Anna Marie Sharon Rayner

Anna-Marie was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and spent her life in several communities she held dear, including Battleford, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Regina, Saskatchewan, before settling in Campbell River, British Columbia.

A woman of immense beauty, intelligence, and grace, Anna-Marie was a steady, faithful, and reliable presence in the lives of her family and friends. She was truly a good and decent human being who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Anna-Marie had a deep, lifelong passion for nature and animals, especially cats. She found incredible joy in the outdoors, feeling that the mountains, oceans, lakes, and rivers of British Columbia were her personal sanctuary.

Artistically gifted, Anna-Marie spent many late nights creating beautiful artwork—a talent she pursued with great passion during her retirement years in Campbell River. Together with her husband, Ron, she embraced adventure, touring extensive destinations across Western Canada and the United States by motorcycle, and traveling internationally through England, Norway, and along the Danube and Rhine rivers in Europe. Above all, she treasured her family, sharing a unique, wordless bond with her brother Rick, filled with simple joys, laughter, and late-night messages.

Anna-Marie was predeceased by her beloved sister, Laura-Lee Emigh.

She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her devoted husband and best friend, Ron Rayner; Ron’s daughter, Marla Rayner of Campbell River, BC; her parents, William and Elaine Knorr of Warman, SK; her brother, Richard Knorr of Campbell River, BC; her nephew, Dillon Emigh, niece, Sienna Emigh, and brother-in-law, Trent Emigh, all of Saskatoon, SK. She is also remembered fondly by her extended family, including brothers-in-law Fred (Deb) Rayner of Edmonton, AB, and Richard Rayner of Carleton Place, ON; her lifelong childhood friend, Shawn Sawarin of North Battleford, SK; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

At Anna-Marie’s request, no formal funeral or memorial service will be held. In lieu of cards or flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Messages from the Family

From her brother, Rick:

"I have been fortunate enough to share this life with two amazing sisters, Anna-Marie and Lauralee. Both are now gone, and I can only hope they are together and happy. Anna and I were so much alike that we always sensed what the other was thinking or feeling without speaking a word. Our most challenging moments together were simply deciding where to eat or shop—we both constantly said, 'I don’t care,' because as long as we were together, we were content. Eventually, she would always let me pick, showing just how selfless and caring she was.

Anna loved staying up late creating amazing art. Before going to sleep, I would often text her something funny or a picture of a cute critter, and she’d reply with, 'I love that, so cute, lol.' I’d always answer, 'Good, I did my job. Have a good sleep.' Going on without her will be difficult, but I am so grateful for every moment we shared. If I smile, it doesn’t mean the pain is gone—it just means I’m remembering something beautiful about her."

From her husband, Ron:

"Anna-Marie was beautiful, intelligent, kind, understanding, and deeply caring. She was trustworthy, faithful, and a steady presence for me, her parents, her brother, and her friends—she never let anyone down. She was truly a good and decent human being, loved by everyone who knew her.

Anna had a deep passion for nature and animals, especially cats. To her, the mountains, ocean, lakes, and rivers of British Columbia felt like a sanctuary. She possessed a natural artistic talent, which she fully pursued during her retirement years in Campbell River, creating truly amazing artwork.

Together, we explored countless destinations across Western Canada and the United States by motorcycle. We also traveled through England, Norway, and much of Europe, including a river cruise along the Danube and Rhine.

I have lost what most people spend a lifetime searching for: a true friend and partner. She will be forever missed by me and my daughter, Marla Rayner. Rest in peace, Anna. You will never be forgotten."