The small church of St Thomas was full. A good turn out also by the Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir.
People had come to pay their final tributes and respect to John Raine.
The Rev. Gareth H. E. Roberts led the service and paid his own tribute to John Raine.
Many Talents of John Raine
He described John as a talented man who could ‘turn his hand to anything.’ John had acquired many skills from a young age, many learnt from his mother.
John acquired more skills in the RAF and on leaving he became an engineer with Olivetti.
On his retirement from work John played golf and became Secretary of the Denbigh Golf Club.
He also joined the Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir. “His choir meant the world to John,” according to wife, Eirlys.
Rev. Roberts said that John Raine would be an enormous loss to St. Thomas’s Church. In his time he was Treasurer of the Sunday School.
He also arranged a variety of shows and entertainment.
Love of Music
He became the Church choirmaster and learnt the basics of musical notation. He was a perfectionist but, above all else, Rev. Roberts said, he was a “faithful worshipper.”
John Raine will be a great loss to the church and to his community.
At the request of the family the choir sang ‘When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.’ Geraint Roberts singing the first verse solo.
Raymond Bartley – Choir Vice President
“I knew John Raine for many years.
We all know about his love of music. John will be sadly missed as a member of the Choir.
John was a Gentleman. Well liked and held in high esteem by the Community and his many friends.
Our thoughts on this sad occasion are with Eirlys and the Family.
On behalf of Dorothy and myself we offer our Deepest Sympathy.”
Phil Taylor – Choir Chairman
“I used to play golf with John. It was John who invited me to join the choir.
We’ve been good friends ever since.
I will miss him.”
John Raine and Hine-E- Hine
The choir sang the beautiful Maori lullaby at today’s funeral.
A good choice as John wrote the lyrics to the second verse:
Sleep till the long night has ended,
Rest till the dawn breaks befriended
Sleep gently all is calm,
Slumber in sweet repose,
Sleep cradled safe in my arms
Hine E Hine.
‘I fought a good fight
I kept my faith’
John Hilton Raine 1942 – 2015
Alan Fawbert says
Very sorry to read of the death of Hilton, we went to Scarborough Tech together and shared lodgings, 1956-1959. He was a great guy and a keen sportsman.
Richard Thompson says
Thank you Alan for your valued comment about John Raine. He was held in high regard by all in the choir and the wider community. His courage was truly inspirational.