29 September 1963 – 21 October 2024
29 September 1963 – 21 October 2024
Stephen Raynor, born in Nelson in 1962 to Merv and Patricia Raynor and the eldest brother to Neill and Grant, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of his wife, Johanna, and their children.
Steve was a loving family member whose warmth and support touched the lives of many. He cherished his role as a father to Christian, Nathan, Rachel, and Daniel, and was a proud grandfather to Lily, Colton, and Kylen.
Steve’s fierce curiosity and passion for learning were evident in all that he pursued. An accomplished rock hunter and photographer he found beauty and fascination in the natural world which reflected his creative spirit. His guitar playing was a private pleasure but always enjoyed but those who got to share it.
Steve was a remarkable supporter of young potential, inspiring countless individuals with his kindness, encouragement, and belief in their abilities. Responsible and respected, he left a lasting impact on all who knew him and his exceptional spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In many ways, Steve was exceptional in life and death, leaving behind a legacy of love, curiosity, and encouragement.
We will miss you, chap
Following the memorial service and afternoon tea, we will inter Steve’s ashes in the memorial garden in a unique Steve Raynor Family manner and those who wish to say their final goodbye will be welcome.
Funeral service held at Pyes Pa Memorial Park and Chapel
I miss you, Dad
A gentleman, a brother in the Lord, a fine human being, generous to a fault, real - no airs and pretension. Was a privilege to have known him. May he rest in eternal peace.
To Johanna, Chris, Nathan, Rachel, Daniel & family I was so sad to hear of Steve's passing. I will always have fond memories of Steve, whether it be youth group events, Easter camps or jamming on the bass and guitar. Sending much love xx Sarah
Most sincerest condolences for a loss much too soon. Max and I watched the ceremony online. Such beautiful words and memories shared of a very special person, Stephen. I recall a family trip with Stephen and Johanna to a quaint town in thr state of Washington USA. We stayed at a lovely seaside cottage and one day while outside on the back patio surrounded by trees and bush, we were lucky to have a visit from a hummingbird. That bird left and kept coming back. Stephen quietly yet swiftly rushed for his camera and waited patiently for it's return so he could catch it's beauty on camera. True to Stephen's caracter of curiosity, patience, and awe in the world's beauty. Johanna, Christian, Nathan, Rachel, Daniel and family, sending you strength, love, and prayers. Know that Stephen will watch over you from above and continue to Listen and guide you when you need it most.
Steve, you always made me feel better for having spent time with you - even if we didn't always agree on everything. There is great comfort in knowing we'll meet again.
Dear Steve, Remembering all the great times in our flat in Chartwell....back in the day..... The Easter Camps, the Youth Conference in Picton Will always remember your smile and gentle hearty laugh..... GOD BLESS my friend
Farewell Chap,you were a great flatmate and we had great fun working on your Fiat. Those were the days mate. Will be in my memorys forever. Trully a Great Guy. Regards Derek Webster
The team share the following messages in memory of Steve Raynor: Steve was a kind soul, a pleasure to work with, and truly passionate about engineering and making a difference. He will be deeply missed by the wider engineering community, and the impact of the projects he contributed to will be felt for many years to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Felt it was a pleasure to work with Steve even for a short time, his passion for his work and passion for inspiring others was clear. Enjoyed our chats about his extensive rock library and trips to find rock specimens. Although our paths only crossed for a short while, Steve was a kind and supportive team member who was an absolute pleasure to work with. He always had a friendly smile and kind word to share, and his experience and insight proved invaluable to the development of industry understanding around communication of landslide susceptibility. My thoughts go out to his friends and family. His absence will be felt deeply and the positive impact he has left on those who knew him will not be forgotten. Very sad to hear this news, I only worked with Steve for a short time, but he seemed a genuinely nice person. He was enthusiastic but gentle and keen to help in any way he could. Steve made a contribution to the people of Tauranga that most of them will never know about, even though their lives will be better as a result. It was my privilege and delight to work with him when I started at Auckland Council in September 2023. He was a personable guy with an amazing outlook, and very easy to get along with. I enjoyed the time I spent with Steve, and I got a great deal out of collaborating with him. I was saddened to hear of his passing. But I have no doubt that he faced it with the quiet determination and goodwill with which he faced everything. To his family, thank you for sharing his talents and time with us. Rest assured that he made a positive difference to the lives of many people.
Dear Johanna and family We were so shocked to hear the news about Steve. Far too young to be taken from us. So many good memories. Steve loved aeroplanes and we spent many hours talking aviation. I remember a trip to Masirah Island, off Oman with you and Steve, you made looking at rocks interesting and the occasional barbies we had in the desert. Steve was kind , intelligent and caring and we will miss him so much. God bless you at this sad time. Peter and Delia Milner x
Dear Johanna and family Words cannot express how we're feeling at the moment. He was a wonderful person and attracted anyone who met him. We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences and deepest sympathies..
Dear Johanna & family, I am really lost for words. After the initial shock, I think I should focus on the good times we had with Steve, as I believe he would have wanted. Our jamming sessions, our rock trips, our board games nights, having me over for dinner - too many to mention. There is no doubt that Stevie made an impact in many peoples lives. What I most admired about him was his love for life. I offer again my deepest condolences. I will remember him fondly.
I was so saddened to hear of Steve's passing. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. May our Lord comfort you at this time. Ps 34:18
Dear Johanna, Christian, Nathan, Rachel & Daniel Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss of Stephen. He was a wonderful man, full of great ideas, super bright and keen to be with young people and out in nature. It was a privilege to work together for better part of two decades in the UAE. Stephen easily forged many friendships with people from dozens of countries all of whom were blessed by their time doing something cool, fun, challenging and often unusual. His quest for knowledge and his curiosity about how things worked was an inspiration to me and to many of the students he taught. Stephen will be greatly missed by the Cousino clan. God bless and comfort each of you. Douglas & Sharon Cousino Michigan, USA
Hearing the news of Steve's passing has brought a heavy sense of sadness. My enduring memories of Steve are of him always being respectful and encouraging of others, making you feel included and important. He made time for you and that made you respect him even more. He was a patient part-time bass guitar teacher to me and others although half the time I'm sure he was making it up as he went.... My love and thoughts to Steve's family, he will be missed.
It is with great sadness to note the passing of Steve. He has been a stalwart of the Institution of Civil Engineers and Bridge to Schools here in New Zealand and will be sorely missed. Our condolences go to his family.
So sorry we are unable to be with you all for Stephens service. You are all very much in our thoughts as you farewell a much loved husband, Father and Father in Law,Brother and Brother in law and Uncle. A real gentleman who made the best of what life offered him.
So sorry we are unable to be with you for Stephens service. You are all very much in our thoughts as you farewell a much loved Husband, Father and Father in law, Brother, Brother in law and Uncle. A real Gentleman who made the best of lifes journey.
Steve, your life was a blessing and our shared memories will be treasured. You have touched our lives and will miss your friendship dearly. Our love, thoughts and prayers to Jahanna and family.
Funeral service held at Pyes Pa Memorial Park and Chapel

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