Obituary of Harold Dean Raines

On Thursday, October 17, 2019, Harold Dean Raines, loving husband, father of two children and grandfather to three grandsons, passed away at the age of 70.  He was born on July 19, 1949 in Lincoln, Arkansas, to George Alfred Raines and Frances Elizabeth Raines.  Harold and his family moved to Montesano, Washington, in the early 1950s and he graduated from Montesano High School in 1967.  Although Harold began his career in the timber industry as a log scaler, he went on to become a timber buyer, marketer, consultant and eventually business owner.

Harold loved to golf and he had plenty of friends who enjoyed playing with him, even if he was a “tad” late for a tee time.  Harold especially enjoyed playing golf at the Dale Crites Memorial with his grandsons and friends, regardless of the weather.  Some winters he traveled to Arizona to play golf with his son, and afterwards he’d bask in the sun, next to the pool, with his granddog, Lexy. 

Family meant everything to Harold and he loved celebrating Christmas, which allowed him to spread holiday joy while wearing a Santa hat.  From family gatherings to the rides at Disneyland and the countless “happy cakes,” Harold was truly a “fun hog.”  His energy, charisma and enthusiasm were infectious, and people simply wanted to be around him.  In addition to his exuberance, Harold was also extremely generous.  His generosity wasn’t just confined to his family; he gave to others in his business as well.  With his ever-present smile, he treated everyone with kindness, took on challenges most people would run from and he utilized every second of every day. 

Harold is survived by two women who loved him, his wife, Donna Jean, and Valerie, mother of his children.  He is survived by daughter, Gina Raines Watkin; son, Jase (Holly) Raines; three grandsons, Zac, Kolton, and Dawson; sister-in-law, Vickie Winters; and four brothers, Jerry, Roy, Carl and Ken. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Fleeta Joyce Raines (1964); and brother, George Alfred “GA” Raines III (1970).

You are invited to attend Harold’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 23, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Indian Summer Golf Course, 5900 Troon Lane SE,

Olympia, WA 98501.