10/02/2026
It is with deep sadness that we share the sudden and heartbreaking passing of our beloved Chairman, Dr John Rainey, who left us in the early hours of this morning.
From all of us at Denroy and Denman, this loss is immeasurable.
Dr John was so much more than a Chairman. As the leader of a proud family business, he poured his heart into every aspect of Denroy and Denman. His dedication 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.
He was a remarkable leader, a visionary engineer, an inspiring entrepreneur, and above all, a man who truly loved people. He cared about every individual in this company; their wellbeing, their growth, their families, their future. His belief in people shaped the very culture we are proud to have today.
His passion for the company was woven into everything he did. He built, nurtured, protected, and championed this business as though it were an extension of his home. His standards were high, his curiosity endless and his generosity unmatched. He was, quite simply, an extraordinary boss and an exceptional human being.
Outside of work, Dr John was known for his vast and varied passions, his love of books, his fascination with history, his joy in collecting, and his unwavering commitment to engineering and innovation. He had an insatiable appetite for learning and an extraordinary ability to connect with others through his knowledge, humour, and warmth.
He also cared deeply for the environment and the world we are leaving behind for future generations. His commitment to sustainability shaped our direction as a company long before it became commonplace.
Today, we mourn the loss of a leader, a mentor, a colleague, and a dear friend. But we also celebrate the immense legacy he leaves behind a legacy built on kindness, curiosity, courage, and love. Which we will share more of in due course.
Through his remarkable mentorship and unwavering belief in people, John invested deeply in developing the next generation of leaders. His guidance, wisdom, and steady hand have ensured that the business he loved so dearly is in very good hands.
In the meantime we take comfort in one of his favourite authors; A.A. Milne, which feels especially fitting today:
“How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
We are all incredibly lucky to have had him.
Our thoughts are with the Rainey family, his friends, and everyone whose lives he touched.