Eric Vincent Rainey
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Eric Vincent Rainey of Bracebridge passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024, at the age of 81. Eric was born on May 11, 1943 to Vincent and Dorothy (Burgess) in Toronto. After graduating high school, he went on to serve with the Royal Canadian Navy aboard the HMCS Restigouche where he was involved in patrolling the east coast of Canada during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.
Eric was a loving husband to Cheryl (Garlent) for 62 years. They met at a dinner in Nova Scotia while he was serving in the Navy and she was visiting family. They were married in Halifax on April 28, 1962.
Eric and Cheryl went on to have four children; David (Louanne), Andrew (Kathy), Christopher (Cheryl) and Shannon Holstock (Don). Proud grandfather to Ashley, Michael, Caitlynn, Lauren, Dylan, Lynell, Candice, Jacob and Taylor, and great-grandfather to Adaline, Aria, Nora, Quinn and Bennett.
He is lovingly remembered by his brothers, Gord (Janet) and Michael (Dorothy), and sister, Janice. Eric is pre-deceased by his parents and his brother Art (Barbara).
Following his service with the Royal Canadian Navy, Eric returned to Ontario and began an accomplished 36-year career with the provincial fire service. Starting with the Brantford Fire Department in 1963, he was promoted to Captain in 1973, and then to Acting Platoon Chief shortly thereafter. In 1982, Eric accepted the position of Instructor with the Office of the Fire Marshal at the Ontario Fire College, then promoted to Chief Instructor and was subsequently promoted to Principal, Ontario Fire College in 1994 until his retirement five years later. During his time with the Office of the Fire Marshal, Eric was very active as Chair of the Professional Standards Setting Body, Secretary of the Curriculum Committee, member of the Training and Education Advisory Committee and an Executive Member of the Office of the Fire Marshal. Throughout his career, his dedication to public service was evident and unwavering.
Eric spent his time enjoying personal interactions. He was always eager and available to help anyone who needed his assistance, guidance or advice. He was an avid reader with the eternal quest for knowledge. A celebration of Eric’s life will be held privately. Memorial donations in memory of Eric may be made to Hospice Muskoka, Andy’s House. Personal condolences and memories may be shared through www.reynoldsfuneral.com