Guy H. Raner

Raner, Guy H.
GUY H. RANER

1919 - 2009


We are celebrating the life of a very special "teacher". Guy Havard Raner, Jr. was born in Mississippi in 1919 and taught History and Government at Canoga Park High School from 1946 to 1980. A man of integrity, courage, and intelligence, he fought in two wars as a U.S. Navy man and continually fought against bigotry and ignorance as a citizen and a proud Democrat.

He quietly received many awards and honors as an educator and humanitarian. He was a leader in the Los Angeles School District, serving as President of the California Social Studies Association, Chairman of the History Department, and Curriculum Administrator. He also served in many volunteer organizations throughout his life to promote equal opportunity for all people and a healthy, peaceful future for our planet.

He laughed easily and smiled a lot. He enjoyed music, books, movies, theater, politics, art, travel, history, and his family and friends. He worked on countless political campaigns, including his own run for the California Assembly in 1968. He corresponded with many educators and politicians, including two letters from Albert Einstein cited in many publications. Like Norman Thomas, he was not a champion of lost causes. He was a champion of causes not yet won. As a student at Ole Miss in 1939, he joined the Civil Rights Movement. He was blessed 70 years later to see the inauguration of President Obama.

He married Jane Anne Law in 1941 and was widowed in 1983. He married Dolores Deutsch in 1987. His proud family includes daughter Janice Ashley, son Dan (Carol) Raner, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. His stepchildren are Diana (Jan) Deutsch/Wittenberg, David (Rhonda) Deutsch, Debra (Mathew) Kilroy, and six step-grandchildren.

He would have appreciated any contribution to a progressive cause of your choice. He is dearly loved and respected and missed.