Damon Raike passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, January 29, 2017, at the age of 89.

Born in Chicago, Illinois to Damon and Regina Raike, he graduated from the Latin School of Chicago before joining the Navy during WWll. He proudly served his country while learning how to fly and graduated from Northwestern University with a B.S. in Psychology.

In 1952, he moved to San Francisco where he found his true professional calling, selling and leasing industrial and commercial real estate. In the late 1950's he founded Damon Raike & Company.

Damon hired, mentored and trained some of the most successful real estate brokers and developers in the San Francisco Bay Area. The company was sold in 1997 to what is now a part of Cushman & Wakefield.

Damon's passions were many and varied. He piloted airplanes, drove tractors, Model A's and a fire engine. He traveled worldwide to enjoy parades, ate chocolate with abandon and loved Costco. Until his 88th year, he rode his bicycle from San Francisco to Sausalito on Fridays at 5:15 am with The Lucky Ones, a biking group he founded. Seeing the sunrise over the East Bay hills while crossing the Golden Gate Bridge inspired the group's name.

He regularly attended the San Francisco Symphony, City Arts and Lectures, museums and theater. He was an active member of the San Francisco Sheriff's Air Squadron, the Wings Club of New York and the St. Francis Yacht Club.

He loved his family very much and was fiercely protective of them. He leaves his loving wife of 59 years, Marjorie, his devoted daughters Jennifer and Diane, son Andrew, daughter-in-law Debra and sister Barbara Jarrow. His son, Thomas, predeceased him.

Damon touched so many lives with his generosity, enthusiasm for life and optimism. He would stop to pet all friendly dogs and enjoyed engaging in conversation with anyone and everyone. The community that mourns his passing reaches far and wide.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice by the Bay, UCSF Symptom Management and his caregivers, Telesia Niu and Viliami Tuitavake, for their kind and compassionate end of life care. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the San Francisco SPCA, the San Francisco Symphony or the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 8 to Feb. 12, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Damon Raike

Sponsored by San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home.

8 Entries

Mat

January 18, 2023

Damon was the man. I greatly enjoyed my time with him and not accepting his request was one of the only professional regrets I have. That said, having the moments in time and seeing how much he enjoyed the sunrise over the bay was an inspiration. Great guy. We need more of him.

Claire Louis

February 18, 2017

A good man who will be missed by many. He inspired me with his love of life and optimism.

Rhonda Caldewey

February 18, 2017

Damon showed up chipper, with a genuine smile, a joke and always something nice to say. He brought sunshine to the office.

David Gabiel

February 16, 2017

Damon was a character of mid-century American real estate sales.
"Plan your work and work your plan" he would advise. He was also a mensch and a mentor to many, including me.
David Gabriel, DRCO Class of 1986
Novato, CA

Damon's Fire Engine! October 28, 2012, while visiting Dierke's Corners

John Dierke

February 16, 2017

Damon was a good friend. I met him in my teens and was lucky to know him fifty three years. The last twenty years I'd see him two or three times a month. He'd was extremely caring, always checking to see how I was doing, asking if I needed help, sharing stories of his travels. He loved bringing friends to do barrel samplings and try different wines I was making. Like so many, I am a better person for knowing Damon. While he is gone physically, he will live on in the many stories his friends will tell and retell. Thanks for providing us with all those good stories Damon and for being such a fine friend. While Damon had number of old cars and trucks he use to like driving around, this old fire truck was his favorite I think. He loved giving all the young kids rides around the local area on the back of this truck. Those of us who knew him know the word "exceptional" is barely a good start to describe him.

Bob Gates

February 14, 2017

Damon Raike was an inspiration throughout his life to the end. Intelligent, insightful, helpful and friendly, both professionally and personally. He left a mark that will never be erased.

Tom Christian

February 9, 2017

Thanks for all the warmth, business and life lessons DR! You made the world a better place and enriched many lives.
TXC

Gareth Fracchia

February 8, 2017

There was no one more responsible for my business success than Damon. He brought me into commercial real in 1987 and fought me the business. He was a great teacher and leader. Thank you Damon and I miss you.

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