Obituary of Norman Wallace Rayner

Wally passed away suddenly in his sleep watching his favourite television show, Star Trek.  Wally was born and brought up in Kenora.

Wally is survived by his wife of 52 years, Georgina, his daughters Marilyn and Karen(Paul), grandchildren Gordon, Eva and Alfred; his brothers Lyle(Velma), David(Lynn), Stewart(Diane) and his sister Dawn; brothers in law Howard, Tom(Connie), Robin(Jean), Stan(Nancy), Herman(Ellen) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Eva Rayner, his mother-in-law, Imba Phinney, his brother-in-law Michael and two nephews Murray and Shane.

Wally graduated from the University of Waterloo with an honours degree in earth sciences. He was a member of the APGO and OPA. He loved his profession and often said he loved his job so much that it felt like he never worked a day in his life. He loved exploration and looking for the next one. He said if a geologist is part of a team that find one mine in their life -that is success. He was part of five such successes.

Wally worked as a field geologist until he suffered a severe back injury, and he became a desk jockey as manager of mining lands for a number of companies. He served on many boards and committees associated with mining like PDAC, OPA, OGS, OEC, OMET, JEAP, APGO, Lake Nipigon Project and the Ministers Mining Act Advisory Committee.

As a community minded citizen, Wally coached house league and competitive hockey from the time the girls were 6 until they left for university. He also coached the Northern Secondary Girls hockey teams. He served on the board and did his best to keep the Glebe Manor Lawn Bowling Club going for years. He volunteered to cook at the CSIV weekend camps. He gave freely of his time whenever he could.

Wally loved his camp and fishing. He was happiest when he was tinkering on some project on the island.

Wally was the recipient of a number ofawards over the years. As a humble man, he never spoke of them. Wally had very strong professional ethics.

The best part of each day was when the girls phoned. It made him feel that they weren’t so far away. He loved his grandchildren. He felt that you needed to “Hold Your Family Close”.

Wally loved a good joke and shaggy dog story. During Covid, he took to writing short stories about “Everyday Life”. The Bard of Martin Road has now officially signed off.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice or, spend time loving your family.

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