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Michael Rayner passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Nov. 26 at the age of 64.

Michael was born in 1954, the fourth of eight children, to Charles and Mary Rayner of Deep River. He attended Xavier High School in Middletown, started college at Eastern Connecticut State University, then studied acting at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. In 1975 he decided to start a new life by moving to San Francisco where he became a renowned floral designer.

Michael filled the world with his creativity, compassion, and kindness. He loved gardening and flowers, and he had a deep appreciation for beautiful design and stylish clothing. Christmas was his favorite holiday, and his Christmas tree decorations were legendary for their lushness and elegance.

Following his passion, Michael began his floral design career at the Great Chefs of France Cooking School at Robert Mondavi Winery, where he created elaborate floral displays for meals by chefs such as Julia Child, Jacques Pepin, and Martha Stewart. Michael’s immense talents led to a thriving business, beginning with designer showroom Kneedler Fauchere in San Francisco and expanding to include work for restaurants, hotels, weddings, special events, holidays, and private homes. He was considered a star in his trade for more than thirty years, a master of his craft, widely admired for creating truly innovative floral arrangements.

Michael was an extremely generous man with a big heart, bright smile, and a playful sense of humor. He believed in doing good and spreading hope. He was always there to help everyone around him, whether family, friends, or strangers. He supported multiple charitable organizations year after year, volunteering his design talents to create gorgeous flower-filled settings for fundraising events.

 Michael is survived by his parents Charles and Mary Rayner, brother Charlie Rayner and sister-in-law Elaine Galek, sister Janet Rayner and brother-in-law Jeff Crawford, sister Beverly Rayner and brother-in-law Marc D'Estout, brother Bob Rayner, sister Leslie Rayner and brother-in-law Dave Tisdale, brother Mark Rayner, and his beloved bulldog, Matilda. Sister Linda Rayner predeceased him, and Michael shared a special bond with her daughter, his niece, Stacia Gerritt Rusakowicz. He was a loving uncle to Geoff Rayner, Kelly Rayner, Brett Rayner, Aurora Milstein, Hunter Rayner, Willow Tisdale, Sage Tisdale, Meadow Rayner, and ten great-nieces and great-nephews.

 Services will be held at Deep River Congregational Church on Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.

 In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.