Thomas Norbert Rayer passed away peacefully at home on July 22, 2020, while watching a cowboy movie. He was 79 years young. Tom was born on December 3, 1940 to Robert and Mary Rayer in Ann Arbor, MI, where he remained for his entire life. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandpa, and friend.
He grew up playing with family and childhood friends in the “Pace-Rayer” Woods, which is now the Sequoia Parkway neighborhood. Tom married the love of his life, Patricia Maloney, on October 29, 1960 after a three-month courtship. He always jokingly told Pat that “she married a good man,” and, indeed, she did. He was known around Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities for his strong work ethic, commitment to quality, and willingness to help anyone. He successfully ran his own business, Rayer Decorating, for over 30 years. Working with his hands not only provided him with a solid career, but also his favorite hobby. There was nothing his hands could not craft from a piece of wood. He spent hours in his workshop producing beautiful pieces from shelves to dollhouses to churches to unique tables that can be found in homes from Michigan to Florida. Treasured keepsakes from a treasured man.
Tom never encountered a stranger. Every person he met became an extended member of his family. Friends dating back to 1945. 75 years of friendship. Nearly 60 years of marriage. He and Pat had three children, yet there were always more kids around. And they still come around! Tom mentored many and served as a father figure to countless young adults. Over the years, “UT” fixed way too many car dents to count, and helped his nieces, nephews, and grandkids get into mischief whenever he could. He was a big kid at heart who was full of jokes. And full of love. The love he had for his family was unmatched. Generational “guy trips” to Kenton and Lima, OH. Family trips to Sarasota, FL, hosting fish fries and scouting garage sales. He taught many how to fish, enjoyed hunting, and absolutely adored his dogs. He loved fishing in his son’s pond and hosting the most epic family picnics. Tom’s life was truly about family. His home with Pat was always the place everyone wanted to be, and it continues to be the “cool” place for their grandchildren and their friends to spend time.
Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Mary, father, Robert, stepfather, William Holl, and sisters, Mary (Sis) Nicholson and Marj Moon. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; their children, Tommy Rayer (Laura), Shelly Theros (Dean), and Billy Rayer; their grandchildren, Christina, Cara, Heather, and Thomas; and great- granddaughter, Avery. Tom is also survived by two sisters, Mick Quackenbush and Sally Jarvi (Bill), and two brothers, Nick Rayer (Donna) and Robert Rayer (Marilyn); sisters-in-law, Cecelia Winkle and Chrissie Mattie (Patrick) and brothers-in-law, William Maloney (Topper) and Joseph Maloney (Chris); and an endless number of nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, dear friends, and an extended family that reaches far beyond blood. He was truly one-of-a-kind and will be missed by many.
A private burial service is planned for the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Tom’s name to Elara Caring Hospice, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
