I met Dave when he first joined NCSU and really enjoyed working with him in various capacities over the years. I have been away and just learned of his passing today.  My condolences to his loved ones, may he rest in peace. 
Morton Barlaz

I received the news of Dave's passing a few days ago. Dave was a friend from our mutual time serving NC State.  He was a dedicated soldier in our work to maintain a safe and healthy campus.  We collaborated on a number of issues over seven years - he was a great partner.  And, I counted him as a friend as well.  We walked during lunch on many occasions and met socially on occasion.  NC State and I will miss you Dave.

Dear Wendy and family,
We are so very sorry for Dave's passing. There are truly no words to express our sadness for his loss. We will always remember Dave's love for skiing, golf and many other sports including his walks through the neighborhood. We are all luckier to have had him as a friend.
Robin and John Costello

Dave was always upbeat and playful… even in crisis. I remember him coming up to me after I interpreted for President Obama. He said “I had no idea. » I replied « Not many people know I sign » to which he replied « No. I’m amazed that you passed the background check!” Fair point. I’ll miss Dave, and wish his family well. 

Jeff Braden, former Dean of CHASS

I had the privilege of getting to know Dave as he began his employment at NC State. When he would come to the HR office, he made sure to say hello and ask how things were going.  He would always greet you with that contagious smile. As a fellow New Yorker, Dave and I spent lots of time talking about our travels back to the city, good restaurants and plays.  It was my pleasure to have known such a wonder guy. 
RIP my friend....
Corrinda Watkins

Dear Wendy and family-
Our  condolences on the loss of David. We enjoyed our time  and laughter with him on Christmas Eve. 

Love,
Martha and Jack

Sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. While you will miss his touch, his smile and his voice, please know that his memory lives on and his legacy especially at NC State lives on. I always enjoyed hearing of his travels and experiences with his family- you were truly loved. May his soul rest in peace and his memory be a blessing to us all.

Dear Wendy and Family,

My deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. May the wonderful memories you shared bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Keeping you and your family close in my thoughts and prayers.  

Best,

Marie

I had the opportunity and privilege, and it was truly a privilege, to work for David for eleven years as the police chief at NC State.  With over my thirty years in law enforcement, working for many different supervisors I can truly say that they do not come any better than David.  He gave me the opportunity to grow as a police chief and the freedom to run my department, and most of all, he was someone I could call a friend.  I enjoyed coming to work each day, knowing David always had a smile and was willing to listen.  David often talked about his family and was proud of everything they had accomplished.  I know David will be missed, but he will truly be an individual who made a positive impact on my life.

Reminding all the importance of taking care of our people you lead.

Dave was one of my first friends at Quinnipiac "College"during our first year in 1973. Heartfelt condolences to Wendy and your family.

To the Rainer Family. Dave was a force of nature, always curious, and always kind.  He moved so much faster than I did, but I was happy to tag along with him even if I had to take four steps for every one of his. I will forever remember his knowledge of the world, his love of Bell Labs and how their inventions changed the world. I will remember how much he loved his family, and how proud he was of all of you.  He will be so missed. Mary

This is not the best picture but it is one of my favorite memories with Dave.  In 2014, one of my dearest friends 4 year old was suffering from brain cancer and she loved tutus.  I asked if our team members would wear the tutus and wands so I could send her a picture in support.  Dave was the first one to jump up and volunteer. This was a great example of the kindness and empathy he had for others.  Rainer family - we are all so blessed you shared him with us.

I met David when he first arrived on campus to lead our environmental and fire safety division.  He was charged with the difficult duty of improving the division's ability to ensure safety of our students and faculty.  He was marvellous  working with our community as we adopted safety standards! 

David was clearly family oriented frequently speaking fondly of Wendy and his children.

Reba and I offer sincere condolences and know that the family will treasure wonderful memories of David as they grieve.

Wendy, Josh and Rebecca,

 Jeff and I are so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. 
Our thoughts are with you .

Karen and Jeff Stewart

The James family is sending our deepest condolences to Wendy, Josh and Rebecca. Dave will be greatly missed in our neighborhood. Seeing him run in the neighborhood for many years was a routine, then seeing him walk the energetic Ecuadorian dog that became a special part of the family, was a treat.  We now embrace your family and stand ready to do anything that we can during the days, weeks and months ahead. God's angels now have another angel to look out for you. Take care.

