Raymond Francis Rainer

1949.06.29 ~ 2024.04.04

"Raymond Francis Rainer Raymond Francis Rainer, a native of Ventura County, passed away on April 6, 2024. “Ray,” “Butch,” “Coach Ray,” and “Papa Ray,” as he was lovingly known by family and friends, was born July 1, 1949, in Oxnard, California, to Raymond Joseph Rainer and Sarah Elizabeth Rainer. After graduating from Rio Mesa High School, Ray proudly served four years in the United States Navy. Following his Navy service, Ray married Mary Ann Adams on November 4, 1974, in Simi Valley, CA. The couple made their home in Oxnard, California, where they welcomed their first three children: Raymond and twins Michael and Matthew. In 1979, Ray and Mary Ann moved their family to Mary Ann’s hometown of Simi Valley, CA, where they continued raising their children and welcomed their fourth son, Christopher. Ray took great pride in being a father and especially enjoyed watching his four boys grow up. He loved baseball and found particular joy in coaching his sons, earning the nickname “Coach Ray” along the way. In the years that followed, Ray married Della Heath on January 22, 2012. Together, they shared many wonderful years and adventures. After Ray’s retirement from the food service industry, he and Della purchased a home in Greybull, Wyoming, where they spent their summers, and a home in Lake Havasu, Arizona, where they enjoyed their winters. Ray loved spending time with family and friends, hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. He looked forward to his yearly trips to Sandals and the Caribbean with Della. He also loved listening to country music, especially Garth Brooks, and enjoyed country-western dancing. Ray was a wonderful friend, father, grandfather, and companion to so many people. He was known for his generous heart and for putting others before himself. Every Christmas, friends and coworkers looked forward to his homemade candy, especially his English toffee and peanut brittle—a tradition that became one of the many ways Ray shared his kindness with those around him. Even during challenging days, Ray remained positive, courageous, and determined to make the most of life. He often reminded those around him, “Make it a wonderful day, it’s a gift.” Those words perfectly captured Ray’s outlook on life and the spirit he shared with everyone around him. Ray is survived by his former wife and the mother of his four children, Mary Ann Adams-Rainer-Lane; his four sons, Raymond, Michael, Matthew, and Christopher; his wife, Della Rainer; his sisters, Debra Mesker and Peggy Rainer; his grandchildren, Rayvin, Rayannin, Bryce, Colten, Keira, Brandon, Caydon, Chase, Cooper, Heather, Ryan, Jack, Charis, Rocco, and Roxie; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Zoey. Ray will be remembered for his big heart, his sense of humor, his love of family, his generosity, and the countless lives he touched along the way. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories shared with family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is deeply loved and will be greatly missed."