Obituary of Bruce Ivan Patrick Rayner

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Bruce Ivan Patrick Rayner passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at University Hospital in London following complications related to a heart transplant performed one week earlier. His decision to undergo the transplant was a courageous one, reflecting both his strength and hope, and the remarkable gift and miracle of modern medicine.

Bruce is forever remembered by his loving wife Sandy, his daughter Heather, and son Ben.

He will be dearly missed by his siblings Nancy Willoughby, Gordon Rayner (Gwen), Kenneth Rayner (Debbie), Clifford Rayner (Rhonda), and Mary Kirkimtzis as well as his in-laws, Garlene Rayner, Bill and Karen Hiltz, and Gary and Patti Martin.  He was predeceased by his parents Gordon Rayner and Edith Picket, siblings Phyllis Rayner, Bob Rayner and Dave Rayner and brother-in-law Keenan Willoughby, as well as parents-in-law Carl and Betty Anne Hiltz. Bruce will also be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family members and close friends. 

Bruce, the youngest of nine children, was born at Galt Hospital and spent much of his childhood on a farm with his family in Puslinch. Following the passing of his mom and then his dad by the age of twelve, Bruce moved to Angus to live with his oldest sister Nancy and her husband Keenan. During his teenage years, he developed a strong work ethic by doing chores, managing a paper route, and working at the local IGA.

In his early twenties, Bruce moved to Guelph to attend university and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He went on to become a long-standing employee at WC Wood Company, where he worked as a Quality Assurance Technician.

In September 1997, an elderly pair of well-intentioned matchmakers took it upon themselves to arrange a blind date for Bruce and Sandy Hiltz. Their gentle meddling proved successful. Bruce and Sandy were married the following August and settled in Waterloo, where they built their life together.

Through the process of adoption from Russia, Bruce and Sandy were blessed with daughter Heather in 2005 and son Ben in 2008, who were welcomed with immense love and excitement.  Bruce was such a proud and devoted dad!

Life was full and meaningful for Bruce, centered around family, his faith, and simple pleasures.  He appreciated a good round of golf, took pride in landscaping and home renovations, enjoyed his many chats with neighbours, and was a loyal Pittsburgh Penguins fan. Generous and hospitable at heart, Bruce loved bringing people together—whether it was inviting family and friends over for a backyard barbecue, gathering around a fire for conversation, or spending time by the pool. His home was a place of warmth, laughter, and welcome.

Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the entire heart transplant and CCU/ICU teams at University Hospital in London for their exemplary care of our “Amazing Bruce”.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. The funeral service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception in the Fireside Reception Room.

In lieu of flowers, donations to London Health Sciences Foundation Multi Organ Transplant Program (MOTP) or Ray of Hope Community Centre may be arranged by contacting the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.