Obituary of John Robert Rainey

1950-2023

It is with great sadness we announce on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, John Robert Rainey, of Vankleek Hill, Ontario passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, after enduring a brief and devastating illness of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease  at the age of 73.

John was predeceased by his parents Russell and Minnie Rainey of Grenville, Quebec. He was the beloved husband of Eileen Rainey (née Bennett) for 50 years. Proud and caring father to children Ian (Kelly), Megan Dewar (Nick) and Ashley Bates (Michael). Devoted grandfather to Kaitlin, Gavin, Kiera, Carter, and Nora. John was 7th of 13 children, survived by siblings Gordon (Marie), Jimmy (the late Glenrose), Clarence (Lynn), June Martin (Gilles), Betty McAndrew (Delwin), Eric (Sandra), and Carol McDonald (Willie). He was predeceased by siblings Winston, Alice, Clara Bennett (Murray), Frances, and William (Mary). He was the proud uncle of many nieces and nephews. John was also a cherished friend to many throughout his life.

John was a dedicated educator for over 30 years, teaching math, special education, and electro-tech. He began his teaching career at Laurentian Regional High School and retired from Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute. John loved hearing about his students personal and professional achievements. He had a passion for sports, both playing on and coaching many different teams throughout his life. John grew up in Grenville, Quebec and spent the last 40 years in the Vankleek Hill area, taking pride in his family and home. He loved spending time at his cottage and was always on the hunt for a garage sale. John had a gift for storytelling, and valued time spent connecting with people near and far.

Visitation will be held at the Hillcrest Funeral Home 151 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill on Friday, September 29^th, 2023, from 1 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. John’s Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 30^th, 2023 at 11 am at the Knox Presbyterian Church 29 High Street, Vankleek Hill. Followed by a reception at the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Research in Canada by donating to uabgive.ca/prions or a charity of your choice. To express your condolences or to make a donation please click the tab on the side of the page. 

John’s family expresses heartfelt gratitude for all the support given by family, friends, and health care providers during this difficult time.

 A Tree of Remembrance for John will be planted at the McAlpine Forever Forest, Vankleek Hill.