Walter Racette

Walter Racette

August 9, 1920 - March 15, 2013

WOODBURN - Walter Racette passed away at his winter home in Casa Grande, Arizona on March 15th due to age related causes. He was born in Portland, Oregon on August 9, 1920 to parents Emile and Anna Racette. He was the middle of three brothers; George older, and Richard younger. He graduated from Woodburn High School, and attended Pacific University prior to World War II when he served in the Merchant Marine Corps. Upon his return, he married Frances Lamb Clapp in September 1946. He along with his brother Richard were initially farmers of sheep, hogs and hops. They subsequently became dairy farmers. They sold their dairy farm in 1962 and moved to Dundee to begin working in the real estate business. Walt was very active in land development in the Newberg/ Dundee area during the growth of the wine industry. Before his retirement in 1995, he served on the county board of realtors. After 57 years of marriage, his wife Frances died in 2002. He later married Ella Mahaffey and remained in the Woodburn area. An avid golfer and fisherman, he loved being on the golf course or in a fishing boat with family and friends. He was a wonderful mentor and role model for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Ella, his children George, Walter and Joan, 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Private Interment Service Monday- March 25, 2013 at Valley View Memorial Park at Newberg, Oregon.

Memorial Service will be held Friday- April 5, 2013 at 1:00 PM at United Methodist Church at Woodburn, Oregon .

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to United Methodist Church in his memory.

Arrangements by Cornwell Colonial Chapel- Woodburn