H Avery Rafuse

H. Avery Rafuse, age 89, of 847 Berry Branch Road, Mountain City, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday May 09, 2009 at his residence. A native of Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, Canada he was born on May 15, 1919 to the late Lenley and Sarah Banks Rafuse. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Norma J. VanTassell Rafuse who passed away in 1998 and a son Michael Wayne Rafuse who passed away in 1961 at the age of 16. He is also preceded by two brothers Herbert Rafuse and John “Jack” Rafuse and a sister Gladys Rafuse Normandin. Also cousins Pearl and Forest Van Zandt, and special friends Jamie Jamison and Johnny Geier. Mr. Rafuse was a graduate of Boston University School of Business and Boston University Law School. He was an Attorney and a CPA and specialized in international tax law. He worked with the following firms; Powers and Hall Law Firm of Boston, Mass; Arthur Young and Company of New York City, N.Y; John Wood Company, East Orange, N.J; Molson’s of Canada; and Ugine Pechiney Company Greenwich, Ct. He then went into a private practice until retirement. He loved flying, sky diving, horse back riding, swimming, skiing, tennis, cycling and was an avid reader. He was a U.S. Army Air force Veteran of W.W. II during which he became a boxing champion in the Air Force and had one of his bouts refereed by Jack Dempsey and he was a member of the V.F.W. He was also a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church; and belonged to the third order of the Knights of Columbus.

 

Avery is survived by, his daughter: Karen Suzanne Rafuse Reesman and husband David Dale Reesman of Mountain City, TN; Two sons: Gary Scott Rafuse and wife Laurie of Morris Plains, N.J. and Van Avery Rafuse and wife Patty of Linden, N.J. Seven grandchildren: Brent and wife Gretchen Rafuse, Willow Reesman James and husband Michael, Gregory Rafuse, Michael Reesman, Sarah Reesman, Sabrina Reesman and Christen Rafuse. Nephews: Paul Normandin, Herbie Rafuse and Johnnie Rafuse. Nieces: Pearl Burreau and Sandy Burrows. Cousins: Mary Enos and Pam Van Zandt, along with special friends Annaly Jamison, Eileen Geier, Lisabeth Najera family and Eva Hernandez family.

 

Memorial Services for Mr. H. Avery Rafuse will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Saint Anthony of Padua Church with Father Dennis Kress, Deacon Don Hathaway and Deacon John Hackett to officiate. After the memorial service there will be a gathering at his home, 847 Berry Branch Road, Mountain City, TN.

 

Friends may call at the residence of his daughter Karen and son- in -law David Reesman of 211 William Hawkins Lane, Mountain City, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, a Cancer charity, The Diabetes Association, Humane Society, or the charity of ones choice. 

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Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.hensonfuneralhome.com

 

Henson Funeral Home of Mountain City is serving the Rafuse Family