Memories of Bill

 

My dad was a big fan of Bill's and was really tickled when Bill signed his football photo on Page 104 of our yearbook to: "Mr. Galley - Bill Rainey" and then a number that looks like 86 - assuming that was his team uniform number, whatever his number was!

— Londa Galley Warren

Happy Birthday October 5th my dear old friend. I missed you for years and miss you more now. Love Carol

— Carol Duke

There I am - towering above the crowd as I move effortlessly through a jammed concourse - I can see for miles it seems. It’s probably at a sporting event where most people’s attention is on the game at hand and somehow not focused on this undeniable force moving through them. What do they know anyway? A sharp wind is blowing through my hair from the speed at which I’m moving, but not a worry in the world, I’m just enjoying the ride with a smile that seems almost cavalier and obnoxious. How could I ever be worried? I am the luckiest person on earth, I’m on the shoulders of a giant. A protector. My Hero. My father.

I hate it when I have to eventually get down off of those huge shoulders, where I feel safe and on top of the world - that means the ride is over and I never want it to end. I’m just a silly child. What do I know anyway?

These are memories I will always have from childhood. But more than those I carry the countless lessons of life you would teach me. Always by example, always steadfast and resolute, but most importantly always out of a place of unconditional love - not always appreciated at the time, but forever engrained into who I was to become. Some of these lessons I’m sure I haven’t grasped yet (you can roll your eyes at me now).

Much like a ride on your shoulders as a child, there came a point when you had to put me down and let me walk into manhood on my own. Realizing day by day how much you had armed me with to face the world - you once again became not only my Hero; but this time you were a friend, a mentor, a sounding board, and so much more to me that I will never be able to put into words. Even though I was walking my own path (maybe even making choices you didn’t agree with once or twice) you were always there at the perfect distance to catch me if I fell.

If anything, today I am scared, because I need you - I need your advice, I need you to tell me everything is going to be ok, I need you to show me where to go from here. I also have a lot of angst hoping that I somehow live up to the bar you may have inadvertently set as to what a man should be. But I also realize now that you never had any expectations of me, you just wanted me to be happy and safe, and maybe, just maybe some of that unquestionable Bill Rainey charm, love and generosity would rub off on the kid.

I will be happy again, I know that - it’s just a little tough right now. But I will do it because it’s what you wanted and I have to return the favor to the man that gave me everything I needed; even if I didn’t know it.

I know you’re there - So, Pops, I’m getting back on your shoulders now and I’m never getting down. This ride isn’t ending here, Hero.

What do you know anyway?

— Adam

Pops, I remember the day I met you. Adam and I had just started dating and he invited me over to his house for the first time. The plan was to order pizza and drink champagne. Just before I arrived he sent me a quick note that said, “Oh. And my dad and niece are here, too.” I really don’t remember thinking much of it at the time because I knew that you and Adam lived together. I knew that you moved back to Seattle from San Diego for knee surgery and that you moved in with Adam so that he could help care for you while you healed. That was my first indication of the bond you two shared. When I walked through that door for the first time, two things happened that surprised me: 1. Adam kissed me, for the first time, square on the lips and 2. Holy smokes, is Adam’s dad Kenny Rogers? It makes me smile to think about it now. It was a cool April evening and you were out on the back patio with Amelia in your arms. Your white hair was perfectly placed, you were wearing a cream Tommy Bahama shirt with the top two buttons undone and the flash of a gold necklace peeked through. You and Amelia were feeding the koi fish in the grotto that you and Adam revived and you had the biggest smiles on your faces. Adam introduced me to you and from the very second our eyes met, you made me feel like I belonged. There was nothing awkward or any of the weird first-time-meeting-someone formalities. You welcomed me with open arms and I have felt that warmth and comfort from you every moment since. In the short time I’ve known you, I’ve learned that you are someone who genuinely cares. There’s a steadiness about you, a calming energy, a loving disposition. A steel armor exterior with an open heart that always told me it was safe to talk to you, to confide in you, to look to you for guidance and comfort. I see you in so many of Adam’s qualities: his generosity, his loyalty, his love. To know Adam, is to know you. You both are my safe harbor. You have raised an incredible man. 

The lives you touched are never the same. And I will be forever grateful for the short time I got to spend with you in this life.

One thing you told me at a time I was struggling that I will always remember, and quite frankly, have repeated to myself often these last couple of days: “Everything will be okay in the morning.” Love you, Pops.

— Red

I wish I could find the perfect words to say how important you are to me. I believe you knew, it was never a secret. I will never think of you in the past tense because you will always be in my heart where you have been since I first saw you with my baby eyes. You are my big brother. Handsome, funny, cynical, sarcastic, loving, brilliant, kind big brother who always made me feel special, loved, “the princess”. We have a special bond that no matter the years, the distance has never and will never change the pride I felt in being your little sister or the love I felt when you and I talked to each other. I will miss your laughter and your stories but you will always be there in my heart where you planted yourself all those years ago. Your Princess

— Jan Troyan

I made lasagna last night; banging around pots and pans and wrecking the kitchen made me feel a little closer to you. Red enjoyed it, I think you would've too (it'll be even better today). Love you Pops.

