Willison Thorpe RAYNER

RAYNER, Willison (Win) Thorpe 1919 - 2009 Win passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 21, 2009 in the Regency Retirement Home at Mississauga ON. He was predeceased by his wife Ruth; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Herbert Lang, Peter Larkin, Dora McGregor, Margaret Dewart, John Roe; and son-in-law Michael Bland. Win leaves behind his children Marilyn Rayner (Michael Watson) of Sherwood Park AB, John Rayner of Mississauga ON and Margaret Bland of Winnipeg MB; his grandchildren Jana Olson, Scott Olson and Rebecca Rayner; his sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Lang and Lois Larkin; and his in-laws Ruth Roe, Debra Feldman, Michael Evans, James Evans, and Richard Olson.
Win was born on June 19, 1919 in Saskatoon SK to John George Rayner and Ruth Thorpe (nee Boughton). He graduated as a Civil Engineer from the University of Saskatchewan and began his professional engineering career in the aeronautical and explosives industries in the Toronto area. After the war he accepted a position with Coca-Cola in Winnipeg where he met and married Ruth Phyllis Roe in 1946. Their three children were born and spent their young years in Winnipeg. Win designed and oversaw the construction of the 'new' Coke plant in Winnipeg before he was transferred to Toronto in 1966. He continued his career as a professional engineer and manager with Coke until he retired in 1984. During his last decade or so with Coke, Win and Ruth travelled the world and then retirement brought time for golf in the summer, curling in the winter and bridge at John's club year around. Win and Ruth had recently sold their Mississauga home of 43 years and moved practically around the corner to the Regency Retirement Home, where Win continued to live after Ruth passed away in July. Win was a devoted husband and a loving father/ grandfather who was hard working, caring, and witty with a droll sense of humour. He was very concerned about the well-being of his family, he maintained close friendships throughout his life and he enjoyed stimulating conversation and a good football or hockey game. He will be greatly missed.
Win has been cremated and during the summer of 2010 he and Ruth will be laid to rest together at Arden MB, the small prairie town where his wife and his mother both grew up.