His work ethic started young – pictured is Jack with his hard earned paper route bike
information released, pictures shared by the family
Jack Raines, 89, of Chelan, Washington, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024, leaving behind a life story that is equal parts adventure, and hard work. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marilyn Raines, and their five children, who will forever cherish the memories of their larger-than-life dad.
Jack was many things, a bowler, mountain biker, skier, and a man of endless ambition. He bowled more than a few perfect 300 games in his day and never missed a chance to remind you that he had biked to the top of nearly every mountain around Chelan.
He loved snow and water skiing in his younger days, and it was his search for a boat driver that introduced him to Marilyn. She not only steered his boat but soon helped him navigate through life, love, and a series of ventures that kept them both busy for over half a century.
Jack had a favorite saying: “When I moved to Lake Chelan, I didn’t have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of.” But through sheer determination, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to integrity, Jack turned that around.
His life was a productive one. He went on to own and operate a bowling alley, a ferry service, an ornamental tree farm, a cherry orchard, a resort, and even a float plane service. If there was a job to be done or a mountain to be climbed, Jack was the man for the job.
Jack and Marilyn (and a friend) in the “early years”. Always on the water.
A man of his word and a believer in the power of hard work, Jack was someone people trusted. As many around Chelan would say, “They don’t make ’em like Jack anymore.” His grit and determination will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.
He will rest easy, he earned it.
Please support the Chelan Senior Center in lieu of flowers. To plant trees in his memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jack D Raines
November 26, 1934 – October 23, 2024
Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, November 8th, Noon – 4:00 p.m. at Chelan Lanes
Jack was born in Cashmere WA on November 26, 1934, the first child of Darrell and Bernice (Neubauer) Raines of Wenatchee, WA. He grew up with sisters Sally Meuret (Don), Marsha Dickinson and Sharon Otis (Jerry) and graduated from Wenatchee High School.
Jack is survived by his wife Marilyn and children Kismene Raines, Cindy Engstrom (Jack), Pamela Raines, Chris Raines (Meg), Shawn Raines, with ten grandchildren & eight great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Chelan Lanes on Friday, November 8th from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the first place Jack drove into when he came to Chelan, “his home”.
Please come and say hello, stay awhile, and share memories with the family.
