Richard Olaf “ Razzbo” Rasmussen made his way to the big baseball field in the sky on October 6, 2020.
He was surrounded by his family and peaceful comfort.
Born in Seattle Washington, February 7, 1930 to Olaf Rasmussen and Evelyn (Sivertson) Rasmussen. His forever love of Seattle included Ballard, Golden Gardens, Greenlake, The Sloop tavern, Alki Beach and Magnolia. He was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage and had mentioned visiting there someday…
He loved smooth jazz and pretty much all music, sleek racehorses, fighter jets, beautiful sailing sloops, and the game of baseball which he played for many years of his life. He was a “stats” guy and knew sports stats and factual information that he was able to discuss until his passing. One of his favorite musical arrangements was “Clair de Lune”.
He proudly served his country in the Korean War , United States Army and was in the artillery unit . He continually talked about being in El Paso, Texas for boot camp and how hot it was for marching. He met friends who he kept for a lifetime.
His tender heart for animals, and especially dogs, made him a “dog guy”. Dogs gravitated to his side and waited for a pat or a scratch. “ Rosie” and many other furry friends precede him in passing. We are sure on his way to heaven, he stopped on the Rainbow Bridge to pick up a few of his friends and probably a few extras who needed a pal.
Rich retired early from the Seattle School District and looked forward to spending time at his cabin on the Skykomish River and later his lake cabin on Lake Bosworth. In later years, he enjoyed family holidays with his granddaughters and their families.
Our dad made his way to Montana after an injury at 90 years of age. He could be near his daughters and families. It was the first time he had lived anywhere else so he would repeat “Never forget where you are from..” In previous years he would visit his family in Montana for trips to Yellowstone, fishing with special brother- in- law Lee Maki and boat trips with son- in- law Fred Henningsen. Visiting daughter Carrie in Colorado and seeing the Colorado Rockies play was a huge highlight. He wore his CR hat after that and it was his favorite. Time with daughter Lori and grandson Phillip in Missoula “seeing the town”was another fun memory.
He will be missed by his daughters, Kathy (Fred) Henningsen, Butte, MT, Lori Lyster, Missoula Mt. and Carrie (Bruce Ely) Rasmussen, Missoula, Mt. Granddaughters, Nicole (Paul) White, Mia (Rick Chavez) Bigliardi, great granddaughters, Julie Sharol White and Evelyn June Chavez. He is survived by good friends, Mike O’Hagen and Les Sutherland, many nieces, nephews and family who reached out to support him through this journey. His neighbors and friends were dear to him and they embraced and watched over him through the years. Preceding him in passing are his mother and father, brother Ronald, his grandson Phillip Lyster, his former wife Sharol Davidson, and many lifelong friends and family who he kept in touch with over the years.
Dad lived by the Golden Rule and valued the upbringing he had with extended family after losing his mother at a very young age..
Our thanks to the staff at The Springs at Butte, the healthcare staff at St. James Healthcare and those who reached out to my dad while he was in Butte. No services planned but we will travel to spread his ashes at Lake Bosworth, Granite Falls, Washington, and back for a block party on Greenlake in Seattle with neighbors and family in the Spring or when it is safe to gather. “ Burgers, hotdogs, potato chips and Rolling Rock” will be on the menu…and some great music.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s name to your local animal shelter and rescue.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Richard. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Richard and his family.
Judy Simkins says
We lived on the same Seattle block, with just one house between us, for 42 years. Richard was always friendly and kind & rarely without his pipe. We had great long discussions usually in the alley when we were both outside. We laughed the increasing ‘value’ of the homes we’d paid so little for back in the day-haha. He enjoyed visiting & talking about his cabin, Rosie his old dog & my large menagerie of misfit cats & dogs and my yard.
He was a great neighbor & cherished friend…I will miss him dearly.
Judy Simkins, Seattle
Rondiranko says
Rip Uncle Rich, I remember the visits you always came by on your way to index our little Camp Casey and you always came when I was cooking Chocolate Chip Cookies. And I will always treasure the Visit you gave me after I lost my husband you brought me a stuffed animal which I still have today You will be truly missed . Well since you’re up there can you tell my Mom and Dad And Bob Hello. To Kathy Carrie and Lori I send my Love and Hugs to you Love you all ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Emily Ryan says
We sure will miss our neighbor and friend. Loved seeing Rich with a rolling rock under his beer tree, reading at the Greenwood library, and listening to KIXIE oldies radio station on his outdoor radio. He was always kind to our little kids, and even gave Sam a baseball glove:) He was such a special guy. Sending our love to Rich’s family from 74th st in Seattle. Emily Ryan, James, Sam and Sophie Hooper
Jeff Maki says
I owe so much to my uncle Rich. His wife Sharol was my mom’s sister, and he and my father explored and fished the blue ribbon streams of Montana — Always filling their wicker creels with trout while filling their adventurous spirits with fantastic memories that they shared with their families for decades. If Rich had never been, I would not have my lovely wife, nor my beautiful son. Indeed it was Rich‘s daughters Carrie and Kathy and Lori That introduced me to my lovely wife Debbie. And without that connection to the Razzbo Clan , I can’t imagine how different my life would be. Indeed it was Visiting his secluded little cabin on the Skykomish River that inspired me to build a little shack of my own up there. I marveled at his infinite knowledge of baseball — always able to recite some crucial statistic of a particular baseball game, a player, or even his own experience as a very talented baseball player. Indeed he told me he played on a team that won the championship in Seattle. But it didn’t matter what the subject was, in my experience he could converse on any subject and was always in tune and interested in current events and how those events affected the world we live in. I think the thing I will cherish most are the mini driving trips we took around Seattle exploring. Sometimes I would just show up at his house, and he would happily throw on his coat and a cap and take his pipe with him, and we would just drive in any direction and he would tell me about the rich history of the City that he so loved. And of course, his greatest pride was his family. So many times he would tell us about his wonderful daughters and his grandchildren and of course recently his great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all that know him, but for sure heaven is a better place now because he is there.
Robin Stokke Beaupre says
RIP Rich. You made my childhood so much fun. Living next door to you & your family was such a treat. We were so lucky to have such great neighbors/friends. ❤️
Jessamyn Tempel says
What can I say? Razzbo was one of my absolute favorite people to talk to about ANYTHING. He had a heart of gold and the most inspiring positive attitude. He loved his family fiercely, he spoke so highly of every member and I can see why. I was lucky to get to meet each of his daughters, each so unique yet a reflection of their wonderful father. I will miss talking to him about our Mariners, airplanes, music, and pups. One of my favorite memories was sitting there showing him photos of my dog and I said, “well you’re probably tired of this” and he smiled his world famous smile and said, “not a chance!” ❤ he always reminded me to enjoy the little things in life. Because after all, the little moments are the ones we will remember most.
My heart goes out to his friends and family, hold onto those precious memories and photographs. You are all in my heart forever- and so is he.
❤
Jeri A Oneil says
Dear Kathy and Mia and your families, I adore what a “good Norwegian” your dad was and am so sorry we weren’t able to meet for lefse over the years. He’ll be in good company with all the good Norwegians in Valhalla, including the Tovsons and the Vermedahls. Megan said this was a beautifully written obit and I agree with her. Sending lots of love to you always.
Alicia Chandler says
Bill and Rich were friends from grade school until Bill died 2 years ago. They caught pigeons under the Ballard Bridge and trained them for racing. They were the youngest members at Jules Tavern in the South End of the pigeon racing club. We kept in touch through cards and visits until Rich moved from Seattle. Love to all the family. Alicia