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Posted by: HAM Inc Oct 23 2009, 05:00 PM

Just thought I'd let the community know that Jake's dad died in his sleep Wed night. The following is by Jake from his forum.

Today the RAT family lost our Father, my Dad, Harry. I could not reach him by phone today, so I took a break from the dyno to find him peaceful in his bed. After all of his nightmarish surgeries and weeks spent in the Hospital with heart problems for the past 20 years+ he was able to go peacefully in his own home where he had lived for the past 40 years.

My Dad may not have started this company, but without him and his constant inspiration over the years none of what we have created as a team would exist. My Dad gave me a tool box and a whole lot of support along with a concrete floor poured into an old hog pen and we started buying, selling and working on old VWs after my Mom died when I was 14 years old. The rest of this story is long and detailed, but that old floor, tool box and support is what started everything that these forums and our work is all about.

My dad wasn't a mechanic, but he was handy.. He never twisted wrenchs here but he continually gave me the support, drive and the challenge to do better. He taught me from a very young age about how to conduct business, how to be fair and how to be honest. He taught me to tell it like it is, be forward and that if that pissed someone off, so be it because it was the truth. He taught me that the "Only way around trouble is straight through the damn middle". Every day I have worked to meet his expectations and I'll do so for the rest of my life.

He answered our phones here at RAT for the last 4 years. He enjoyed talking to people from all over the world that were calling to inquire about what we could offer them. He will be impossible to replace, because he would talk to some people for long periods of time when they called to talk to me when I wasn't available. He wanted me to be successful and he'd go out of his way to get messages to us, even when he didn't feel like it. He has literally had a heart attack while talking to a customer, but he still got the job done!

He would sometimes tell stories to people that called about how all of this got started, and he took great pride in knowing that what we started over 20 years ago was able to grow into the following that is the heart of this forum and our customer base.

Up until last night he was feeling fine, he had been on his tractor in the yard and tried to fire up his 1949 Willys Jeep too. He had grilled some burgers and made one for me last night, so I took a 5 minute break from the 911 engine I was building to go grab the burger and he was feeling fine.. He took all of his meds as prescribed last night and his vitals that he logged down around 9:30 last night were fine.. Some time in the night he passed away, probably from one of the arteries that had a 90+ blockage that we couldn't find a surgeon that had enough balls to try to repair for the umpteenth time. We were told last month after his last heart attack that his time was drawing near and he and I both knew that too. We spent more time together and earlier this week we had some good times target practicing and sighting in rifles for hunting season. I knew it would be soon but didn't expect this, not now especially since he had been more active and wasn't eating quite as many nitro tablets as he was before. (He consumed Nitro like candy, but he kept going and kept working)

My Dad had pre-arranged his own Funeral and it was his choice to have a small family and close friends get together so thats what we'll be doing sometime over the weekend.

My Dad was a Shriner, so in lieu of flowers we request that a donation be made to the Shriner's Children Hospital or to the American Heart Association in memory of Harry Raby.

Posted by: jimkelly Oct 23 2009, 05:03 PM

My deepest condolences to Jake and his entire family.

Jim

Posted by: zymurgist Oct 23 2009, 05:10 PM

I'm sorry for your loss, Jake. He must have been one of a kind.

Posted by: kwales Oct 23 2009, 05:13 PM

Sorry to hear that your dad has died.

Dad's are special people that teach us so much.

There is never a good way for a loved one to go, but I am glad that you got to spend time with him and hope that there was nothing unsaid. Having one go without closure is worse.

Take care, remember the good times and remember all that he did to make you who you are.

Ken

Posted by: race914 Oct 23 2009, 05:15 PM

Jake,

So sorry to hear of your loss.

Greg

Posted by: 736conver Oct 23 2009, 05:17 PM

Posted by: thompson-mfr Oct 23 2009, 05:20 PM

I will be praying for you and your family at this difficult time.

Just lost my older brother from arterial blockage 70-80% at 31 years old.

Posted by: rjames Oct 23 2009, 05:21 PM

So sorry to hear of your loss, Jake. Thank you for sharing some personal stories about him. My thoughts are with you.

Posted by: tod914 Oct 23 2009, 05:22 PM

Jake so sorry for your loss. Seems your Dad was quite an inspiration. Prayers are with you.

Posted by: r_towle Oct 23 2009, 05:26 PM

Jake, I am sorry for your loss. You Dad sounds like a great man and he will be with you forever...

