Portland resident, F. J. "Buck" Rasmussen died December 28, 2017 at age 84. Buck was born December 12, 1933 in Gopher South Dakota. The middle child of three boys, he lived on a dairy farm in Eatonville Washington and graduated from Eatonville High School in 1952. Buck then entered into an apprentice carpentry program and by 1954 was working in Portland Oregon. Drafted by the Army, he served with the Armed Forces in Germany from 1956-1958. On June 15, 1957 he married Ruth Pernula. Buck continued in his construction career and became a Job Superintendent for Charles T. Parker/Parker Northwest covering projects in 7 Western states. In 1970, he started Rasmussen Construction that was highly successful until his stroke in 1988.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Buck loved all things outdoors. After his stroke he was still able to do physical activities like camping, splitting firewood, gardening, yard work, construction projects and driving his tractor. Buck's favorite getaway, was the cabin he built in the Columbia River Gorge. Buck was an inspiration to family and friends after his stroke, with the ability to enjoy the next 29 years of all his life had to offer.
He is survived by two brothers , Glen Rasmussen of Hong Kong, Donald Rasmussen of Eatonville, WA, half brother Otto Rasmussen of Steilacoom, WA; three children John Rasmussen of Gresham, OR, Kathy Jianni of Gresham, OR, Ron Rasmussen of Grants Pass, OR; grandchildren Katie Greene, Christy Rasmussen, Megan Jianni, Joey Rasmussen, Heather Rasmussen, Nicholas Rasmussen and two great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers you may donate in Buck's name, to the National Aphasia Association online at https://www.aphasia.org/donate.