Dear Wendy and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss, wishing you all peace during this difficult time.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 

Missie

I am a colleague of Dave in NCSU's chemistry department and we worked together for over a decade. When there was a turnover in his staff, Dave was added to my speed dial, and he would answer my calls no matter the time of day. He was very direct (smile emoji here!), and so helpful and cheerful. He would make regular visits to our department, which I always appreciated since that meant he had an even better understanding of our safety needs.  I will certainly miss working with him. My deepest condolences and prayers are with your family at this time.

Dave was the very best in a work colleague. Helpful, always pleasant and professional, and a genuinely nice guy. His smile was contagious. Work at NC State was all the more doable when you had Dave in your corner. May his family be rewarded for his kindness and friendship. Godspeed, Dave.

This website says add a memory.   How can I add one, there are just so many.  Marye Anne Fox had just started as Chancellor and in walks this brash New Yorker (Dave’s words, not mine) to meet her.   That’s when our journey began and continued throughout four leadership changes.    He was always there to support and help whenever needed.  He was a team player and a valued colleague. Dave was without equal.

When Dave arrived at NC State, there wasn’t any structure in place for crisis management, including communication.  The structure in place now is a result of the many hours Dave spent with groups of people putting various protocols in place.  I’m sure he did similar for other aspects of his portfolio, but that was the area I was fortunate enough to have had first-hand experience.   One of my many memories about Dave involved a football game where there wasn’t a solitary soul who thought we would win.   We won.   Fans stormed the field and people were harmed, including my daughter.   Dave was there to help. . . he was always there to help.  He quickly took action and put mechanisms in place.  Something similar has never happened again.  

Dave worked pulling all of us together on so many issues including shootings, protests, bomb threats and Presidential visits.   He never lost his even temperament, sense of humor (and that smile) throughout any of it.  

I can still picture Dave walking the campus almost every day, stopping and talking to people along the way.   He had an uncanny ability to form relationships.  On the occasions I was lucky enough to get a Dave visit we’d catch up on a lot of things.  The most memorable was the way his face would light up any time he talked about Wendy, Josh or Rebecca.  He loved his family.  Wendy, may you find the strength and courage you need.  You will be in my heart and thoughts.

I was shocked and saddened by the news of David’s passing because I didn’t even know David was sick.  I have fond memories of interaction with AVC David Rainer and his team earlier in my career here at NC State circa 2010-2013 to set up OFA Dashboard.  David made sure I had access to/cooperation from his people and data...  At that time to see my AVC Steve Keto at Holladay Hall, one must pass by my desk.  David was always friendly and had a smile on his face whenever he dropped by.  I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time...

My deepest condolences to Dave's family. The smile in this picture is the smile we saw everyday when I was at NC State. From the first day he arrived on campus and throughout the challenges across the years you could count on that smile and a cheerful greeting. I'm glad I had the opportunity to cross his path.
Miriam Tripp

My deepest condolences to David's family and friends. I had the privilege of working with David at NC State University for a decade. There are many good memories for that time. I shall keep the family in my prayers.

I remember when I was remote school I would always say hi to Dave when he had meetings with my mom.From Adam.

All our sorrows are with you
Marc and Ann Okner

Dear Wendy and Family,

Dave was such a valued colleague to me and many at NC State.  His memory will live on at our university for many years.

Please accept my condolences for your loss.

My deepest condolences to David's family and friends.  I worked with David at NC State University for 15-years. Lots of good memories.  Will keep the family in my prayers.

Dear Wendy and family,
Words can do little to ease your pain and the loss that you feel. Please know that we are here to support you and will miss Dave tremendously. I will especially miss our talks and visits around campus--he was the keeper of all things NC State and its security. May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in knowing that he is in a better place. 

Best regards,
Paula Gentius

Dear Wendy and Family, 
My deepest condolences for your loss. May your precious memories of Dave bring you  peace and comfort.

OBITUARY

David Rainer

11 April, 1955 – 30 January, 2024

Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory

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