Michael Rainone Sr. and his wife Irene lived, worked, and raised their family here in Ponoka from 1948 to 1978, after which he retired and they moved to Victoria. Mike worked for close to 30 years at the Provincial Mental Hospital, serving on the Medical staff and in the Recreation Department, as well as being active in the community as a member of the Masonic Lodge as well as the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #66.
Irene passed away in the 1980s, after which Michael continued to volunteer for 20 years at the Royal B.C. Museum, and later married his present wife Jean.
Mr. Rainone, who served in the British Army Medical Corp during the Second World War, just celebrated his 95th birthday with family and friends, where he was presented with a certificate from Prime Minister Harper as well as his 30 year membership pin from the Victoria Legion.