David D. Rayner

David Douglas Rayner died peacefully at his home of natural causes
after a decade-long battle with MS. He is survived by his loving wife
of 31 years, Laurie MacCallum Rayner; sons: Kaelan W. and Brenton M.C.
Rayner; parents Douglas and Eugenia (Jean) Rayner; Sisters: Kimberlie
Rayner-Russell (Edwin) and Kristen Rayner; nieces and a nephew and
great nephew.

David graduated from Westerly High School, Hobart College and Flight
Safety International (Vero Beach).

David was an avid sailor and taught the craft throughout his life. He
was an active longtime member of the Westerly Sea Scouts. David worked
at Mystic Seaport Museum for thirty years in a variety of departments
including interpretation and the Dupont Shipyard. Most notably he
fostered the nationally recognized Mystic Seaport Community Sailing
Program where he taught hundreds of children and adults watercraft
arts and ran the generations-old Joseph Conrad sailing camp for
children and young adults.

He was a member of the local chapter of the Corinthian Sailing Club
and the Mystic River Mudheads. Nationally David served on the board of
the US Sail, the national governing board of the sport, and was
instrumental in introducing sailing to the Special Olympics.

A memorial service will be held at a later time to be announced. Gifts
in David's memory may be made to the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers
Association, 14 Lighthouse Road Watch Hill, RI 02891 or charity of
your choice.
Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St., Westerly, will be assisting the family with arrangements.
For online condolences please visit www.buckler-johnston.com