Grandpa's Obituary ...

WILLIAM RAYNER
William T. Rayner "Bill" William Thomas Rayner passed away peacefully, at the age of 89, on August 17, 2009 with his family (and dear family friend Ann Ward) at his side. He was born on February 10, 1920 in Norwich, England to Herbert and Alice Fisher Rayner. He lost both his parents at the age of eight and was raised by his beloved Aunt Emma. He married Olive Stock on September 12, 1942 and they lived happily together for 67 years. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple in 1951. Bill was a veteran of World War II, and served for six years in the British Army. He immigrated, with his family, to the United States in 1949, and lived in Salt Lake City, Utah until he retired in 1984 and moved to San Diego. He worked for Cloverleaf Dairy in Salt Lake City for 30 years and for 10 years as an auto mechanic at his son-in-law's (David) service station. He was a master gardener and owned his own gardening service. After his retirement, he enjoyed maintaining his children's yards and gardens, and growing colorful flowers. He also loved playing tennis five days a week with his friends at the La Jolla Tennis Club. He was an avid sports fan and was particularly fond of the Utah Jazz. He was an active member of the LDS church and served in various capacities throughout his life. In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by five children, Keith (Susan), Peter (Kathy), Susan (Brent) Petersen, Julie (David) Tolman, and Nancy Rayner, 15 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, and will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his Aunt Emma and her son John. Funeral services will be held on Monday August 24 at 11:00 a.m. at the Union 5th Ward (7784 South 20th East). Viewing hours will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23 at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary (1950 East 10600 South, Sandy) and from 10:00-10:45 a.m. on Monday at the ward. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the San Diego Hospice for the care they provided during his last few days. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be sent to the San Diego Hospice (4311 Third Ave, San Diego, CA 92103) or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com