John Derek Yates Raymer

Died on April 20, 2020, in Scarborough Centenary Hospital in Toronto, with his beloved wife of 63 years, Patricia, by his side. Dear father of Elizabeth Raymer of Toronto, David Raymer and his wife Cindy of Ajax, Christine Gowdy and her husband Paul of Whitby, and Bruce Raymer of Whitby. Loving grandfather of Emily, Laura, David, Benjamin and Faith Gowdy, and Rachel Raymer. Beloved brother of Barbara Hawkins of Toronto and Rosemary Palij of Burlington, and uncle of Kathleen Peterson, John Raymer, Ghita Palij, Michael Palij and Meredith Hawkins. Predeceased by his brother, Ross Edmund Raymer, and by his parents, Marguerite (Yates) and Ross Raymer. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

John was born on September 4, 1926, in Brantford, Ontario, and grew up from the age of seven in South Porcupine in northern Ontario, where his father was mechanical superintendent of the Paymaster Mine. He attended the University of Toronto’s school of engineering in Ajax, Ontario, and became a construction engineer, going to work for Sir Robert McAlpine on the Broadgate Hotel in Coventry, England in 1953-‘54, and in Canada for Anglin Norcross, which would include the Royal York Hotel addition in the late 1950s. While working at Coronation Credit Corp. in the 1960s he trained to be licensed as a real estate appraiser; he joined the mortgage department of the Toronto-Dominion Bank in 1972, and was later divisional mortgage manager for the province of Saskatchewan, based in Regina.

In addition to his professional work John was a dedicated volunteer, including for the Rotary Club in Regina. A spiritual man with a deep Christian faith, he was active in church life for more than six decades. He also volunteered as a telephone counsellor for the 100 Huntley Street television program, and then for the 700 Club on Friday mornings for more than 26 years. As well, he was a volunteer visitor to a nursing home in Guildwood Village, the Toronto neighbourhood he called home for nearly 34 years.

John was very active and fit all his life. He excelled in sports, competing for Canada in the orienteering event in Norway for the first organized international track and field competition for masters in 1972, as well as in the World Masters Track and Field Championships in Toronto in 1975. The following year he was named provincial champion in orienteering by the Province of Ontario, which also recognized him with an Achievement Award in 1977 for distinguished performance in the field of amateur sport.

He enjoyed tennis, golf, skiing, sailing, and was a longtime runner (and later walker) who did daily calisthenics. He was also fond of reading and watching evening television with his wife, including the Lawrence Welk show on Sundays.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In memoriam donations to the Arms of Jesus Children's Mission or to a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by his family.