John Christopher Rainey

Redding, CA

1947 - 2017

John Christopher Rainey was born on December 11, 1947 in San Francisco to Fred and May Rainey. His family moved from San Leandro to the Redding area when he was a young boy. He was raised in Palo Cedro and graduated from Enterprise High School in 1966. He attended Shasta College and Chico State University but ultimately decided on a career in banking like his father. He worked for Bank of America, North Valley Bank, and Redding Bank of Commerce. His 28 year career with Redding Bank of Commerce allowed him to be involved in numerous community activities and develop relationships with many business owners. He was a member of the Exchange Club of Redding and volunteered his time faithfully to the Air Show every year. Everyone knew John as a friend and his office to be a place of laughter. He retired in 2012. In retirement he enjoyed watching his grandsons play sports, traveling with his wife and friends, gold panning, and gardening.

Aside from family and friends, John's true passion in life was fishing. He got his love of fishing and the outdoors from his mom. As a young boy he would run home from the bus stop, grab his fishing pole, and spend afternoons on the creeks with his friends and horse Wiley. His father-in-law Bill Faggard taught him how to steelhead fish and build his own rods. He became a river guide in his thirties. He fished family, friends, co-workers, and bank customers. His fishing took him from the rivers and streams of the northern California central valley, to the coast of California and Oregon, Costa Rica, Canada, and Alaska. His knowledge and passion for the sport touched countless lives and created fond memories for everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and May. He is survived by his beautiful, loving wife of 24 years Diana Rainey; his four grateful children Joel Rainey, Kimberly Vesco, Sandra Meier, and Kelly Lindner; son-in-laws Timothy Vesco and Michael Meier; grandsons Andrew Felix, Elijah Rainey, Ryan Vesco, and Evan Vesco; brother and sister-in-laws Paul and Marion Campfield and Duane and Pam Tweedy; many nephews and nieces; three dedicated best friends Steve Peterson, Donald "Dudley" Craig, and Bob Mitchell, as well as many other life long friends.

John passed away on April 13, 2017 with his wife and children by his side. John was a humble man and per his request, no funeral services will be held. A private family gathering will be held at a later date to release his ashes on the Trinity River. In his honor, take time each day to marvel in nature's beauty, live with positive purpose, treasure your loved ones and be thankful for all of God's blessings in your life.

Please sign the guest book at

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/redding/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Redding Record Searchlight on Apr. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Rainey

Sponsored by Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel - Palo Cedro.

11 Entries

April 9, 2020

This picture of John shows the joy and skill he experienced fishing. All of us who knew him know this look. What a great guy! He will continue to hold a special place in my heart. Laural Hall Park 4/09/20

Lenis Rainey/Price

July 29, 2018

My cousin Chris was above all, a really good person. He was a good kid and a good adult. He took such joy in life and the people around him. I don't think that he had a mean bone in his body. We had lost contact over the years since my own father died, but I will cherish the memories of him, which there are many, for the rest of my life. Anybody who knew him was fortunate, indeed.

May 19, 2017

John Rainey was a really great guy. He was introduced to me by Russ Duclos and became my personal banker in the late 80's and 90's a really competent hard working man. When the market got tough, he was a helpful and creative problem solver and I appreciated all he did for me. In the early 2000's as the market was strengthening I went back in to do business with him and he treated me like it was only yesterday. John was just that kind of person, friends for life kind of loyalty. He worked and helped build one of the best Banks in Redding and I liked him very much. He was a genuine Good Guy and looking at his picture makes me smile. My sympathies and condolences to those he was closest to who will miss him the most.
Don D. Davis

Laural Hall-Park

April 25, 2017

It's hard to know where to start when I think about John. He was such a fun loving guy that everyone enjoyed. As a kid he was the first one out the door for an adventure. He was my first true boyfriend and we grew up learning about life all around us...fishing on Cow Creek, water skiiing on Shasta Lake, climbing the water tower on Hilltop, running cross country from Sunset Apts on Churn Creek to his house in Palo Cedro, snow skiiing at Lassen and Donner Pass and watching him ride bare back at the Redding Rodeo. He went to Ft Leonard Wood for Army Boot Camp, Chico State for college and then worked his way up through the banking system. He never lost that sense of wonder and love for his family, friends and of course fishing. His time was cut way to short. John will always hold a special place in my heart.

Ken Kramerman

April 25, 2017

Jeani and I were so sorry to hear about John's passing. I met John through the Exchange Club of Redding almost 30 years ago. I always enjoyed working the air shows with him. We also had many conversation about fishing. Jeani worked for Redding Bank of Commerce and always said that John was the best boss she ever worked for.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. John will be missed by many.

Karen Perry

April 24, 2017

I was lucky to have worked with John for many years. Truly an exceptional co-worker, friend and family man. I remember he built me a platform to fit into my teller window because I am 'vertically challenged'. Not only could no one see me, but the counter height was not a good fit for me. He was definitely a solution provider, born from his care and concern for people. Blessings to his family whom he loved so much.

Tami Cusack

April 24, 2017

R.I.P. John you will be missed!!

Guy Jones

April 24, 2017

I always enjoyed my trips to RBC, and the fishin' stories John and I swapped. I called him friend. I pray he called me the same. Rest in peace, my friend.
A Guy Named Jones, HP

Bill/Mary Jo Bunting

April 23, 2017

As business owners, we met John at the Redding Bank of Commerce some 25 +years ago. He was the one there to make it a point to come right up to us and ask all about our businesses. He made the banking business touchable with human kindness- a sense of caring about you. We forged a great friendship over the years and every time we met him at many Redding social events, he would have the biggest smile and make us feel so welcomed. He would always share stories of his love for fishing and his family.
Truly, John was a gem of a man we will be never forget.
Bill and Mary Jo Bunting

Mike Jones

April 23, 2017

John taught me more in a few outings on the river than I had learned in a lifetime. His influence was a gift for which I will remain grateful forever.