RAINS, Walter Byron Campbell
After a long and blessed life (his own words), at the age of 92, Byron joined his beloved wife Dorry, and many more family and friends on November 15, 2023.
Walter “Byron” Campbell Rains, born and raised on St. Joseph Island, was the loving father of Steven (Tracey), Mark (Jane), Karen Barban (Perry) and Brad (Jenny). Grandfather of Tyler, (Liisa), Kylie (Ryan), Meghan (Mark), Courtney (Jaxon), Kendall and Micah (Caleb). Great-grandfather to Declan and Joseph. Survived by his brother in-law Gerry Rahn (late Connie) and his niece Jill Wildman (Paul). Predeceased by his parents Guy and Annie Rains and his nephew Ed Rahn (Laurie).
Byron was a flight officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force where he met his wife of 58 years, Dorry. Together they travelled around Canada and Europe and eventually settled back in SSM close to his family. He worked at Simpson Sears, was self-employed in a TV/Radio business and after his retirement from Algoma Steel he was a hard-working volunteer and friend to many through the CNIB, Lions Club and St. Mathews (Emmaus) church. He was a committed friend of Bill W for 48 years.
He lived a life full of gratitude and never missed a day without expressing his appreciation to the people in his life. As such, he was an amazing human being for others. When asked, Dad shared his wisdom for a long life, well lived: remember that “family is everything”, never miss eating dessert or taking a daily nap, get outside for a good walk every day and always try to help others – this gave him tremendous fulfillment. He was exceedingly generous, always putting others before himself. I don’t think we’ll ever really know how many people he has helped and inspired, right up until he died peacefully at the age of 92 after a short illness.
Just like dad taught us, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the compassion and care of the staff and volunteers at ARCH for making his last days comfortable, to Dr. Bruni and Sharon for many years of excellent care, and the doctors and nurses at SAH who also provided comfort and care during the final stages of his life.
In keeping with his wishes there will be no formal service. Cremation has taken place, and his remains will be interred beside his wife Dorry at Holy Trinity Church, Jocelyn Township St. Joseph Island in the spring. Although he would tell you his life was ordinary, we will honour his extraordinary life by remembering and sharing our happiest memories of him.
He made the world a better place.
Memorial donations can be made to ARCH or Hope for Wildlife, a Nova Scotia wildlife rescue organization close to Byron’s heart. Payable by cheque or online at
www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/1015?v2=true
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.