A good friend, a great pro, a true Gentleman

R.I.P Ron

Fred Di Sera

Ron was a “gift” to those who knew him well, a second father to me, a mentor, a true gentleman and a great friend. 

Love you, may you forever rest in peace 


We are very saddened  to hear of  Ron's passing . Irene and I send our heartfelt condolences to your  family. We were very privileged to get to know Ron, Marlene and his family. I was the incoming Head Professional at Royal Mayfair Golf Club in the Spring of 1971. I stayed  for 31 years.Ron  kindly shared a lot of his knowledge about the Club, and we became very good friends with his whole family. This long distance friendship has lasted through the years. His special sense of humour and his kindness will forever be remembered. Irene and Derek  Gibson. 

Truly we lost an exceptional golf professional........and a true gentleman.  
I had the good fortune of spending some memorable times with Ron and his best buddy Bill Walsh. 
My sincere condolences to the Rayner family. 

Please accept the deepest condolences from us. We are sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Rayner. He will be remembered fondly at the Royal Mayfair.

Ron was a true gentleman and one of the very best golf professionals in the business.   A truly wonderful man who left a great mark on the golf industry in Canada.  

There was no  better friend than my  buddy Ron.

My heartfelt condolences  to the Rayner family.  He was a wonderful person to be around.
I first met Ron in 1986 as a new young member at Summit. Upon reading of his passing this morning my immediate thought was of a beautiful June evening a few years later when I walked past the putting green  on the way to the pro-shop. There was a  lone man putting on the green. Ron was the only person in the shop and Summit seemed otherwise deserted.  I walked up to him and said  Ron, is that Moe Norman putting on our green?  Yes he's a friend of mine he answered. We're going out to play a few holes, would you like to join us?  So I got the thrill of just the three of us playing 5 holes together. What struck me then and now  in memory was Ron's quiet social grace  in putting both me and Moe at complete ease. Moe because he had difficulty interacting socially and me because I was frankly a bit star struck.  Ron was masterful socially, always on balance with a kind word or a joke.  I will miss him.

I had the great fortune of getting to know Mr. Rayner while I worked for his good friend Bill Walsh at Thornhill in the 90's, and later on when I called upon him as a supplier at Summit in later stages of his Professional career.  I always admired him for being a consummate Professional, always having time to talk when we met, and how he made your day just a little brighter by just being around him.  Thanks for being someone I could look up to good sir, may you rest in peace.

I had the distinct honour of meeting Ron and his lovely wife Marlene when my late husband and I moved to Aurora in 1984 and wanted a place to learn how to play golf.  The Summit and Ron welcomed us "newbies'.  We 4 shared many laughs, dinners, and good times together.  It takes a true gentleman to go through the pain of teaching a novice and his wife how to relax in order to play golf.

Ron has now joined his lovely bride and they are in Heaven together.  God Bless them both.  Condolences to the family and all the friends who adored Ron as much as we did.

Irene Lange-Mechlen

A gentleman, the consummate golf professional and a friend who will be missed.

I first met Ron at Mayfair. I was travelling alone and was a week early to play the Edmonton Open. He allowed me to play with members, use the course and the range. Later, we worked together on a PGA of Ontario project with Al Hosick. In both cases, I will always remember his dignified manner and the respect he treated others with. What a terrific personality to be a Head Golf Professional.

I never had the good fortune to work for Mr. Rayner, but always looked up to him.  A builder, a leader, and a mentor to many.  My sincere condolences to the Rayner family.

Ron came to Bayview CC during my time to continue his traditional and effective style of teaching upon his retirement from The Summit.  Being able to listen to the stories and experiences shared by Ron and Warren is something I'll always cherish. 

With time being a commodity we all have a limited amount of, Ron always made you feel like he had an endless supply to give. 

Rest in peace Ron, we will miss you, it was an honour. 

Mr. Raynor (I never called him Ron) was my pro from the moment I became a Summit pre-junior (1982). He tolerated me and my friends, allowing us to putt for Coke’s in the shop for hours on end, and never complained for a moment. From 1982 through this past summer, he never missed saying hello to me, and asking about my parents...a true gentleman. I will never forget Mr. Raynor, and I know that he will enjoy playing beautiful golf courses in Heaven for all Eternity. RIP my pro. 

Ron was a true gentleman, kind and considerate and the epitome of a “Master” Professional. I have so many fond memories of Ron both on and off the golf course but especially of our monthly 5 couple  “get-togethers” back in the day for drinks and dinner which included Ron & Marlene, the Crosbie’s, Porters, Walsh’s and McCarrol’s …….so many stories and laughs!!!   
My sincere condolences to the Rayner family, Ron will be missed by so many, rest in peace my friend.


I couldn't have described Ron better than a gentleman / a "gentle man" in all aspects of business dealings.  His smile was contagious.  A professional in every way.  He will be sadly missed by his  Golf Industry Family.    May he rest in peace.  Condolences to the Rayner family.

Always enjoyed going to see Rob. One of my favourite calls of the day.   Ron was a true Gentleman. Always had a smile and a positive thing to say.   RIP my friend.  Will miss you. 


A wonderful Golf Professional and a Gentleman - Gentle Man! 

What a delightful man who always had a smile on his face and something thoughtful to say. The consummate golf professional who consistently  made time for others.  Our condolences to the Rayner family.   


Ron was a wonderful friend to Joe and myself. We had great times with he and Marlene. We met them when we were just married and lived in the same building. I will miss him very much. Ruth

Ron was a true friend and golfing companion.  He was a gentleman in every way and fully earned the designation as one of Canada’s first Master Professionals.    Summit was never the same after he retired.  He will be remembered as Canada’s most esteemed and respected golf professional.

Condolences to the family.

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and the many friends of Ron Rayner, CPGA Master Professional.

He was a dedicated golf Professional who touched the lives of many and will be missed by us all.

A true professional and a really nice man.   RIP

OBITUARY

Ronald Charles Rayner

26 January, 1933 – 31 December, 2020

Thompson Funeral Home

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