An Extraordinary Photo!

In 1946, after the death of their mother, Hilda, Eunice and Bertha effectively forbade their father any contact with their own children. A charming personality, Albert could become -- and did become -- violent when under the influence of alcohol. It was however another trait that precipitated the final break. Albert was perceived to have been conducting an affair with nursing staff while Harriet was dying of cancer in Regina 1946. In his daughter's eyes this was confirmed when he married a woman from Regina shortly after Harriet's death. Albert Jnr's perspective was different. His autobiography makes it clear he had a huge respect for the pioneer resilience and professional skills of his father, characteristics that he inherited. He was also a neighbour and effectively a business partner of his father. With the arrival of Ruth and the flowering of a 'new' Rae family, Albert Snr. was effectively given a new chance to be a grandfather.

Albert's own father, Joseph Stuart, was effectively banned from contact with his family in the ten years before his death and was buried in an unmarked pauper's grave.