— Adam

For some reason I have been equating memories of my parents with memories of Bill. Not fair to any of them. But my memories of Bill are of a love and friendship that aren’t the same as the love for my parents. While I know that my parents loved me, it was their responsibility to teach me and prepare me for adulthood. Some of those lessons were hard fought and hard earned; some very natural. The lessons I learned from Bill were almost by osmosis. Many were learned without a word being said. Those are the memories that are making Bill’s death such a bitter pill. But they are also the memories that will fuel the way I shape the rest of my life. He is missed, but his absence is nurturing a fondness that makes my heart grin.

— Chuck

REMEMBERING BILL RAINEY

 We make a lot of friends in high school.  Most are formed on the basis of a common place or circumstance, like being in the same classroom, part of a sports team or a club.  Most of these friendships are casual, meaning we rarely talk about life, feelings, and future hopes and dreams.  Most of us are attracted to an image, not the reality of a person. Such friendships tend to fade as we traverse through the trials and tribulations of life.    

A lasting friendship requires more than a shared history or fond memories of the old days.  As we go through life changes and gain maturity, we develop a deeper understanding of our likes and dislikes.  We demand more in a friendship; some commonality, like shared values and a similar worldview, to be sure, but also a favorable impression of person’s character. Most school friends, for whatever reason, don’t meet such stricter standards.  One that did for me, and with whom our friendship deepened over time, was Bill Rainey.

Most Crawfordites knew Bill as a football and track star and genuine nice guy.  That’s how I knew him back when.  We were friends, but not all that close.  He was fiercely independent, a loner who danced to his own beat.  It would take years, long after his athletic exploits and our shared histories faded from memory, that I got to know the real Bill Rainey.  Over time, and especially in the last decade or so, we formed a close bond, the kind of which you talk about inner thoughts and feelings.  We took several road trips together, traveling to golf outings, the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, and wine tasting touring in Washington and Oregon.  On these trips, we talked about life and loves, joys and regrets, mistakes and opportunities missed, and, as was his want, American politics.    

Bill was one of the most honest and authentic persons I have ever known. Completely devoid of any phoniness, what you saw is what you got with Bill.  He never put on airs or tried to impress those around him.  I never heard him boast about some present or past glory, of which there were many.  He was humble and unassuming, and, as his friends can attest, an extremely generous man; a soft touch who couldn’t resist giving to someone in need.  He had a great sense of humor and would laugh uproariously at old stories.  He could also laugh at himself.

Attracted as I was by his honesty, humility, genuineness and generosity, I was probably most impressed by his humanity.  He believed in human equality and social justice.  He lived his life by the principle of equal rights and opportunities for all.  I can recall countless times he’d call to complain about some injustice he’d witnessed or read about.  To him, social justice was not just an abstract dream, it guided how he lived his life.  He practiced what he preached in a career as a union representative for airline employees.  They couldn’t have had a better advocate.

Bill was driven by a fierce determination to rise to challenges.  When he was stricken with neuropathy, as a result of diabetes, which left him unable to walk or even stand, he didn’t bathe in self-pity or resign himself to this cruel fate.  He saw this bad card he’d been dealt as another challenge to overcome.  It took him nearly two years of physical therapy to regain, first the ability to stand with a walker, walk with a cane, then eventually walk normally again.  The last time I talked to him, two days before his passing, he mentioned playing golf again.  I teased him about running an 880, a race he won in the 1962 CIF track meet.

I had four high school friends with whom our friendships grew and deepened over the years: John Allison, Larry Dubbs, Tom Ault, and Bill.  All are gone now-- far too soon. The grief I feel is unmeasurable.  Hardly a day passes where I don’t think about an eventful moment we shared, the fun and laughter, and all the stories that can’t be told.  The premature passing of my good friends was not only a great loss for those who knew them well, but also for an America that needs people of such fundamental humanity. I feel very fortunate to have known them well.       

Most Crawfordites will remember Bill as a sports star, “Mr. Football.” He was that, but that’s not what defined the man.  I remember him as a person of compassion and integrity, a person of substance who taught me a lot about human decency.  I was fortunate to have known him for nearly 60 years.  Those who knew and loved him know how very special he was. 

Our country has lost a great citizen—a man who embodied and lived his life according to our founding ideals.  He will be sorely missed.

— Ron Fox

I’ve always chuckled when Deborah says hi to her mom when she sees a hummingbird or her dad when she sees a hawk.

Well, there’s this owl that has been hooting around the house lately. Hmmm! I wonder....

— Chuck Rainey

First of all I would like to thank everyone who has comforted the family in this time of sadness. All of you need to know that your thoughts and memories have meant a lot to me and I was very touched.

