Henry "Hank" Raz Jr. passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, 2024, in Vancouver, Washington, at the age of 97. Born on June 22, 1926, in Portland, Oregon, Hank was the eldest child of Swiss immigrants, Henry Sr. and Nina Raz (née Vetsch). In his early years, Hank and his family moved often, following Henry Sr., who was employed as a dairyman in both Oregon and Washington. In 1939, the Raz family planted roots in Ridgefield, Washington, when Henry Sr. purchased 90 acres of farmland on Krieger Road and established Raz Dairy. Growing up, Hank worked alongside his dad on the farm when he wasn’t playing baseball, basketball and football for Ridgefield High School, class of 1945. Hank went on to attend Clark College for two years, where he played on three sports teams while still working on the farm. Hank was honored to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before being honorably discharged in 1952.
In 1958, Hank met Muriel Hagendoorn through his sister, Louise, who bowled with Muriel. The two married on April 30, 1960. Hank and Muriel welcomed son Don in 1961, followed by son Art in 1964. By the end of the 1960s, Hank had purchased the farm and dairy business from his dad, running it with his own family until his retirement at age 71. Hank often credited his health and longevity to raising cows. In his later years, Hank enjoyed fishing; golfing at Lewis River with his friend Benny Wray; traveling to Switzerland to visit family with Muriel; hosting family picnics; rooting on the Mariners; watching birds fly over Lake River from his front window; riding his quad around the farm; sitting beneath the walnut tree in his backyard; and spending time with his family at home on Krieger Road.
Hank is survived by his two sons, Don and Art; his four grandchildren, Kate, Mary, Emma and Tess; his sister, Louise; and his grand-nephew, Nicholas (Jamie). He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Muriel; his parents, Henry and Nina; his brother, John; and his niece, Kim.
A celebration of life will be held for Hank on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Ridgefield, Washington. Details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in Hank's memory.
