Obituary: Lynn Rasmussen

It wasn't all work, however, with many pick-up baseball games at the school, MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) activities, 4-H and FFA. In 1956, he was awarded the American Farmer Degree- FFA's highest honor.

Lynn married Dollie Fenwick on Aug. 14, 1955, and they purchased the family farm in 1956. Farm life was started with his dairy cows from FFA days. Due to the state mandated quota system, it was necessary to sell the cows because the herd couldn't be increased large enough to support a family, including daughter Janet and son David.

Over time, other crops were grown, including strawberries and pickling cucumbers. Many local kids grew up picking and learning life's lessons on the farm. In reflection, a special thank you to the "Bathrobe Brigade" — parents who brought kids to work before 6 am to learn responsibilities and the value and satisfaction of a job well done.

In the 1980s and '90s, Rasmussen Farms was one of the first "direct farm'' markets in Oregon. Many special events and happenings brought folks to the "real" farm Lynn wanted people to see and love. From flowers to berries and vegetables to Pumpkin Funland and the REAL Corn Maze, he oversaw it all. You may have seen him at the metro farmers markets or at the farm in his New Zealand hat parking cars during a farm event.

He loved all animals, especially black labs. "Pepper," "The Girls," and "King the Wonder (rescue) Dog" were his last pets and loved beyond measure by Lynn and farm visitors.

During the early years, Lynn volunteered as much as he could. He led Boy Scouts and 4-H, served as treasurer for 15 years in the Pine Grove Church Sunday School, served in the National Guard and Active Reserve, and served on the first Agriculture Advisory Board for the new Hood River Valley High School.

After retirement and between traveling adventures, he volunteered many places. He helped at the Discovery Center in The Dalles, welcoming guests from tour boats; at the Hood River Museum with Cemetery Tales; as a Meals on Wheels driver and board member of the Hood River Valley Adult Center; and at Multnomah Falls Visitors Center, where he was a board member and Volunteer of the Year.

All in all, a life well spent. When asked how he wanted to be remembered, he said, "I was a pretty good farmer."

Lynn is survived by his wife Dollie Rasmussen; daughter Janet Lee (Jim deceased); son David Rasmussen (Linda); grandchildren Jimmy Lee (Jessica), Karen Dunlap (Steve), Jeff Lee (Evie), Gunnar Rasmussen (Julia), and Solveig Mcaulay (Sean); great-grandchildren Delaney, Jude and Luke Dunlap, Vivian and James Lee, Kinsley and Maelie Mcaulay; and sister Marilynn Reade (Kenny, deceased). He was preceded in death by grandparents Rasmuss Rasmussen and Hansena Jacimina Rasmussen, and Oren King and Nellie Miller King, parents Lynn Rasmussen and Evelyn King Rasmussen, an infant sister, brother-in-law Kenny Reade, and son-in-law Jim Lee.

A celebration of life for Lynn will be held 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Historic Pine Grove Church, 2415 Eastside Road, Hood River. A recording of the service will be available afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wy’East Fire Department, West Side Fire Department or Hood River Adopt a Dog, c/o Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River, OR 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.