Obituary for Milton Wesley Rainey
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Milton on April 17, 2020 at age 80. He lived his married life in Whitby until being hospitalized in April 2018 then was a resident at Orchard Villa long-term carein Pickering from January 2019 until his death.
Beloved husband of Elaine (Medd)for over 52 years, father of sons Gene (wife Sandy) and Mark, grandfather of Nolan (deceased), Travis, and Kendall.
Brother to Arlene Coates (Leonard), Carl (dec.)(Ellen), and Charles (Cheryl), andbrother-in-law to Harold (dec.), Lawrence (Grace, dec.), and Betty Louise (Phillip).
Milton was born in the Orono area and music was a mainstay in his whole life, from singing around the piano at home to singing in the Orono and the Wilfred and Cannington church choirs and the Bowmanville and Oshawa Choral Societies. After marriage Milton sang with St. Mark’s United Church choir and The County Town Singers, and was a beloved member of The Oshawa Barbershoppers Chorus (The Oshawa Horseless Carriagemen) and various quartets, as well as The Tri-City Gospel Chorus and a retired men’s chorus in Markham called the SUBURBANaires, which he directed for many years.
Thirty-five years of teaching started at the schoolhouse in Hayden, then in Kedron (Principal also), in Whitby at Colborne Street and King Street Pubic Schools, andfinally at Meadowcrest P.S.in Brooklin,where Milton taught for 19 years until his retirement in 1994.At school he only wanted the best for his students, academically and socially, and is fondly remembered by many of them.
A big sports enthusiast, Milton played baseball in various leagues as a young man, acted as manager for a hockey team, then coached his sons’ baseball teams. For many years he watched his kids and grandkids playing sports from the bleachers, and we were all grateful that his health was good enough for him to attend his grandkids’ hockey games in February.
Milton was very social and loved talking to people, always interested in their activities. Many remember him as a kind and warm-hearted man.In his retired years it was sports on TV, music, crossword puzzles, and reading the newspaper front to back that took up his time, as long as good health allowed. Even though he had dealt with health issues for many years, ultimately it was the sudden symptoms from COVID-19 to which he unfortunately succumbed.
Milton will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends, colleagues and former students.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations in Milton’s memory can be made to Sick Kid’s Hospital, Toronto (www.sickkidsfoundation.com/donate), or a charity of your choice. Donations graciously appreciated in lieu of flowers.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Milton Wesley Rainey April 17 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Oshawa, Province: Ontario
Dear Elaine and family,
I was one of Miltons grade 7 students back in the late 70’s at Meadowcrest PS. I’m also Helen Horners son in law. Melissa and I had you to our home to celebrate Helens retirement if you recall. As an adult it was amazing to see Milton after all those years and to reminisce about our times at Meadowcrest and for him to meet my children. Those were wonderful years and Milton will always be remembered as a favourite teacher although we gave him a run for his money at times.Please accept our sincere condolences to you and your family during these difficult times.