November 5, 2024

Jack Rafn dies at age 84

Rafn

An exceptional life ended when Jack Rafn passed away the evening of Sept. 25, at the age of 84.

All who knew him will miss his endlessly curious mind and quick and hearty laugh. Jack was passionate about his family, the construction and business communities, education and adventuring around the world. He had an infectious sense of humor that brought joy to everyone around him. His laughter echoed through the lives he touched, leaving behind a legacy of positivity and warmth.

Jack grew up in Tacoma and graduated from Stadium High School. He went into the Air Force and was stationed in Upstate New York. After the Air Force, he moved back in with his parents who had moved to Seattle. He attended Everett Community College, majoring in computer programming, and then transferred to the University of Washington. He was in the first graduating class of Building Technology and Administration (later known as Construction Management). During this time, Jack married his sister's best friend, Marilyn, in 1965.

Jack was always fascinated by construction, so he helped his dad as a teenager and he nailed drywall in the summers while going to college. After college he acquired great construction management experience while working for the R. C. Hedreen Company.

Jack and his wife, Marilyn, started the Rafn Company in their garage and it grew it into a respected general contracting firm that continues to create quality construction to this day.

In addition to providing leadership to his own company, Jack was active in Seattle Rotary, Bellevue Business Roundtable, the UW Construction Management Department, Associated Builders and Contractors, the Construction Industry Training Council and AIA Seattle.

Jack was a passionate supporter of the UW's College of Built Environments. His contributions to the construction industry and education were recognized when he was inducted into the UW Construction Industry Hall of Fame in 2001.

Jack always had a deep curiosity and lived life to the fullest. He read avidly and traveled to over 35 countries.

He took great joy in gardening and was active in the leadership for the Seattle Japanese Garden and the Seattle Chinese Garden. Other passions of his were boating, scuba diving, hiking, cooking, listening to music, and just observing the world.

Jack is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn, sons Mark (Wendy) and Mike (Mia), and his granddaughter.

This article comes from Jack Rafn's celebration of life program.