I’m going to take this in a different direction than a memory and look to the future in honor of my big brother. So many of you wrote of his kindness to others; well I believe the one thing Bill would appreciate more than anything would be to carry on this kindness. Kindness for Bill was expressed so many ways through charities, giving of himself or just smiling at someone and saying hi or thank you or some other act. When you see someone having trouble stop and ask if you can help instead of walking by, say hello and thank you to those that are helping you, tell those who are closest how much you care. Follow the actions of Bill; this is the best way to honor him and you will smile and have a better day just as he did. This is how I choose to remember and never forget.

— Mike Rainey

This news hit me so hard. Bill was my regular at Café Elite. He came through every shift, everyday I would ask about Dre and I loved my chats with Bill. One day he came through listening to an Eagles song and I started to sing along, when I did so he then cranked it up while I made his drink. We boogied and chatted about our days as I screamed at him from the other side hoping he could hear me. He was my favorite regular. One day he pulled up and I had his drink ready for him, his smile was contagious and he told me how much I make his day. I wanted to come to the open house, however I didn’t find out about his passing until yesterday. I was waiting to see him because I gave my two weeks. All I wanted was to say goodbye to Bill and Dre, the last time we spoke he told me he’d bring him by for a visit because it’s been a while. I knew Bill was a special man he always told me he kept his coins for his family members to give to. He was thoughtful and kind, never once not having a smile on his face. He scared me when he first started coming, he seemed so serious and regal. Then one day he made a joke, and then from then on I knew the sarcasm I threw at him was landing.

Thank you family for letting me know, and letting me share your family. I’ll forever remember the man with the good music. I’ll be at the coffee stand 2pm-close Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

— Hope Beane

I have found no situation among family to be as keenly unique as to have all of the Rainey siblings together in one room. Bill, Jan, Van, Chuck, and Mike in combination always created such a festive atmosphere, casual zeal, and joy de vivre. Being around the Raineys at a young age gave me an appreciation that life is for enjoying good times and celebrating moments & milestones. The Raineys showed me that being around those you love in a carefree manner is often a better show of love and togetherness than the more formal and mundane manner that my other side of the family usually undertook. In a way, I envied their ability to show love, comradery, and compassion in an almost unspoken manner; not only from sibling to sibling, but to their children, friends, guests, everyone.

Now Bill is gone, and with all loss I am selfishly sad for myself. The memory of the clan of five Rainey siblings talking loudly over one another, saying the most hilarious, inappropriate, and asinine shit in front of us young kids (Nathan, myself, Adam, and Kevin), thankfully a bit too naive to understand certain things, brings a smile to my face as I write this.

I had not seen Bill in many years, and his death brings a two-fold revelation about life in general that now comes from a permanent absence. The obvious, negative side to this loss is knowing that I will never see him again and how it makes a person ache when they have to face that there is no potential to ever be reinvigorated with that cheerfulness that Bill Rainey was unique in effortlessly delivering to those around him. The positive aspect is that Bill is such a special individual that his joyous personality just has a way of seeping into you and would make for a lasting impression far after his departure. In this manner, he is never and will never be gone from us.

I suppose the best way that I personally can think to both honor Bill and relieve some of the pain at knowing his presence will be missed is to remember the small, happy, stupid, silly, wonderful details of the amazing times I had around the Rainey clan. I remember when Bill and Adam came down and we played basketball, and I unfortunately learned the difference between a regular foul and a flagrant foul (sorry Adam). I remember when we all partied and ran out of wine and I refilled everyone’s glasses with Mack’s 21st birthday Australia red (sorry Jan). I remember when we went to Papa's wedding and I was the only one seriously under-dressed, until I saw Chuck in shorts (thanks Chuck). These types of memories just have a way of bringing happiness to a person even in times of sadness, and while some of these memories may not specifically revolve around Bill, as the eldest brother, he definitely set the example for joy, laughter, and love in the Rainey clan.

I guess all of this is to say that if you keep someone in your memory, especially these types of awesome memories, then they are never really gone. A part of them lives on in you whether that is an echo of a conversation or an impression of how to be a good person. I know Bill helped have a positive, fun-loving, and cheerful influence on me as a person. And for that he will always be with me as an honorary Uncle of awesomeness.

— Joey Weber

Bill was a very good friend of mine & I am honored to have known him. We spent 7 years working together at Teamster's Local 747 from 2002 to 2009. I was the president & General Counsel for the local & Bill was a Business Agent for several of our airline accounts. Bill was a tireless worker & dedicated trade unionist. He was well respected by his union clients & his peers. Bill & I played together, worked together & drank together. I have many fond memories of Bill and I got to know him well over the years. My daughter, moved to the state of Washington several years ago & I was fortunate enough to meet up with Bill several times over the last year when I came to visit. He was a gentle, kind person and he will be truly missed. My only regret is that I did not meet him sooner in life. Rest in peace, Bill. Our loss is Heaven's gain.

