WELL-KNOWN and well-liked Isle of Wight vicar, George Rayner, has died.

George was born in Oakfield, and became a printer before conscription led him to become a Bevin Boy, drafted into the pits in Durham.

He was offered a career in management but declined, returning to the Island to run his own printing business.

It was here that George received his ‘calling’ to the ministry.

It was during this time that George met Hazel Russell, a trainee nurse at St Mary’s Hospital, and they married at All Saints’ Church, Ryde, in 1952.

Following the completion of his training, George became Curate at St Andrew’s Church, Taunton, in Somerset, before becoming vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Taunton, in 1956.

He grew the congregation three-fold, restored the church, built a new hall, and saved the church school from closure.

In 1963, he had the opportunity to become vicar of St John’s Church, Sandown, and undertook a similar role, increasing the numbers of the congregation, improving the church and building a new hall.

In 1969, George moved to Wootton to develop the parish.

Again, he set to the task, reopening St Mark’s Church, re-converting it from a furniture store, building a new hall, upgrading the facilities at St Edmund’s Church, and creating a vibrant church community.

In 1989, George and Hazel retired to Somerset, but it was not long before George was back running six parishes on a voluntary basis called the Six Pilgrims.

This was the culmination of his work, whereby he encouraged everyone to work together as a church community.

This had been the basis of his ministry throughout his career, recognising that working as a team was the key to success.

George and Hazel returned to the Island in 2002, to Shanklin where George continued to serve at numerous churches before running St Michael’s, Swanmore, in his late eighties, following the death of his wife in 2009.

George died at Woodside Nursing Home, Wootton, aged 97, and is survived by his two sons Denys and Peter.