Rich

Posted by: PanelBilly Oct 23 2009, 05:29 PM

My Dad has been gone for nearly 20 years and I can still feel him beside me. Sometimes I look at my hands and I see my fathers fingers. All worn from life, yet still willing to help. I know your Dad will be with you for the rest of your life.

Posted by: Rod Oct 23 2009, 05:53 PM

Rest in peace Mr Raby. 20 years is a long time to be fighting..

Posted by: rfuerst911sc Oct 23 2009, 06:04 PM

Jake sorry for your loss. My dads been gone for years but I think about him daily and that's a good thing. Sounds like you have great memories to cherish for years to come.

Posted by: davep Oct 23 2009, 06:14 PM

May he rest in peace.
My wife's parents are deceased, but my own are going strong at ninety plus.
I give thanks every day that they are still healthy.
Our condolences.

Posted by: carr914 Oct 23 2009, 06:27 PM

Condolances Jake & Healthy Prayers for the rest of your family. I have never bought your products, but have drivin the end result & I'm sure you made your Dad Proud

all the best,
T.C.

Posted by: Geezer914 Oct 23 2009, 06:38 PM

It's tough to loose your Dad. I miss mine every day. You were fortunate to have been able to spend a lot of time with him these last few years. He died peacefully in his sleep at home. I hope that's the way the lord takes me. I feel for people that suffer for years in nursing homes, only to die alone. Your Dad will be my prayers.

Posted by: Richard Casto Oct 23 2009, 06:59 PM

Sorry to hear this. I lost my dad in August of this year and it's a hard thing to deal with.

Richard

Posted by: Joe Owensby Oct 23 2009, 07:14 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with the Raby family. I think it is great that Jake and his dad were so close and shared life. Sorry for your loss Jake. JoeO

Posted by: Lou W Oct 23 2009, 07:34 PM

Sorry to hear about your loss, sounds like he was a good guy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Treasure the memories.

Posted by: Gint Oct 23 2009, 07:47 PM

I'm very sorry for your loss Jake. Sounds like your dad was a great man.

Posted by: jeeperjohn56 Oct 23 2009, 07:55 PM

Sorry for your loss of your dad Jake, My prayers be with you and your family. John

Posted by: RonD Oct 23 2009, 08:12 PM

Condolescence to you and your family. I recently lost my brother and the good times seem to be what I remember. It sounds like the many good memories will be there for you also.

Posted by: JRust Oct 23 2009, 08:48 PM

Jake I'm so sorry for your loss. You are a lucky man to have had such a fine example. I am in close to the same situation with my father in law. He has been living with us the past 2 years. He is a fine man but has struggled with health issues as long as I've known him (17 year). 3 open heart surgeries later & multiple strokes. I expect to find him someday as you found your dad. I have been expecting it for years. Don't know what I'll do when it happens. He's been the father I never had growing up. I wish you nothing but the best in this trying time. If there is anything I can do please let me know. You & your family are in my prayers

Posted by: SLITS Oct 23 2009, 08:54 PM

It was really cool talking to Harry on the phone. I will miss the conversations.

Posted by: oldschool Oct 23 2009, 09:01 PM

QUOTE(Lou W @ Oct 23 2009, 06:34 PM)

Sorry to hear about your loss, sounds like he was a good guy, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Treasure the memories.

Posted by: 6freak Oct 23 2009, 09:02 PM

Prayers sent to you and your family in your time of need... Mr.Jake.I`m truly sorry for your loss...God bless your Father

Posted by: Jake Raby Oct 23 2009, 09:18 PM

Thanks guys.. This is really rough.

I'll post some pics of him and etc later.

He was a great Dad and one hell of a tough man... He was also a really great employee that was always on the clock as either our night watchman or answering the phones..

Like I said on my forums, if I am even 1/2 the man that he was that would be a true accomplishment.

Posted by: scotty b Oct 23 2009, 09:32 PM

Very sorry to hear this Jake. Just remember he is always right beside you handing you that 13mm wrench.

Posted by: strawman Oct 23 2009, 09:32 PM

Jake, I've never bought your products but I've always enjoyed reading your posts. What you wrote about your Pops is pure poetry. He obviously did a great job raising you... you're blessed.

Geoff

Posted by: KaptKaos Oct 23 2009, 09:37 PM

Godspeed to your father. You're in our prayers.

Posted by: JazonJJordan Oct 23 2009, 09:37 PM

Congratulations Jake on having an outstanding friend, father and advocate.

It is rare these days, to see the essence of an American hero- the basic, real, and invariable nature of a thing or its significant individual features that defines what we all stand for.
Perseverance;
True Grit was a phase coined in America for the men that made our country great.

That steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness.
Commitment;
To who you are and what you stood for. And what you would stand up to.

I see that commitment ingrained in you and your expectations -you- now require of others you deal with.
Integrity;
Not perfection, but acknowledging when you went down in a fight but got back up again- not out self-pride or fear of losing, but knowing that winning...
is -more- about getting back up again.

I am honored to meet your Father in you Sir- and he is honored- by you Jake.
Nothing ends or erases the measure of a man.
Someday you will see him again, happy to shake your hand~ To: Harry Raby!

Posted by: rick 918-S Oct 23 2009, 09:50 PM

Sorry to read this Jake. It must have been very special for you to have a dad in your life. It sounds like you are what you are because of him. That's a wonderful gift.

Posted by: BMXerror Oct 23 2009, 09:51 PM

Well wishes sent your way. Harry sounds like a tough ol' bird.
Mark D.

Posted by: messix Oct 23 2009, 10:05 PM

Thank you Jake for celebrating your fathers life with us.

he lives on in you and that is his gift to us.

here's to Harry!

Posted by: Thomas J Bliznik Oct 23 2009, 10:09 PM

Jake & family,

My condolences on the loss of your dad. I talked to your dad last year and know you both are cut out of the same cookie doe. He was very proud of you & it showed through in many ways. My prayers are with you and the family.

Tom

Posted by: tat2dphreak Oct 23 2009, 10:13 PM

I'm very sorry to hear this, Jake. your father was a great man who drove you to do great things, and will be with you always. you will be in my thoughts.

Posted by: montoya 73 2.0 Oct 23 2009, 10:29 PM

I would like to extend my condolences and prayers to you and your family. He sounds alot like my late grandfather and that was the man who raised me, taught me that a hand shake still meant something and honesty was always the best policy. They don't make them like that amymore! Cheers to Mr. Raby!

Posted by: RobW Oct 23 2009, 10:59 PM

Sorry Jake... may your Dad rest in peace.

Posted by: Elliot Cannon Oct 23 2009, 11:05 PM

I lost my Dad to a heart attack 26 years ago but he will always be with me. As long as you have memories and think of him sometimes, he will never be gone.
Cheers, Elliot

Posted by: johnnie5 Oct 23 2009, 11:57 PM

My condolences for your your loss Jake. I spoke with your dad while trying to reach you on a couple of occasions. He did tell me stories... and he made me laugh. I am sure he is already missed deeply, but he is at peace now.

Posted by: KELTY360 Oct 24 2009, 12:07 AM

From what you tell us, the apple didn't fall far from the tree. You honor him with the way you conduct your life and your business. You'll always have his memory to guide and comfort you. You're a lucky man.

Godspeed Harry Raby.

Posted by: Todd Enlund Oct 24 2009, 02:57 AM

Sorry to hear of your loss, Jake. My thoughts are with you.

Posted by: watsonrx13 Oct 24 2009, 07:13 AM

Condolescence to you and your family. Sorry for your loss Jake.

-- Rob

Posted by: 914Sixer Oct 24 2009, 07:59 AM

Sorry to hear about your dad. The passing of a parent is always hard.

Posted by: jsayre914 Oct 24 2009, 09:08 AM

Very sorry to hear that Jake. I didnt know him, mabey he's hanging out with my dad now (in the next place) his spirit will live on

Posted by: ME733 Oct 24 2009, 09:21 AM

My condolescence for you and your family....Murray.

Posted by: Gary Oct 24 2009, 09:26 AM

Jake,

I'm sorry for your loss; it sounds like you made the most of the days you had with him. Your honoring him is testament to the legacy he leaves behind.

G

Posted by: Randal Oct 24 2009, 10:41 AM

One of the toughest things any of have to face is losing that guiding light in our lives.

Both myself and my family thoughts are with you Jake and we are truly sorry for your loss.

Posted by: zx-niner Oct 24 2009, 11:56 AM

It seems like the older we get, the more like our dad's we seem to become. He must have been quite a guy.

Steve

Posted by: ericread Oct 24 2009, 12:03 PM

My deepest condolences.

Eric Read

Posted by: Trekkor Oct 24 2009, 12:53 PM

Jake, I'm sorry to hear this sad news.

Try to remember the good times and values he taught you.
It sounds like you already are.

My condolences to you.


KT

Posted by: Travis Neff Oct 24 2009, 02:42 PM

My condolences Jake. Good memories live forever.

