Raymond John Gaynor

Raymond John Gaynor, a man whose life was defined by a wide lens and a global reach, passed away on March 5, 2026, in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

Born on January 10, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, Ray was the firstborn son of Raymond and Lorraine Gaynor and attended St. Rita High School in Chicago. As the oldest of three, he was a steady presence for his two sisters, Joann and Corrine.

Ray’s professional life was a whirlwind of international software sales, but his true passions were photography and golf. Upon retirement he finally had the time to truly focus on his craft and game.

His talent was widely recognized; he was an award-winning artist whose work was featured in several galleries, numerous juried exhibitions, and residencies. One of his proudest creative milestones was his volunteer work with Little Traverse Conservancy, which captured the transition from the old Little Traverse Bay Golf Course to the valuable community resource, Offield Family Viewlands.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Rita; his children, Raymond Gaynor (Kathy Gaynor) and Bethann Wardrope (Peter Wardrope); his grandchildren, Hannah Wardrope and Peter Wardrope; and his sisters, Joann Barkley and Corrine Loxas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lorraine.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial gifts be made to Little Traverse Conservancy where friends are hoping to create a bench overlooking the old first hole and a walking trail in Ray and Rita’s honor. Please send your Tax-deductible contribution to:

Little Traverse Conservancy

3264 Powell Road

Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Attn: Emily Hughes, Chief Development Officer

Referring to Ray Gaynor in Memoriam

You can also donate via LTC’s website – https://landtrust.org

Donations are also welcome in Ray’s honor at Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey – https://crookedtree.app.neoncrm.com/forms/28