skill, dedication, and a friendly spirit worthy of his five provincial championships,” said McEwen.
Those championships included three Curl Manitoba Senior Men’s Provincial titles from 2018 to 2020, a Manitoba Mixed Championship in 2000, and a Legion Championship representing Selkirk Branch #42 in 1989.
Throughout his career, he played on multiple team combinations with friends from the area and respected the game, passing on valuable life lessons to those he coached.
In 2018, Team Boehmer—featuring McRae at third alongside skip Dave Boehmer, second Tom Want, lead George Hacking, and fifth Kerry Fedorchuk—captured their first Curl Manitoba Senior Men’s Provincial Championship at Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club.
Though they didn’t win nationals, that season marked the beginning of a dominant run for Team Boehmer, which continues to this day.
With a new and capable lineup, the team has remained a top contender in the senior men’s ranks.
On March 19, they claimed their fifth Senior Men’s Provincial title in the past decade.
The win, however, came with heavy hearts. McRae’s passing just two weeks prior to provincials in East St. Paul left a deep void for his family, friends and the curling community.
At the tournament, Team Boehmer—now made up of Boehmer, Hacking, Sean Bracken, Scott Szydlik and Dale Lott—wore patches in honour of Terry McRae.
Hacking said they would rub the patch when in trouble.
“It’s really been a hole in our hearts and it felt so good to win because I don’t know what we’d have done if we didn’t win,” said Hacking. “It wouldn’t have felt right. We kind of had to win. It’s a weird thing to say but we were pretty happy when we did.”
Also in attendance for the win was McEwen, who will continue to support the team and reflect on the memories they created together on and off the ice.
With the team bound for nationals in Ottawa in late November, McEwen and more than 40 of the team’s supporters are expected to attend.
“Terry would visit the rink often and share stories of past events with a laugh,” said McEwen. “For as long as the Boehmer team’s competing, he will be watching with great pride and respect for the game that gave him so many lasting friendships and fond memories.”
Team Boehmer has sponsorship opportunities available. They will compete in the 2025 Canadian Senior Curling Championships in Ottawa from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6.
