Gerald RAYNER

RAYNER, D. Gerald
April 30, 2016
It is with great sadness that we note the sudden passing of Gerald Rayner on April 30, 2016 at the age of 50. Gerald leaves behind his wife S. Brenda Small, his father John Rayner and his wife, his brother Graham and sister Jennifer as well as nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his mother Naomi Curry and brother-in-law Chief Randy Kapashesit. Gerald enjoyed many vocations and avocations over the course of his life lived on his own terms: practicing lawyer, chef, avid fly fisherman and knot tier, accomplished knitter, wicked darts player and devoted reader of the New Yorker. He was fiercely intelligent, deeply loyal and uncommonly funny. Born and raised in Ottawa, Gerald attended Glebe Collegiate, and then Trinity College and the law school at the University of Toronto. He moved to Thunder Bay to launch his legal career. He found a true home in the north after he began tree planting in the summers. He loved living in Thunder Bay with Brenda and their cherished dogs, Fargo, Shuga and Busta. Gerald loved Lake Superior, the vistas and wildness of northern Ontario and Minnesota. His friends and colleagues will recall his legal arguments, his beautiful food and kindness to others. He is deeply missed. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre in Thunder Bay. If you wish to make a donation, in lieu of flowers please consider the Thunder Bay Humane Society, the Northern Lights Dog Rescue, or another dog rescue service of your choice.