RIP, Ron Rasmussen
Clark County lost one of their own this week.
Ron Rasmussen, Sr. was a mentor, a devoted family man and an active community member.
“He was also my best friend,” his son, Ron Rasmussen, Jr. said on Friday.
He died on Wednesday at the age of 85.
Rasmussen served in the U.S. Air Force, moved to Vancouver after serving, and started work in the real estate business.
From 1979-82, he chaired the Clark County Republican Party.
“That was a tremendous formative … and rebuilding time in America society and Dad participated in that,” Rasmussen, Jr. said.
The Reagan fan was also known for keeping political signs and boasted a collection dating back to 1978, with a sign for Susan Roylance’s campaign for Congress.
He helped many politicians as they worked to launch their careers. He once told The Columbian a story of driving Bob Williams around town during a campaign season. Williams ran for Congress and was also a 1988 gubernatorial candidate.
“(Dad) had a mission of helping others,” Rasmussen, Jr. said. “He had a drive and desire to see the entire nation more prosperous.”
He volunteered to help the homeless and organized the Clark County Magna Carta Observance Committee.
Ron is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Ron, Jr. and Kathy; his sister, granddaughters and a great-granddaughter.
Lauren Dake
Lauren Dake covers politics for The Columbian. You can reach her at 360-735-4534 or lauren.dake@columbian.com. Follow her on Twitter .