A 10 minute ride through our dad's life set to some of his favorite music. Sit back and enjoy the ride. We did!

I love you Raftis family !!! Thank you for including me in your family since I was 10 years old !!! Our neighborhood was the BEST and everyone wanted to live there !!! Early on I remember that we were NOT allowed to TOUCH the "cars" in the garage..or TOUCH the loud printing presses that seemed to run constantly in your basement !!! Your Dad had tough rules ...NO TOUCHING !!! (smile)...as we got older we spent so many weekends with Dad at Loon Lake to many to even count !!! I loved my childhood with you and Loon Lake !!! And your Dad eating ice cream EVERY NIGHT !!! I remember long boat rides and hot summer nights...I remember VERY clean garages and VERY clean cars !!!! (smile) As our Dads got older we would laugh at how they became more and more like twins !!! Julie Gail...I have always been fascinated and envious of the incredible relationship you always had with your Dad...you were a very special daughter to him !! I am so thankful that I spent one incredible day this past August with you and Dad at Loon Lake !! And that he took us on one more boat ride !! What a special Dad you guys had !!! What a legacy he has left you at that very special place....Loon Lake !!! Love you guys !!! Tammi

To The worlds greatest teacher The worlds greatest learner The worlds greatest friend The worlds bigest Charity contributor The Worlds most Generous host MY GRANDFATHER

Jerry was a customer of my mom's business, Trade Graphics for years. But Jerry knew both my parents from years before in the printing business. My dad, Jack Van Gelder, passed away in 2004 from lung cancer. My mom, Dona is still very active and shares in expressing sympathy to the family. Kyle would often accompany Jerry on his daily visits to our office. He was always in a good mood and looking for coffee as soon as he hit the door. Jerry helped me purchase my first brand new car in 1980, a Camaro with T-tops, from Camp Chevrolet, by putting in a good word with Jerry Camp Jr. I have never forgotten that. On occasion if I was in the Loon Lake area, I would stop by and visit and he always welcomed the company at his home. He always had many stories of outings with his children, and he sounded like an exceptionaI dad. I know he was an exceptional person, and will never be forgotten!

kyle litzenberger

15 years ago

To the worlds best teacher, The worlds, best learner, and to the worlds greatest Grandfather in the world i will miss u very much

kyle litzenberger

15 years ago

To the worlds best teacher, The worlds, best learner, and to the worlds greatest Grandfather in the world i will miss u very much

Dear Jerry (Governor), There is simply too much that you have done for my family and I for me to begin to thank you. I am eternally grateful and will miss you tremendously. Your very lucky Son-in-law, Tom

Actually there are a LOT of memories. Just can\'t put them together right now.. More to come...Thanks Dad!!!

Jerry was my two best friends Laura and Rochelles Grandpa and before I met Jerry in person I felt like I already knew him by how much the girls talked about him. And I remember how Jerry always had a smile on his face and ready for anything. I remember being amazed at how much he was always in the water. My grandparents never get in the water and I just thought how lucky all the grandkids were to have such an awsome person for a grandpa and how lucky his kids were to have such an awsome dad. Jerry was always so cheerful and welcoming to his lake house. He always wanted to make sure we had fun when we were there. Jerry was an amazing man and he wil be missed dearly. !~Bri Ueland~!

To the greatest grandfather anyone could have! You were always so generous and i will never forget how much you cared for us as your family. I will always have you in my heart. Thank you for teaching me the importance of family. I love you :)

I was heard your dad was in the hospital last week. Sunday I came to Seattle for work, then Tuesday Sue called and told me he had passed on and that his Mass would be today. I knew I would not get home in time to tell you in person how sorry I am for your loss and the sadness I know you are feeling. I have many memories of Jerry; mostly good ones. He always gave me advice and sometimes help in finding cars. He was also a good friend to me at other times and I will miss thinking of him at the lake.

To Kyle, Julie & family, I am very sorry for the loss of your dad. I was lucky to have met him and spent some time up at Loon Lake with him and your family. It is one of the simple pleasures that I will always remember. Sincerely, Dave Cuplin

15 years ago

Hi Dave, How kind of you to write. As much as we try to prepare for something like this, it is never easy. Dad was an extraordinary man, and I am so proud to be his daughter. Yesterday was beautiful. the mass was special and upbeat, the burial very difficult, and the reception was attended by hundreds! He touched many lives. He took his last breath with all five of his kids holding his hands and he is at peace now. Hope to see you next week, Dave. Love, Julie

I just returned from a trip and turned to see the obits. What a sad day for us all. I so well recall my days at the Fox Theatre and Jerry and his buddy, Fay Mills coming around. My association with Jerry was primarily through the Fox and Mr. Mills, though I did buy his old boy scout, or was it army??, tent to take on a camping trip. Anyway, such a small town as I continued to see Carolyn (and Andy) and Julie over the years. Small town with great friends, but we have lost one.

I remember my dad\'s old trucks. We would get to ride around the neighborhood on the Stepsides. It was a lot of fun!

To all the Raftis Family. We are so sorry for the loss of Jerry, your dad. We thought so highly of him and will always remember him as such a kind neighbor at the lake. How lucky you all are to have spent so much quality time with him. Sincerely, Heidi and Ken Crawford

I always enjoyed the lunch get together in Chewelah with Jerry.  We talked many times about the family and how his businesses were going.  Years ago Jerry gave me the opportunity of turning his lake cabin into a family home.  Since then we built a friendship that lasted for many years.  Thanks Jerry for being my friend and business partner.With great sympathy to the family I write this.Tom SteinbachChewelahsteinbach32@gmail.com

15 years ago

Hi Tom, Thank you for the great memories. YOU were a big, big part of our lives, as well as Dad's. The home you created is the legacy he leaves. It will never, ever leave the family. Cannot tell you how many memories we have been sharing about the house, the remodel (and that all of us got to SOMETHING - pound nails, whatever), and our lives there. As you may have seen in the obituary, his house was his pride and joy, and his life there was the source of nearly 100% of our wonderful memories. Thanks for writing. Love, Julie