Longtime Jackson resident Bertram âBertâ Chester Raynes died Jan. 1 at his home surrounded by friends and caregivers. The following was written by Franz Camenzind and provided by his friends, even though Raynes would have shunned such attention.
Raynes, a self-taught naturalist, bird enthusiast, author and Jackson Hole News&Guide columnist, was born March 12, 1924, in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he spent most of his childhood. His parents, Morris Raynes and Celia (Mukashey), were immigrants from Poland and Russia, respectively. He jokingly referred to himself as a âJersey Boy,â but his heart and soul were at home in Jackson Hole, where he spent the last half of his life. Once, when asked of his heritage, his reply was succinct: âEuropean horse thieves.â