David Michael James Rayner

David Michael James Rayner, born on October 9th, 1937, in London, England, peacefully passed away on Friday, February 23rd, while in hospital in Huntsville, Ontario, Canada. David will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Margaret, daughters Heather and Emily, grandson Michael, and his sister, Diana (David). David was a man of diverse interests driven by a natural curiosity and a deep Christian faith, leaving behind a legacy that touched many.

During World War II, David and his parents, Arthur and Elizabeth (Lil), relocated from war-torn London to Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, England, before eventually settling in Southern Ontario in the late1950s with his younger sister Diana. As a family, they travelled across Canada, visiting remote James Bay and the Rocky Mountains. On August 25th, 1972, David married the love of his life, Margaret Rayner, at Stone Church, where they first met and their beautiful journey together began.

David's professional life was marked by dedication and innovation. After graduating from grammar school, he followed in his father's footsteps and joined McDonnell Douglas as a machinist. His career path meandered through teaching shop, exploring real estate, and eventually returning to McDonnell Douglas, then ARO Ingersoll Rand. David's ingenuity led him to the engineering office, where he contributed to the world of printing, earning a U.S. patent for 'Air Knife’ technology.

David was an avid outdoorsman. He spent countless weekends hiking the Bruce Trail with friends from the Headwaters Naturalist Club and dedicated himself to bird banding at Mountsberg Conservation Area. David was deeply involved in environmental conservation efforts, participating in the Peregrine Falcon rehabilitation program at the University of Guelph, establishing and maintaining an Eastern Bluebird Trail in Hockley Valley, and advocating against toxic lead shot. He never lost interest in conservation over the years and is a missed member of the Huntsville Nature Club.

David's curiosity knew no bounds, and he was always eager to learn something new, from small-engine repair to computer maintenance, woodworking, wood carving, photography and beekeeping, just like his father, Arthur. His thirst for knowledge and passion for nature were genuinely inspiring.

David Rayner's Celebration of Life service will be held on March 23rd at 1 p.m. at Riverside Baptist Church, where friends and family will come together to honour his remarkable life. Donations can be made to the Ontario Eastern Bluebird Society, a cause close to David's heart.