— Gene Sowell

To the Entire Rainey Family,

Everyone here has been deeply saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He and all of you have such a strong sense of “Family” and that is something that we hold in tremendous respect.  When a Family has love at the base of everyone’s relationship with each other, that love nourishes and sustains you even the most difficult times. I have had the honor and blessing of being a small part of your “Family” for decades and have seen how “Betty and Bill” raised their children with love, humor, well-placed sarcasm, and above all else, a true sense of caring for each other no matter what the situation or whatever the current stunts the “boys” were involved in.  The “thread” that ran through Bill, and runs through the entire Rainey Family is no mere thread, it is an unyielding “Golden Chain”, one that glows with the energy of the love you have for each other. Everyone has always easily seen the love that Bill had for all of you and all of the rest of his family.  While the sadness of the loss of his presence will never go away completely, gradually over time when you think of Bill there will be a smile, a fond memory, and then a loving, reassuring glow as the energy of the Rainey “Golden Thread” warms your hearts. The sense of “Family” that ran so strongly through his heart runs as strongly through all of yours and will keep him alive in your hearts forever.

All of us in the Matosian family send our kindest sympathies and prayers.

— Matosian Family

Our Friend Bill Rainey…

I’ve been putting off writing this because it’s hard to see the keyboard through the tears. William is my friend and I am his friend. For me, calling him William was a way to show my affection for him without ever saying the word affection. He never told me not to. As Merilyn and I began remembering our times with Bill, we started to realize the impact he had on our lives. The value of having him as a friend and being his friend is immeasurable.

Here’s the Bill we remember…

He enjoyed sharing the things he loved with you. His love of great food, good drink, hard work, cars with horsepower, aviation, travel, his wives, and all his unique families. Oh ya, he dearly loved his grandchildren. To see that big barrel-chested man being led around by his young granddaughters was a sight to behold.

I had given him a ride to the car dealership to pick up his new supercharged Grand Prix. As we were getting ready to leave, he threw me the keys and said: why don’t you drive it back. As I started to disagree, he said: it’s my car I’ll be driving it all the time. Off I drove. I was at home and I heard the ramblings of a big American V8 in the driveway. I stepped outside and there was Bill standing next to a lime green Dodge Challenger with a stripe on the hood... He told me he had to get a rental for Kim, and this was what he chose. The next thing I heard was: Ya want to drive it? Off I drove.

The Love, Compassion and Generosity we saw and experienced from him was incredible. His generosity both financially and physically to the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter was a testimony to his character. If there was a fund raiser he would attend if possible but always write a check (and apologize that he could not donate more). The people at the ALS office could always depend on him to move, fix or install anything they needed. I called him one day and ask if he could help me deliver a hospital bed to one of our PALS (person with ALS). He asked me when and where? I said: Christmas Eve in Woodinville. The next words I heard… Sounds good, meet you at the office.

Whenever I took on a project that was beyond my abilities (which seemed to be always) he was always willing/wanting to help. For a truly short while we had a thriving fence building endeavor…a truly short while. It was my fence and that of my two immediate neighbors. After finishing mine and the first neighbors’ fence, we quickly realized the old man and his disabled friend had woefully overestimated their physical endurance. The second neighbors’ fence was a slow and painful lesson for believing the words: oh ya, we can do that. Bill suggested we donate our wages to the ALS Association. Frosting on the cake William, frosting on the cake.

Last story…In 2008 Bill & Kim and Merilyn & I Went to Australia. I took my power wheelchair. We were on our way home, getting ready to leave L.A. We were all on the plane except for Bill. Come to find out… Bill would not get on the plane until the baggage guys came and took my wheelchair down to the plane. Once he got on the plane, he then refused to sit down until he saw them load the chair on the plane. That’s our friend Bill Rainey!

Bill came by the house in mid-September. He was dropping off a check for the latest ALS fundraiser. He admitted that it was an excuse to come visit. We spent a couple of hours talking about life, what was, what is and what might be. We are so thankful that we were able to express to him (and he to us) how much we loved him and valued his friendship.

HE was…No, is… A Good dude, A Standup Guy, A Loyal, Loving, Compassionate, and Generous Friend! We will miss: Your Big Smile, Your Loving Barrel-Chested Hugs, that Tear Producing Laugh, and most of all Your Friendship.

William...You are and will be Greatly Missed,

— Carl & Merilyn Moore

My far away Grandpa is a little farther away now, but I’ll always know you’re here looking over our family. I’ve never truly lost someone, so it’s hard to feel and see everyone’s deep sorrow... especially my mom, Uncle Adam and Auntie Da ☹️

I’m so glad that Mom, Auntie Da and I had a beautiful picnic in Coronado on my lunch break just 10 days ago and we sent you pictures of us with our favorite Chinese chicken salad for your birthday. We never would have known what those little texts back and forth could mean to us just a few days later.

I love you Grandpa and I wish I could give you a big hug goodbye. Last I heard, Mom and I might be taking good care of Dre for a little while (so many toys and treats)! Rest in paradise.

— Lauren Sniffin ️

I have fond memories of Bill. I was a sophomore when he was a senior. I was trying out for the football team. It was a long shot, I weighed about 145lbs soaking wet, with very little talent.

When we first started practicing I showed up in my Tennis Shoes and found I was slipping all over the grass. I asked my parents for some football shoes and they declined, so back to the field in my tennies.

