HARRY CHRISTIE RAYNER Harry, husband of Irene Margaret Rayner, passed away on Monday, September 24, 2007 at West Park Manor. Harry was born on December 4, 1914 at Fort William, Ontario to Mabel Edith Christie and Harry Albert Rayner. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Irene (née Ledingham); by their sons, Harry (wife Eleanor) of Victoria, Bill (wife Shirley) of Winnipeg, and David (wife Judi) of Edmonton; by his grandchildren, Cathy, Sandra, Chris, Mary-Ellen, Alex and Sarah; by his great-grandchildren, Jesse, Sagan and June; and by his nephews and nieces and their families. He was predeceased by his sisters, Kathleen and Marjorie and by his brother Lloyd.

 

As a youth, Harry demonstrated his learning ability and tenacity by becoming the knot-tying champion of Canada.

 

Still in the early days of radio, he developed a strong interest in radio technology, installing a huge radio aerial in the backyard of his parents' home. This would lead into his lifelong career. Harry began his employment as a radio operator with the Ontario Forestry department. He then participated in the installation of the network of Radio Range stations across Canada for communication with flying aircraft. From 1938 until his retirement in 1974, he was employed by the Radio Aviation Branch of the Department of Transport first as a radio technician, and later in administration and finance capacities.

 

Harry's interests included his family, canoeing, growing vegetables, short-wave reception, reading, and music. He was an accomplished pianist, his favourite composers being Schumann, Chopin, and Beethoven amongst others. In the late 1980's, when he was in his mid-seventies, Harry took up the challenge of personal computing, and absorbed himself in Pascal programming and other cybernetic recreation.

 

A daily walker, he maintained a high level of physical fitness until he was afflicted by a stroke in 2005. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all the staff at West Park Manor who took such good care of Harry over the past two years. Your cheerfulness and thoughtfulness enriched his life.

 

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on September 29, 2007.