Dylan Keefe Rayner

July 13, 1991 – June 7, 2016

Dylan Keefe Rayner passed away on June 7, 2016, in Oakland, Calif., at the age of 24. Dylan grew up on Whidbey Island surrounded by his loving family and wonderful friends. His childhood was full of walks in the woods and beaches, and knowing that he was part of the larger community of South Whidbey that loved him unconditionally. He attended South Whidbey High School until mid-way through his sophomore year, when he transferred to Wasatch Academy, a college preparatory boarding school in Mt. Pleasant, Utah. At Wasatch Academy, Dylan was a nationally-ranked snowboarder (competing at Nationals in slalom, giant slalom, slope style and snowboard cross), a member of a state semi-finalist soccer team, named outstanding psychology student and a member of the National Honor Society. After graduating from high school, Dylan attended Western Washington University and then moved to Oakland, Calif., to study at Laney College to pursue his interest in metal art.

Dylan was known for his kindness and sensitivity toward others, his love of animals, his artistic skills and his calm and quiet demeanor. He was a strong advocate for the underdog, and volunteered time helping elementary school students in Oakland with his long-term girlfriend, love of his life, and Whidbey Island native Megan Kathleen Sarver. He is survived by his identical twin brother Aidan; his younger brother Riley; and parents Colleen Keefe and Steven Rayner. He leaves behind grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins whom loved him dearly.

A memorial service is planned for Dylan at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at 4045 Twin Stable Lane, Clinton. Memorial donations in Dylan’s name may be made to the Matt Talbot Center in Seattle, the Saint Martins University Abbey in Lacey, or the Cleveland Elementary School in Oakland.

“Those we love don’t go away,”

“They walk beside us every day,”

“Unseen, unheard, but always near,”

“Still loved, still missed and very dear.”

–An Irish Blessing