Michael David Rainey

Michael David Rainey, 59, of Lopez Island, Wash., and formerly of La Grande, died Oct. 25.

A graveside service will begin at 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Union Cemetery. A potluck will follow at the First Christian Church, 901 Penn Ave., La Grande. All who knew Mike are welcome.

Michael was born March 23, 1949 to David Gerald Rainey and Lucille Irene (West) Rainey in Mountain Home, Idaho. He attended kindergarten through the 11th grade in Lancaster, Calif., and graduated 12th grade in Huntington.

Mike joined the Navy soon after high school during the Vietnam War and served aboard the USS Longbeach as an E3 Gunners Mate. After his tour of duty he was honorably discharged from the Navy.

He married his high school sweetheart, Linda (Shaver) Pierce, on June 16, 1975. Linda had a son, Steven (Pierce) Rainey, and they had a second son, Kevin Michael. The two were married for 26 years and divorced in 2004, but remained friends.

Mike worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation in La Grande, on the bridge crew and striping crew for 20 years before retiring.

After retirement he moved to Lopez Island, Wash., where his brother, Curt, and half-brother, Bob, reside. Mike worked for Lopez Sand and Gravel until his death. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved camping, hunting, and fishing.

He is survived by his sons, Kevin Michael and his wife, Kimberly Ann Rainey of La Grande, Steven David and his wife, Katrina Elaine Rainey and their daughter, all of Portland; ex-wife and mother of his children, Linda Diane Rainey-Minnich of La Grande; and brothers, Bob Rainey of Lopez Island, Rodney Joel Rainey of Boise and Curtis Wayne Rainey of Lopez Island. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Loveland Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 1508 Fourth St., La Grande 97850 to help offset costs.

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