It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of William (Bill) Rainey, 81, who left our world peacefully while in the care of his loving family and hospital team after a prolonged illness.  Bill was born in San Francisco, California, to parents Donald V. Rainey and Ila K. (Benepe) Rainey, both of whom preceded him in death.  Bill attended Analy High School and graduated in 1961, playing trumpet in the school band.  He went on to attend Santa Rosa Junior College before deciding that the world of lumber sales was his destiny.  At one time or another, Bill worked for nearly every one of the Bay Area’s big-name lumber companies, including Diamond National, Wickes, San Marin Lumber, Noyes, Channel Lumber, Adobe Lumber, Wardway, Sierra Point, and eventually ended his long and distinguished career at Golden State Lumber in 2018, where he had a client list and reputation in sales that was tough to beat.  

Bill was a passionate hunter of anything tasty that had legs, wings, or gills and fins. He was a lifelong member of Ducks Unlimited and California Waterfowl Association and served on CWA’s Marin Chapter annual dinner committees for many years.  He was never happier than when wading in a trout stream, receiving a duck or a pheasant from one of his beloved retrievers, or reeling in salmon, sturgeon, striped bass, or whatever happened to be unlucky enough to bite his hook.  Wildlife everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief as one of their most enthusiastic and successful predators is now stalking game in a more heavenly setting.   

Bill is survived by his wife, Lyn Rainey; his sons Don Rainey (Tysha), Greg Rainey (Michelle), and daughter Katherine "Katt" Wamsley (Brian); grandchildren Kyle Rainey and Caitlin Perez (Joe); sister, Martha Cirata (Stan); niece, Jodie Litster (Steve), and stepsons, Greg Diekmann (Cindy) and Dave Diekmann. He enjoyed a generally quiet retirement and greatly missed the day-to-day contact with his ‘work family’ that he had enjoyed working with so much over the years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 12:00 noon until 4 pm at the Suisun Fire District’s Valley Station at 4965 Clayton Road in Fairfield, California (use 4965 Clayton Road for GPS/Navigation directions). 

Please come and share stories, memories, some good food, country music, and a cold beverage to help say farewell to a wonderful man, father, husband, brother, grandfather, and friend who will be missed.  Food and drinks will be provided.  Guests are welcome to bring a favorite dish or dessert to share that Bill would have enjoyed.  

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