I was briefly talking to Bill one day outside of a classroom and mentioned how frustrated I was regarding my shoe situation for football. Out of nowhere Bill gives me his high top football shoes, doesn’t say much and walked away..... Wow, it’s 60 years later and I remember it like it was yesterday. I did wear them to practice and in a few days the soles cracked, not knowing what to do I taped them up with "masking tape" (didn’t know anything about duct tape back then) of course the masking tape didn't last and there I was running down the field with my soles flapping as I ran.......

— Barry Penn

I feel very lucky to have been included in the many DZ Akins' lunches over the last few years, organized by Ron Fox. It enabled me to get to sit across from Bill and come to know him as a man with a big heart and a killer smile. He would always greet me with joy in his voice. And I must admit that it was better to face Rainey at the lunch table than across the line in anticipation of being rolled over by arguably the greatest runner that ever graced the backfield of Crawford High football.

— Ron Slayen

Dear Papa, you have touched every corner of my life. I met you in 1992. A visit to my espresso bar became a part of your morning routine of driving Adam to school. As in true Bill Rainey fashion, every time you spotted a way to give to my small business you stepped up and acted. At that time, my life was non-stop with three active girls, a small business, and the struggles associated with separating from my husband. You yourself had your own battles at that time, but you never let them show. You portrayed the strength I would come to rely on later as our friendship blossomed into a union. You were a prince charming rescuing his fair maiden at every opportunity. You did all within your power to minimize my struggles, the struggles that come when a person like myself is not given the tools to manage all that life throws at them. Our love was and is an Agape Love. As explained to me by our dear friend, Maritza, Agape Love is all-inclusive of every relationship we experience in our lives. You never gave up on me. Your unconditional love has served me for the last 28 years and will forever. If I could go back in time, I would do the same for you. I am grateful you welcomed me back into your life every time I returned. Our friendship suffered many a blow but always rebounded, love prevailed.

We celebrated life in grand Bill fashion, from birthdays to births, graduations, weddings, fundraisers, traveling, Sunday dinners, holidays, and everyday meals. Our home took on a new life when you moved in. Your flare for sprucing up a room, the yard, and a meal is unparalleled. You brought the class to the mundane. And nobody could clean up like you, what a handsome devil!

I thank you for Adam. The very best parts of you are so evident in the special man he is. I am grateful for the friends and family that will remain a constant in my life because of you, Chuck, and Jan especially. We would not have had JoJo, Katie, Max, or our precious Maggie if not for you. Thank you again.

Over the last couple of years, your health took a turn. I tried to be there for you in the ways you have always been there for me and our family. Through the process of support, we rediscovered our friendship. We did not give up when it got hard. I am extremely grateful for that. Speaking to you daily became something we both counted on. I can say we loved one another greatly and at our best right up to October 9th.

As I write this the sorrow is overwhelming. Thank you for being the best Dad, Papa, and friend. I love you and will appreciate and miss you eternally, Nana

— Kim Sutton-Rainey

I do remember Bill from IBT. Bill was a kind, decent man of principle. He and I shared a belief in our co-workers and in strength in unity. He was fair-minded and a true gentleman. His warmth was evident the minute he shook hands. My deepest condolences to the family. He must leave a huge empty space in all your hearts. And I bet he also left a legacy of love and goodwill.

— Karin Morris

We lived in the same neighborhood and although we were never friends, I thought he was a great guy. We just had a different group of friends. His dad and my mom were chaperones at our after prom at the Roaring 20's and his dad was so sweet. I did chat with Bill at one of the reunions and I found him to be a really friendly and caring person. He was a treasure and likely the most legendary football player that Crawford ever knew. I know how many friends he had and how he was admired by all. RIP Bill.

— Donna Johnson

Bill, what a shock to hear that you have passed, but I’m sure you loved your backyard and mowing your lawn so I hope you were doing something you loved.

I have such fond memories of you, you Aussie male you, so bloody tough and funny, always the center of attention , you walked into the room and the party was on.

I will never forget going over to see Carol and you were there in you letterman’s jacket, it was blue and white and you were the picture of everything I had ever imagined a football star was supposed to look like in an American letterman jacket that happened to be my favourite colours.

My husband being very sweet got me the exact jacket for my birthday and Carol gave me her Pop Cats badges for McCathay High in Sacramento, she was song leader. I had them sewed on my jacket, and the next time he was in San Diego I raced over to see him wearing my jacket.
And I shouted at him Bill look at me.

Honestly I have never seen someone laugh so hard, he loved it every time he came to town I wore it when I went to see it.

Somewhere I have a photo of us both wearing our jackets but I haven’t been able to find it yet.

I am so sad that all of you that loved him do much are now grieving, he was a wonderful and funny man, I haven’t seen him for a long time now but he was a sweet man that I always made me laugh, an Aussie man with and edge to hi.

