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George Rafos Obituary
George was born July 27, 1941, in Brooklyn, N.Y., son of the late George and Marian (Meyer) Rafos Sr. He attended Case Western University where he received a degree in chemical engineering. After moving to Midland to work at The Dow Chemical Co., he eventually moved on to real estate and became a real estate broker as well as a self-employed businessman. During his retirement years, he worked part time with the DEQ as an engineering consultant. George married Jill (Beehler) Buchenau on Aug. 22, 1999, after a 16 year courtship, which was a whirlwind of fun and adventure. He loved camping, boating, dancing, biking, traveling and his dog, Sinsea. George just plain loved life and lived it to the fullest.
He is survived by his wife; son, Keith Rafos of Blaine, Minn.; stepchildren, Jennifer (John) Schmidt of Midland and Hans (Michelle) Buchenau of Auburn; grandchildren, Luke Schmidt and Sydney Buchenau; and brother, Stuart (Judy) Rafos of Walton, Neb.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center at 1 p.m. Pastor Jim Vargo of Traverse City will conduct a short ceremony before the celebration luncheon.
Memorials may be directed to Munson Hospice, 1105 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684; surely George's choice since he was so eternally grateful for all their care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Rafos
5 Entries
John Havick
April 18, 2008
Jill and family, I knew George from his college days at Coe (Cedar Rapids, Iowa). He was everything these other people here said; he had a core and a center, and yet he was fun loving. He was a friend; I lost track of him, and I always wanted to check in with him again.
Marcel Halberstadt
April 18, 2008
Jill:
As a “retired” colleague of George’s for the past 8 years, I extend my condolence to you and your family for your loss. RETAP will not be the same without him, and it is not possible to think or speak of George without a smile and a chuckle. He always enlivened our training sessions with his wit and – at times unconventional – quick thinking. He was never at a loss for ideas and was never shy to express them. He always got his message across! All of us at RETAP were surprised and saddened by his sudden illness. We miss George and will remember him for the joy he brought wherever he went.
Ann Seeds
April 16, 2008
I worked for George and with him when he first came to Dow in Technical Service. He was a wonderful boss and a friend. I might have met you, Jill, at some time years ago. So sorry for your loss.
Jami Millon
April 15, 2008
Jill and family,
May you find comfort in the words of friends and strength in the arms of family. George and his passion for life will be missed and remembered often. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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Beth Dore
April 14, 2008
Jill,
I felt compelled to share my memories of George. George and yourself had reached you soft hands and lent such warm words to me during my difficult time without even knowing me or my story. I remember the feeling that George must have been an angel sent to me and millions more through his time here on earth. May God open his gracious arms and welcome him home.
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