John D. Rafael, WT7G SK John David Rafael passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, in Burien, Wash. He was born May 28, 1954, in Las Vegas, to Bill and June (nee Powell) Rafael. He was raised in a large and loving extended family including grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins at a time when Las Vegas was still small and happily explored by unattended children on foot, pedal-car, bicycle or mini-bike. He graduated from Clark High School in 1972. His career was in the building trades and he worked on many of the major Strip hotel projects in the 1970's and 1980's. Carpentry was his specialty and he had an amazing knack for elegant design and creative solutions. He and his family lived in Sandpoint, Idaho and Ukiah, Calif. before moving to the Seattle area. He was a HAM radio operator of many years, had an amazing memory, a wonderful sense of humor and a huge love for animals. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Sr. in 1963; by his dad, Wayne Pralle in 1999; by his wife, Lorraine in 2001; and by his brother, Bill Jr. in 2014. He is survived by his mother, June Pralle; daughter Lanie; son, David (Wendy); daughter, Abbie (Jason); grandsons, Nic and Nathan; great-grandaughter, Amia; sisters, Karen and Debbie; brother, Michael; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Memorial service was held Saturday, Feb. 4, in Washington. He is and will be greatly missed by all. - See more at: http://obits.reviewjournal.com/obit...84253343#_ga=1.254790411.206668608.1487335153