I hope he is finally at rest and happy with the people that he loved. I will always remember him and Carol and our jackets and fun times we had together. And every time I look at my jacket that I will never get rid of I will think of him. .....RIP BILL....Sally

— Sally Dickindon

Throughout my life, Papa has been the definition of support. He has shown me that some love can really be unconditional and that it's possible to love someone with every part of yourself. He gave me encouragement always and complimented me constantly. He pushed just enough so you could take a step in the right direction but not so much that you would fall. He deeply cared about everyone. He was always kind. He is the person I look up to most. I will never meet someone that made me feel the way he did. I find myself often looking back on those nights I spent the night at his house. I often spent entire days with him. I recently went over to his house and laid on his bed. There I smelled the smell that I will always connect with him. Papa was very clean and his sheets always had this particular smell. That smell reminds me so much of the feeling of safety that I always felt on those nights. I always remember knowing that my big strong papa was next to me and he would protect me always. He seemed to be invincible. He has always been so brave and strong. I am so grateful for all the time I got to spend with my papa. Those memories will be with me forever. All those grilled cheese sandwiches he made me, all the Costco trips, the delicious food, and all the laughter. His love will always be in my heart. I can say without a doubt that papa has played a big part in making me the person that I am today. I will be forever grateful for that.

Papa, I love you so much, your love gave me so many things, things that I will never get from anybody else. Thank you.

Love, Amelia

— Amelia Ingraham ️

I graduated from Crawford HS in ‘64. My fondest football memories were watching your father play football. He was a great player on a great CIF team. He was a great athlete. So sorry Adam for your family’s loss.

— Andy Lemons

Papa, I miss you unconditionally and you will forever and always be in my mind. You’ve taught me so much and you have always been there and accepted me for me. Anytime I saw you, you would always call me beautiful or compliment my hair or just something about me, anytime I saw you it just brightened my mood. You are the most amazing, smartest, intelligent, sweetest, heart-warming person I know. You are my whole world and more. I couldn’t ask for a better papa. I love you so much.

— Allison Ingraham

life ab

i woke up this morning
when i need a laugh
i think about playing
golf with bill

— Anonymous

I didn’t know Bill very well. But what I do know about him is that he was an easy person to be around. Our families came together in recent years and Bill had a gift for story telling, laughter and just plain being kind. He was a joy to be around.

— Vickie Witchey

It was wonderful when you popped in unannounced to the Amigo Spot in Mission Valley to hear the band, and we got to visit 60 years after we first met in school.

— John Fry

Bill, you called me about a month ago to see how I was doing. It was a great call. You were a great Brother In Law. I loved you very much and I was always grateful for the love you showed for me and my family and the love you shared with Kim and her girls and their kids. You made an impact on so many lives and I’m very saddened that you’re gone. Thank you for all the dinners. All the love You gave from the best place - your heart. You were a good man and I know God has welcomed you with open arms. Love you Bill and I know we will meet again. Until then try to behave up there. I will miss you.

— Shirley Woolem

I was in the graduating class of '62 with our Star Quarterback Bill Rainey! After Bill got out of the Army, he was working at the SD airport for PSA and I worked there for Host International! Small world! My Sister Debi is married to his Brother Chuck and we all got together often for New Years and Casino night on SD Bay! Bill got us a deal at the hotel across the street. What fun we had! Bill you will be sorely missed! Fair winds and following seas my Friend!! 🥰

— Patricia Violette

We love him and miss him so much. No one was more giving of their time and talents. No one was more dependable. I will always feel lucky that he fell in love with my mom. I’ll always try to live up to the example he set and make him proud.

— Destinee Sutton

Bill and I worked together for years at the Teamsters on airline campaigns. I always appreciated his deep deep knowledge of the industry and the care he felt for the workers that make the airlines run. I have very fond memories of a party at the house on Angle Lake. And while I haven't had contact with Bill in a long time, I was truly saddened to hear this news. My heart and my thoughts go to the family. Take care.

— Leonard Smith

You woke up on a Friday morning, (every morning was a Friday morning after a long and no doubt hard-fought career as an airline employee representative for the Teamster Union) pulled on a freshly ironed pair of shorts over a pair of legs that "could be sued for non-support", buttoned up a flannel shirt over a crisp t-shirt, squeezed those size 8-1/2 feet into your "yard" boots, ducked under your Mariners hat (might have been an A's hat) and went outside to mow the lawn to perfection to match the hair under your hat. After mowing the lawn, my guess is that you went inside to relax a bit, watch a little CNN news, and give your roommate and best friend 'dre a little love. You went back outside, propped the mower on its back wheels and washed away the grass that had stuck to the undercarriage. The lawn mower put away for the next time it would be needed, you took in the beauty of your garden, admiring the parallel lines of the wheels that had rolled through the newly cut grass. You bent over and pulled a blade of the grass, gave it a whiff, and thought back to those hellish first two weeks of football practice at Crawford High School. You thought about the times you crossed the goal line, the roar of the crowd. What great memories, not only for you, but for your family, your friends, classmates. Maybe you gave a nod to the burning in your chest when you ran the 880 and won the City Championship. But this burning was different. And you went down on one knee, something you never did in your entire lifetime. You thought if you laid down, as you had done on previous occasions, that the burning would subside. As you laid in that beautifully mowed lawn, you thought about the craziest things, living in Australia and Hawaii, driving your Pontiac convertible with your arm around a cute girl, riding your Triumph Bonneville motorcycle with the wind in your hair. You thought about your best friends that you grew up with, USC sweatshirts for your little brothers. What were these thoughts about? Looking up at that rich Northwest sky, with the grass tickling your neck, you floated off to eternity.

