THE sudden death of well-known businessman, Dr John Rainey MBE, has been described as an ‘immeasurable loss’.
The chairman of Denroy and Denman plastics, based in the Balloo industrial estate, in Bangor, who died during the early hours of Tuesday was ‘quite simply, an extraordinary boss and an exceptional human being’, a statement from the firm said.
Referred to as ‘much more than a chairman’ and ‘the leader of a proud family business’, Dr Rainey, was awarded the MBE in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
The statement commented on how the business leader’s dedication to the firm was ‘rooted in the same love, care and integrity he had for his own family; a family he adored and spoke of with immense pride and affection.
They were his greatest joy, and the foundation of everything he built’. A ‘remarkable leader, a visionary engineer, an inspiring entrepreneur’, Dr Rainey was ‘ above all, a man who truly loved people’, the tribute continued, highlighting how he cared about the welfare of everyone in the company.
The social media post also referred to the chairman’s outside interests, including a love of books, history and the environment, and said he was committed to sustainability, a direction for the company before it became commonplace.
North Down MLA Andrew Muir described Dr Rainey’s passing as ‘immensely sad’, saying: “He contributed so much as a respected business leader and will be greatly missed by many, most especially his family, friends and colleagues, who I am thinking of at this difficult time.”
Mr Muir added: “Dr John helped build an amazing business, establishing Denroy and Denman on the world stage with a firm commitment to sustainability, whilst never forgetting the local community, giving so much back locally and to the manufacturing industry and education more broadly with kindness and generosity.”
North Down MLA Stephen Dunne spoke of his ‘deep sadness’ on hearing of the passing of Dr John.
Mr Dunne said: “John was far more than a hugely successful business leader; he was a visionary engineer, an inspiring entrepreneur and, above all, a genuinely kind and caring man who believed deeply in people.
“As chairman of Denroy and Denman, John poured his heart into a proud family business which was globally recognised and respected, that he nurtured, protected and championed with extraordinary dedication. He cared about every individual within the company and that belief in people shaped a culture that is admired far beyond Bangor.”
The Assemblyman continued: “John was immensely proud of his family, spoke of them often and with great affection, and they were clearly the foundation of everything he built.
“His love for learning, his curiosity, his passion for engineering and innovation, and his deep commitment to sustainability set him apart as a leader ahead of his time.
“He also took a strong and active interest in local community and sporting life and was always generous with his time, wisdom and encouragement. John was always a gentleman, always thoughtful, and always willing to give back to the place he loved.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Rainey family, his friends, colleagues at Denroy and Denman, and everyone whose lives he touched. John will be very sadly missed.”
