Cudgegong Valley History Project

DEATH Mr. E. H. Rayner MUDGEE lost a well-known citizen early last evening, when Mr. Edgar Herbert Rayner died in a local private hospital after a brief illness, aged 63 years. Deceased, who was born in the district, resided here for the greater part of his life. Of late years he followed the occupation of a building contractor, and erected many fine homes in town and country. He was a member of one of the fine old pioneer families which had played a most important part in the development of the Mudgee district. His venerable father has reached the great age of 93 years, and is still hale and hearty at the family home at McDonald's Creek. Quite a number of bers and sisters are among the most highly esteemed residents of Mudgee. A widow, four sons and two daughters are also left to mourn, and to the bereaved ones the "'Guardian" extends its deepest sympathy. The funeral left deceased's late home in Horatio Street this afternoon after a short service by the Rev. Mr. McCall, and proceeded to the Church of England portion of the general cemetery. From near and far the people came to pay their last sad tribute of respect, and local builders marched in the sad procession. The arrangements were in the hands of Mr. J. C. Swords (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 27 January 1938, page 4).

MR. WILLIAM RAYNER

One of the very oldest residents of the district, in the person of Mr. William Rayner, of McDonald's Creek, died in a Mudgee private hospital on Friday afternoon, at the great age of 92 years. Deceased was born at Broombee, and early in life settled on a farm at McDonald's Creek, where he was actively engaged up till a comparatively recent date. He was a fine type of pioneer, and his sterling qualities won for him the esteem of all sections of the community. Honest, capable, and industrious, he went through life undaunted, and his sturdy character showed at its best in periods of stress. Members of the Rayner clan are generally long-lived, and one of deceased's brothers - the late Harry Rayner, well-known horse trainer - must have been near the 90 mark at the end. Deceased is survived by the following sons and daughters: William (Newcastle), Henry, Sid, and Victor, (Mudgee), Mesdames J. Harvey (Mudgee), G. Marsh (Lawson), H. L. Patterson (McDonald's Creek) and J. Gawthorne (Mudgee). The funeral took place to the Church of England portion of the general cemetery on Saturday, the Rev. Mr. Powell officiating at both church and graveside. The arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. J. C. Swords and Son.

Death Mr. Edgar James Rayner Mr. Edgar James Rayner, aged 63 years, died suddenly whilst at work in Mealy Street on Thursday, May 3. He was the son of the late Mr. Edgar Herbert Rayner, builder, of Mudgee. He was a bachelor. His funeral took place on Saturday. Messrs Eastaugh and Carroll were in charge of the arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 3 June 1963, p. 2. Death Notice Edgar James Rayner

Death Notice Walter Bernard McGowan The death occurred in the Mudgee Hospital on July 11 of Mr. Walter Bernard McGowan, a highly respected resident of Horatio Street, Mudgee. Mr. McGowan would have been 74 years old on July 22. Although he had suffered bad health for some years, Mr. McGowan, until very recently had taken a keen interest in his vegetable garden. He was a great reader and this interest occupied much of his time during his illness. Mr. McGowan as a young man had been employed by the Dept. of Railways for some thirty odd years, and had worked and lived in various places including Coonabarabran, Katoomba, Sydney and Mudgee. He is survived by his wife Enid, two sons, Peter and Ralph of Sydney, one daughter (Mrs. Bob Dowel) of Mudgee, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Following a service in the Uniting Church Mudgee at 11 a.m. on July 14, the funeral took place in the Mudgee Cemetery. Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 25 July 1978, p. 5. Death Walter Bernard McGowan

Obituary Harley Herbert Rayner The death occurred in the Mudgee Hospital on September 19 of Harley Herbert “Mick” Rayner of Horatio Street, Mudgee, aged 78 years. Mick was a native of Mudgee, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Herb Rayner. Over the years Mick had worked with his father as a builder, then spent some years working at Glen Davis, also worked at the local brickworks and later worked in the Parramatta Council for some years until retirement age. A quiet, reserved man he never married, but was very attached to his family. In recent years he had suffered much ill health, and had been living with his sisters. He is survived by his sisters, Mrs. S. McGrath and Mrs. E. McGowan, both of Horatio Street, Mudgee, two invalid bers of Sydney and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral took place in the Mudgee Cemetery following a service in St. John’s Anglican Church on September 22. Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 6 October 1981, p. 6. Obituary Harley Herbert Rayner

Obituary Charles Lancelot Rayner The death occurred on February 26 of Charles Lancelot Rayner 75, of Ryde. A highly respected citizen, he was a native of Mudgee and a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Herbery Rayner. He had not enjoyed good health since he was injured in a street accident a year or so ago. As a young man, Mr. Rayner was a keen sportsman and played as a fullback in the Mudgee “All Blacks” football team. He was also a keen pushbike rider and cricket player. After his retirement, he enjoyed the quieter sport of fishing. By trade he was a carpenter and when he went to Sydney to live he was employed by the Kell and Rigby firm, where he worked until he retired a number of years ago. Mr. Rayner is survived by his wife who was the former Miss Evelyn Williams of Mudgee, three sons, Vincent of Mudgee, Ronald and Lindsay, “Bunty” of Sydney and one daughter Sharon of Sydney, also two sisters Mrs. S. McGrath and Mrs. E. McGowan of Mudgee and one ber Max of Sydney. He was predeceased by his parents and two bers Edgar “Ted” Rayner and Harley “Mick” Rayner. Following a service in St. John’s Anglican Church, Mudgee at 2 pm on March 2, the funeral took place in the Mudgee Cemetery. Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 16 March, p. 7. Obituary Charles Lancelot Rayner