These are just a few of the memories that define what you were to me. A teacher, big brother, hero... I will miss you until I walk in your foot steps again. I love you for your advice, food, laughter, Tequila shots, thong Yahtzee, generosity, kindness, hair...

— Chuck

Hands down, he was one of the best human beings I’ve ever known. As much as I’d love to recount specific conversations, it’s too difficult for me to do at this time. At a time when I was an absolute bum and was going nowhere in life, he welcomed me into his home, guided me, and gave me a chance to be a better man. He had no reason to do so other than his love for his family and his love for humanity. He provided me with opportunities that my family was unable to give me at that time. At 37 years old, whenever I have a serious “life question”, I always defer to “ask Bill”. His life experience, intelligence, and honesty have been invaluable to me. When I was wrong, he never scolded me or criticized me - instead, he would always give me a smirk and a look that told me “we both know you can do better”. I love him like a father and I’m eternally grateful for the time that we shared on this earth.

— Phil Ingraham

What to say about the man who gave you everything? Love, security, and unconditional support. When I met him at the age of 9 a step dad was the farthest thing from what I wanted. I was a sassy preteen and sassier teenager but he stayed the course. He made sure my every need was met, doted on my mother, and never faltered in his consistency. Eventually I wised up and resigned myself to loving him. Each year we got closer, and each year he taught me more about love and generosity. After I had my daughter that love doubled, then tripled then quadrupled until my entire family was under his wing. His love was the foundation we built upon. He was my husband’s guide, my daughters’ papa, and the man I love most in the world. I will miss his stubborn gaze, his comments about what the kids ordered at dinner, and his soft molten core that always won in the end. Watching him love has been the great honor of my life and I’m so grateful I had a front row seat. I love you, Dad.

— Tristen Ingraham

Papa, I miss you every day. I want to pick up the phone to share all the wonderful happenings. I would tell you...Tristen got the job! Our girl is going to be a teacher in 2021! Charlie and Bode were incredible today (as always), the way they cooperate and make the best of it despite the circumstances. They are pure and utter joy! The three girls are a chip off the old block. They are donating their Christmas money to a needy family. You showed them how! Thank you! As you know, Mirah makes the lockdown tolerable, she is a constant source of entertainment and love. Lucky me! Our Thanksgiving gathering was held over Zoom. Jeff broke tradition and made us the best deep dish pies (pizza). He is amazing! Tristen said Amelia made cheesecake from scratch! Wowza, huh?! We missed you so very much.

I am inclined to believe you are everywhere now and could tell me a thing or two. Please do. I’ll see you in my dreams. I love you.

— Nana Rainey

Anyone who knew Bill would agree that he was quite the ladies man. He stole the hearts of five lucky women in his lifetime; Carol Duke, Donna, Bobbie, Lynn and Kim. His son would always tease him about being the Michael Jordan of marriage with his five rings.

— Anonymous

For those happy days that your mum and dad resided in Australia I considered baby Bill to be my little brother. I was approximately 12 years old when your mum and baby Bill left to reside in America leaving me devastated! Baby Bill had been a panacea for the whole family in particular my mom who was still suffering emotionally from the loss of her son and our brother Earnest who was killed fighting in Singapore. I have hundreds of happy memories of that little fellow. One fond memory in particular that has stayed with me is of a time when our family resided in a two bed room house in Stanley Street Scarborough. This residence had a long u-shaped veranda where mum was accustomed to sit at a table to sew,  each time she made a mistake she would utter a loud and resounding “Shit”. On one occasion Bill was in his little leg driven three wheel trolley belting  at high speed around the veranda while mum still sewing supervised him. One of the girls had just walked out of the front door leaving it open and Bill who up to that time had only uttered indecipherable baby talk followed her out the door in his trolley, crashing down three steps and landing on his back he looked up and mum and myself who had run to his aid and uttered his first word “Shit”. Your Mum Knowing my attachment to baby Bill always kept me up to date on those events  attuned to his years of development. Like Chuck’s sporting achievements I have always taken  pleasure in informing those prepared to listen of just how well these boys have done in the areas in which they have chosen to compete. I still have a treasured  newspaper article with a picture of Bill that your mum sent about his outstanding ability as a gridiron player. In this article the full blooded yanks saw reason to complain about his athletic ability in particular his speed, adding he must have been crossed with a kangaroo at the time of his birth. I have always thought of Bill as being special and I am happy that we got to be re-acquainted on those occasion he journeyed to Australia as an adult. Jan you and the boys have our deepest sympathy, Delys, I and the whole family send our condolences, love and support. May Bill rest in peace.

