Obituary of Frederick Rainey

Fred Rainey of Ryley, formerly of Tofield, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, at the age of 73 years. Fred Rainey was born on January 6, 1942 in the town of Elk Point, Alberta, to Gordon and Alma Rainey. Fred was raised on the family farm near Dewberry with his two brothers and two sisters. He attended school in Dewberry up to Grade 9, and then moved to Edmonton where he finished his high school education, and began his apprenticeship as a plumber/Gas fitter. In 1964, Fred received his ticket and started his career with Canadian Propane in Edmonton. He married Gail Ursel and moved to Fort McMurray in 1966. In 1968 Gail lost her life in a car accident. Fred moved to Peace River in 1969, where he furthered his career with Canadian Propane. This is where he met Shirley Wright. Shirley had a son Randy, whom Fred had a very special relationship with. Fred and Shirley moved to Grande Prairie so Fred could take a position with Northwest Utilities. Fred was transferred to Tofield in 1983, and continued to work there until retiring from ATCO Gas . In 1987, Fred and Shirley lost Randy in a tragic rodeo accident. In 2006, Shirley passed away. On October 10, 2015, Fred married Shirley Stensrud after many years of beautiful friendship. Fred holds a special place in the hearts of Shirley's family. Fred was a great athlete and loved to play numerous sports, and when he no longer played, he would watch his favourite teams and family and friends play. Fred always enjoyed gardening and helping others with their gardens and he always grew the best tomatoes and was well known for his famous salsa. Fred was an amazing man who inspires us all to stay positive and live your life to the fullest no matter what curve ball life throws you. He will be forever in our hearts and will be missed by all who knew him. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Shirley, and Shirley's girls, Lorrie Sharkey of Camrose, Colleen (Wade) Magneson of Edson, Sheila (Stan) Helgeland of Camrose, Susie (Lionel) Williams of Tofield, Valerie (Marlon) Lindberg of Cold Lake and Loverna (Ron) Epp of Tofield. Fred is also survived by his seventeen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, two brothers, Harvey of Daysland, Dwayne of Daysland, and one sister, Myrna Batt of High Level, nieces, nephews and numerous relatives and friends. Fred was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Alma, wife Gail Ursel, wife Shirley Wright and her son Randy, and sister Louise, and Curtis Stensrud. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at 2 pm from Bardo Lutheran Church, Tofield, with Rev. Kevin Langager and Rev. Fred Tober officiating. Inurnment has taken place at the Dewberry Cemetery north of Vermilion. If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.