WESLEY BRIAN RAYNER

Wesley Brian Rayner, Professor Emeritus of Western University. Passed suddenly and peacefully with his son Mike by his side at home in Grand Bend, Ontario, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in his 86th year. Beloved husband of his wife Lois for 62 years. Loving father of Mark and Mike. Wes was predeceased by Lois and his twin sisters, Bonnie and Sally. He is survived by his two sons and his brother, Ken. Before Wes began his professional career, he was a Flight Cadet in the Royal Canadian Air Force but his commander at Metz, France (and his mother), encouraged him to go to law school. Wes became an accomplished lawyer, scholar, and educator. He held undergraduate degrees in History and Law from The University of Western Ontario and a graduate degree in Law from Yale University, living in New Haven, CT, with Lois and their young son Mark during the eventful year 1968. Wes started teaching at Western's Faculty of Law later that year, where he inspired several generations of lawyers with his didactic style. His teaching and scholarship were focused on property and labour law. He published regularly on both subjects and his Canadian Collective Bargaining Law: Principles and Practice is still used today. In 1985, Wes became the Dean of the law school, where he guided the faculty through a turbulent period. He was well-regarded for his work as an arbitrator, which he continued to do after he retired from Western, into his 80s. Wes was a tenacious competitor in soccer, basketball, touch football, model war games, and bridge. He also played golf and loved the game as much as any golfer can. He brought intellectual rigor and passion to any subject he broached, and he was particularly fond of military history, mysteries, and sports. He was less astute when it came to his beloved Cleveland Browns. Wes travelled widely, including living abroad with his family in Europe and New Zealand. He was a marvelous cook, and friends will remember how much he loved a conversation over a decent, or even just tolerable, bottle of wine. Cremation has taken place and Wes's remains will be interred beside those of Lois at Elmdale Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Thomas. A Celebration of Life will take place in 2026. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.westviewfuneralchapel.com. Donations in lieu of flowers may be given to the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON).