On May 8th, 2016, Jack Rabourn was relieved from a long battle with brain cancer. John “Jack” Rabourn was born in Everett in 1937 to Harvey and Thelma Rabourn.

Jack will be remembered for his hospitality. He threw a party! With no notice, he would whip up multicourse meals with ingredients on hand. Jack was the caretaker for his friends and family and insisted on organizing any planned gathering. Events and holidays were a big deal with full décor and ambience, drinks for all tastes, and twice as much food as necessary. Jack could single-handedly create brunch for 50 guests. He was passionate about art, gardening, music, photography and travel.

Although proud of his profession as a special education teacher, Jack’s groove was the hospitality industry, becoming the General Manger at landmark hotels including the Camlin in Seattle, Alderbrook Inn on Hood Canal, Hanford House in Richland, Aggies Inn in Port Angeles, and the Tyee in Olympia. Jack’s civic leadership brought the first Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials to Olympia and the Turner Joy warship memorial to Bremerton. Jack served a governor appointed term on the WA State Liquor Control Board.

He was the oldest of five, with three brothers (Jim, Jerry, Bob) and a sister (Nancy). He graduated Lake Stevens High School in 1955 and Western Washington University in 1959. He and his college sweetheart, Phyllis Hirni, were married for 23 years.

Jack survived over seven years before moving on to the celestial kitchen. He was diagnosed with brain cancer in late 2008, and in 2011 with a diagnosis of two weeks remaining, he moved to Vashon Community Care and lived for over four years. He enjoyed hosting the social hour, participating in the residents ‘council and providing frequent menu suggestions. Near the end, he split his dinner into six portions to share with visitors. Always the host.

Jack is survived by sons, Ric and Greg; grandchildren, Bree, Skyler, Kira, Macy and Gavin, and step grandchild Tad Tobin.

Donations in memoriam can be made to Vashon Community Care, 15333 Vashon Highway SW, Vashon WA 98070. A memorial party, that missed his special touch, was held at a later date.