John Sharples Rayner
It is with much sadness that we grandchildren had to say ‘good bye’ to Granddad (John Rayner) on Friday, September 24, 2021 in his 82nd year. We all feel very sad that he had to leave us, but he always wanted us to look forward and follow our dreams so he could see us grow.
We remember his stories and loved hearing them. He told us how hard he worked at Bishops University to graduate in 1960 and how surprised and thrilled he was to win a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University. He realized he really wanted to serve the public in some fashion so he started his career in the Public Service upon graduating from Oxford. He sure seemed to have a busy and challenging career as he served in many different departments: Department of Finance; Privy Council Office; Priorities & Planning Committee; Royal Commission on Financial Accountability; Treasury Board. We think he really enjoyed his various roles in the Department of Indian & Northern Affairs . He loved telling us how diamonds were discovered and mined in NWT and how they were able to create the new territory of Nunavut.
Granddad loved to take us on hikes and skiing in the Gatineaus. He was very good at making racing trails (even if beavers tried to stop him) and even was a technical delegate at the Calgary 1988 Olympics! We were so lucky to spend so many happy times at the Heney Lake cottage that he helped to build, jumping off of rocks and fishing. He so loved his friends up at the lake and especially the Heney Lake special sunsets.
No wonder he was so active in his retirement. We learned he was able (with a great team behind him) to sell off the land successfully for the Jock River Project; he really enjoyed his term with the Tradex Inc, and of course, taking his turn on the Rhodes Scholars of Ontario Committee. Oh, and he had great trips and European hikes with Nana.
As grandchildren we were told about Granddad’s first wife Naomi Curry who predeceased him in March 1993. They had our parents, Graham (Karen Hochhalter). Then came the first grandchildren Bryan (Nichole Batchelor) and Kathryn Rayner/Thomas (Jeremiah) and a few years later, Kevin and Ben. Naomi and John had another son Gerald who passed away April 2016 (Brenda Small). Their last child was Jennifer and her daughter Nayanne.
Granddad married Nana (Ann Montgomery/Buckley) and Nana had two daughters. Jill Buckley/Khan (Jonathan) Jameson and Joshua. Louise Buckley/Cesario (Marco) Stefano and Sofia.
We grandchildren are excited to say there are 3 great-grandchildren for Nana and Granddad. Bryan &Nichole have 2 sons Xavier and Everest and Kathryn & Jeremiah had Aruna.
Nana is planning to have a graveside private family service on Saturday, October 23, 2021. When COVID restrictions are lifted there will a Celebration of Granddad’s life.
Rather than flowers at this time Granddad would love if you could consider a donation to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
We know you are resting at peace Granddad and we ALL love and miss you.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Sharples Rayner Friday September 24th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario
Condolences Ann, sorry to hear about John’s passing. I enjoyed working with and for him. A loss for so many. His trips to Nunavut were always special and he was so dialed in things up there.
Take care 😔