William (Bill) Rainey
RAINEY, William “Bill” – September 10, 1928 – October 25, 2025
The Reverend Canon William Rainey, B.A., L.Th.
William “Bill” Rainey passed away on Saturday, October 25 in the loving presence of his 5 daughters at The Elliott Community in Guelph, Ontario. Bill was born in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. He excelled in sport and played football (soccer) for Northern Ireland. In 1948, Bill immigrated to Toronto and began his time in Canada working at Eaton’s. He attended Trinity College, University of Toronto and Huron College at Western University. At both universities, he was Assistant Coach for and player on soccer teams. He was proud of being part of winning “the cup” for U of T.
In 1958, Bill was ordained an Anglican priest and married Sandra (nee Vincent). He worked in the Diocese of Toronto and served at St. Clements, Toronto; St. Simon’s, Scarborough; St. John the Evangelist, Port Hope; and St. Peter’s, Toronto. Bill was conferred a Canon of St. James Cathedral, Toronto in 1983. After his retirement at 67, Bill moved to Guelph with Sandra and continued his ministry; he served in neighbouring parishes and as an Honorary Assistant at St. George’s Cathedral until only a few years ago. Bill was active in the Masonic Order and Rameses Shrine Club and was the first clergyman in Canada to be a Potentate in the Shrine. His work with the Shriners Hospitals for Children was important to him. Through his example, he instilled a strong work ethic and an understanding of the importance of being of service to others in his 5 girls.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife Sandra, grandsons Andrew Peterson and Matthew Egler, and siblings Muriel, Eileen, Florence, Alexander, Maurice and Desmond. He leaves his daughters Kaitlin (Glen Strathy), Maureen (Brad Lucas), Julia (Jonathan Peterson), Lauren (Scott Egler) and Suzanne (David Dean); his grandchildren Jillian Strathy, Benjamin Peterson, Rebecca Brinston (Sean), Michael, Adam and Ashley Egler and Christopher and Samantha Dean; and his great-grandchildren Chase, Levi and Cole Brinston and Mary-Jane Dean. He will also be missed by his sisters-in-law Linda (Tom Leadston) and Nicola (Joseph Marques) and fondly remembered by his nephews and nieces.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to staff at The Elliott Community, where Dad lived for his last 5 years.
A private family service will be held. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctors Without Borders in William Rainey’s name would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of William (Bill) Rainey in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.