Derek "BJ" Rainer

Obituary photo

Derek Rainer
17 Jan 1956 - 31 Jul 1994

Clubs & Associations

Western Star Dancers

Obituary

Derek Rainer
Jan. 17, 1956 - July 31, 1994
Derek knew that being silly could be serious politics. Red pumps, tit rings and lime-green feather boas were as necessary as endless hours of volunteer work.

Derek was active in Canada's tenant rights and co-op housing movements. He worked with many gay organizations, including The Right to Privacy Committee and Gay Fathers of Toronto.

An unrepentant romantic, "met" his lover of 15 years, Elan Rosenquist, on a steamy summer's night in a Toronto park under a full moon.

For several years Derek worked at Drummer magazine and co-directed three Mr. Drummer contests.

Pursuing his real love, gardening, Derek guided horticulture and became a gardener with the city of San Francisco. From his own garden, he became a supplier of tree dahlias to Bernal Heights and beyond.

Proud owner of an outrageous giant poodle, Orbit, both could be found in red pumps on Bernal Hill or high in the Sierras.

Derek lost his battle with AIDS and is loved and missed by friends and family in San Francisco, Canada and England.

A Celebration and Tofu Tea Dance will be held at his home on Sunday, October 23, between 3 and 6 p.m.

Memorial Panel

• 1LL | Western Star Dancers

Photos

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  St. Catherines Teacher College (St. Catherines, ON) yearbook portrait, 1974

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  Obituary (Bay Area Reporter)

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  Obituary photo

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