Wesley Brian Rayner, Professor Emeritus of Western University

I fondly remember Arbitrator Raynor, who presided over my first arbitration case as a new union chairperson in CAW Local 2458 in the early 2000s. Everyone in our labour community still speaks very highly of him, given his fairness, patience, understanding, and ability to keep things simple and on task. We were fondly speaking of him earlier today, and sadly discovered his recent passing. On behalf of all of us with Unifor Local 2458, we send his family and all who knew him our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences. He will certainly be missed. Rest in Power, Arbitrator Raynor.

Wes was certainly my favourite professor. I was his TA for several years and he was always very funny, kind and encouraging as we worked together on his text books. He was fun to socialize with and I appreciated the many beers he bought for me at the campus pub. I learned a lot from him as well. If not for him I wouldn’t know about incorporeal herediments, which surprisingly came in handy in my practice. I consider him my first and best mentor. I regret not keeping in touch with him more over the post law school years. I had great affection for him. My condolences Mike and Mark. Good bye Wes.

I remember Wes from my grade eight class at Wortley Road School. He did well and made a difference. R.I.P.

I was fortunate to have Prof Rayner for Property Law and Labour Law at Western. He was a straight shooter who never put on airs, with Johnny Carson-like timing. In Labour law, he encouraged students to be fair to the rights of both workers and management. Fairness to all. An important life lesson for young lawyers. My condolences. RIP.

My sincerest condolences to the family. I worked with Wes Rayner for over 20 years. He skillfully handled dispute resolution for our union CAW/Unifor and the employers we dealt with. Wes was so well respected in the labour arbitration community by both employers and unions. He taught me a tremendous amount, both professionally and personally. Rest in Peace. Robert Buchanan

Professor Rayner taught me property law in 1975/76. He was a personable, approachable, fair gentleman. He gave me the lowest of all grades I received at Law School, and I deserved it. Sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family.

I was a law student at UWO and had the pleasure of having Wes as a professor. He had a great impact on my decision to become a litigator and later in my career a mediator. While I always thought of him as my senior I now see that he was only six years older than me!! My sincere condolences to his family.

I was said to learn of Wes' passing, but he lived a long and great life!  Wes was one of my heroes. He, like his mentor and best friend, Earl Palmer, brought a great sense of humour, decency and humility, along with great wisdom,  to his work as a labour arbitrator (which is how I got to know him). I have no doubt he brought these wonderful qualities to all his work, which he did to the highest standards.  He loved to talk about his humble roots in Hamilton.  He was one of the best of the labour arbitration world, in my humble opinion.  I learned a lot from watching him in action and reading his thoughtful and fair decisions. And it was always a real pleasure to work with him!

Always enjoyed playing bridge with Wes, indeed tenacious and a fine player and partner and hope he finds that 37 point hand. Sincere condolences to the family.

I will remember Wes with great fondness and respect. He was a truly outstanding man -- and so companionable, interesting -- and fun! Joie de vivre, that was Wes's trademark! I will cherish the time spent in his company -- whether at the golf course, bar, or games table. Deepest condolences, Mike and Mark. (But, what good fortune to have had two great parents!) Rande (Please think of inviting me to any future celebration of life.)

A great friend & classmate. Also a fierce competitor in hearts & bridge. I remember him well & will miss him.