— Peter

Adam, My heart is broken for you and the loss of your dad. He was a kind, giving, funny, caring man. I loved the way you and your dad played off of each other. When my dad died, your dad very generously gave air miles to my son, Aaron, so he could come to his grandpa's funeral. When your dad stayed with Mark and me for some months he made some of the most amazing meals for us. And on, and on, and on and on. Mark and I will miss your dad for always and forever. Love to you and Witchey!!

— Judy

I’m happy I got to meet him, and our dinner with great wines always makes me smile- he was a special guy. 

— Alyssa

I knew Bill approximately 20 plus years and in that time there was not a time I saw Bill idle. I met him through Kim at the coffee stand where he was in constant motion building, adding on to, fixing things and creating, one creation being the coffee cup topiary and the benches. I had the honor of Bill hosting my 40th birthday party at the big historic house on Angle Lake, that he had restored to it's original beauty. There must have been at least 40 people there and as usual Bill served gourmet faire. Another time Bill and Kim took me and my small grandsons out to dinner at Red Robin where Bill proceeded to teach the boys how to misbehave by blowing the papers off the straws and when he got the evil eye from me, responded with the what me? look you are probably all familiar with. There was not one time that I visited the Burien house that Bill had not built or remodeled something...the fireplace mantle, hardwood floors, kitchen do overs, deck and Amelia's garden. The list goes on and on. Truly a unique and wonderful man.

— Pam Newcomer

Ah, Bill. You were one of the good ones. I will never forget your mentorship of me - a newbie labor attorney at Horizon Air. And you were IBT. You helped teach me what really mattered.

— Linda Nye

I left Washington 21 years ago, so I have not had any recent memories of Mr. Rainey. I do however have quite a few from the ages of 12 to 18 and pretty much all at the big house on Angle Lake! Adam would page his Dad while he was on a business trip to see if we could rent a PlayStation(1) from Hollywood Video or Blockbuster, for those who would remember they existed before streaming! I think we played Tekken all the time! His dad, even if flying, would still call back (once upon a time they did have phones you could pay to use on the airplane) and he always gave the okay. Adam and I would grill burgers with the indoor grill, play pool and shoot hoops. We may have partaken in some other activities that I will plead the fifth on. Bill was always welcoming to us teenagers in his home and even though he worked a lot and had to travel, Adam always had what he needed. I remember him congratulating me at our Graduation and I know how proud of Adam he was on that day. He did a great job as a Dad and I know that Adam has done his best to return the favor as a Son. I am very sorry for the families loss, but from what I have read, he will never be forgotten.

— Biscuit (Anthony Schultz)

My beloved friend. You made a great difference in this world. Amazing man, strong, giving, handsome, loving .... friend. I miss you and will see you in the Kingdom of God when I get there Thank you for all the special moments we shared I love you my friend.

— Maritza

I had the pleasure of working with Bill as a member of the Horizon Air Pilots' Union leadership when he was our IBT Business Agent. The world would be a far better place if Bill's ethics and integrity were the rule rather than the exception.

— John Little

Adam - my heart goes out to you and your family. Bill has crossed that final goal line. In traveling all those yards, he touched so many hearts and lives. I knew Bill while I was a sports reporter and editor of the school newspaper at Crawford. You've heard the stories of his glory, but I wish you'd experienced the excitement he caused, the joy he brought, the friendships he made. He was far more than a football and track star. He was a genuine person, and a wonderful friend. May the memories he brought your family last a lifetime. May Bill rest in peace.

— Donn Dufford

 life ab

i woke up this morning
and weighed myself
water weighs 8 pounds/gallon
that explains the loss

— Anonymous

Bill was the most generous and loyal man I have ever known. He taught me a lot about how to be a good person.

— Kimberly

Love you, Pops

— Adam

I don't remember exactly when I met Bill- what the date was or the occasion. I guess the reason I don't remember is because it just fell into place naturally. That's the way he was. He was a comfortable feeling. Even though I know I was probably being introduced as Chuck's girlfriend and nervously new to the family, Bill always made me feel special & welcome. Maybe that’s why I never really thought of Bill as my brother-in-law. He was more like my “big brother”. The “brother-from-another-mother” I knew I could trust and rely on.

I felt comfortable talking to Bill about almost anything and I knew that he was really listening with all the compassion that he genuinely showed to so many. It was just something about him that made you feel that way… that special way.

There were so many layers to Bill… so many levels and skills and talents. He was a master in the kitchen and aside from his ability to dirty just about every dish and utensil in sight, his final creation would be a meal that would rival that of any five-star restaurant!

On more than one occasion, I would watch in amazement as he would magically concoct the most delicious gravy out of some broth, flour and a few spices that happened to be in the cupboard!

To Bill, it seemed so effortless!

Another side of Bill sometimes appeared gruff and stoic but as you peeled that layer away, there was a man with a heart of gold, filled with tenderness and fierce loyalty to family and friends.
He loved deeply, laughed with gusto and lived with purpose. Bill is the kind of man you would be lucky to have in your life and I will always feel especially blessed that he was part of mine!

— Deborah Soper-Rainey