Posted by: saigon71 Oct 24 2009, 03:34 PM

Jake:

Very sorry for your loss - sounds like he was a great man and a fine example to follow. Hang in there.

Bob

Posted by: MikeSpraggi Oct 24 2009, 03:47 PM

Jake, you are very fortunate to have known and spent time with a man the caliber of your father .... and his spirit lives in you and you are honoring that spirtit everyday!

Posted by: SGB Oct 24 2009, 04:46 PM

Knowing Jake, and reading his acknowledgment of his dad's influence, it is obvious that a great man has left a great mark on our world, and we were lucky for that. Jake, I'm sure you know you made that man proud. I wish you and your family well through this event.

Posted by: Drums66 Oct 24 2009, 04:57 PM

Many kind thoughts and prayer's for the loss of your* father*
peace and happpiness!

Posted by: pilothyer Oct 24 2009, 06:33 PM

Jake, I am very sorry to hear of this great loss. Your dad was a fine man and whenever I talked to him he had a way of making me feel as though we were long time, old friends. He has, I'm sure, been very instrumental in shaping you into the man you are today.I had great respect for him and I also have great respect for you as a man and as a fellow Marine. I am sure he is resting in peace awaiting the sound of that trumpet. Peace and Comfort to you and yours at this time......... Jerry A. Hill

Posted by: Ian Stott Oct 24 2009, 08:55 PM

Condolences from Canada Jake, I am glad you had as much time with him as you did, your tribute to him was very touching, he was one of the good guys.


Ian Stott
Moncton
Canada

Posted by: JazonJJordan Oct 24 2009, 09:14 PM

I second that-

QUOTE(montoya 73 2.0 @ Oct 24 2009, 12:29 AM)

Posted by: bobhasissues Oct 24 2009, 09:15 PM

Jake & Family,
My sincere condolences for your loss.
Over time you will discover that he will continue to influence and inspire you.

Bob Mitchell

Posted by: plas76targa Oct 24 2009, 09:31 PM

Jake - nice story about your dad. My condolences to you and your family. Your Dad was a great man and will be remembered for his influence on you.

Posted by: azbill Oct 24 2009, 10:22 PM

Jake sorry for your loss. I know what you are going through. Remember you will get passed this but you will never forget.

Bill Shaffer

Posted by: craig downs Oct 24 2009, 10:41 PM

So sorry to hear about your dad passing, It must really hurt not being able to say good bye to him before he passed. Peace be with you and your family and may God bless you all.

Posted by: RiqueMar Oct 24 2009, 10:57 PM

Mr. Jake Raby,

I know you don't know me, but I wish to convey to you my condolences, it is my deepest wish that you find peace through this hardest of times.

Enrique Mar

Posted by: ottox914 Oct 24 2009, 11:15 PM

Jake, sorry to hear of your loss. I fear my father is not far from yours- the MD's have said for the last several years that they can't operate on an 80 yr old to do any additional bypass work. I think he's up to 7 or 8 so far, and a couple of stints.

I treasure the time we have together, and he often rides with me on my appointments for work- not unlike your dad helping out at air cooled heaven. I do believe our dads were/are happy in our successes, and helping out is just part of them doing their job- making sure we have come out doing the best we can.

Posted by: Jake Raby Oct 25 2009, 07:19 AM

My Brother, who I haven't seen in over a decade arrived late last night... Today is the final viewing and etc, so things are about to get to the absolute worst..

When I found my Dad I was in shock, I don't really know how I held together for those first few minutes. I just stepped back and gathered myself and started calling people.. I have endured a lot of scary things in my life from having in air emergencies in Helicopters to being shot at, but this was a completely different level of being scared.. It took me a few minutes to know who to call, but I finally had the thought to call one of our customers who is the Director of the county EMS service. Luckily his office is 1/4 mile from the shop so he was there in two minutes..

The past couple of days have been like the worst dream I have ever had.. The kind words from my friends on forums like this one have been inspirational and have helped me to further understand that me and my Dad and the rest of my family have an extended family that goes much farther than the little town in North Georgia where we live.

It'll be hard to get back to normal again.

Posted by: 9146986 Oct 25 2009, 08:53 AM

Time is the only thing that will ease your pain Jake. Time won't make it better, just easier to keep in perspective.

My deepest condolences.

Posted by: Ian Stott Oct 25 2009, 04:56 PM

There will be a new normal Jake, and your Dad influenced you in many ways on this, he will always be with you, it just seems really different right now. I am happy to hear your brother is there, it is a good thing. Thoughts are with you, feeling deeply is not a weakness, it is an insight into a persons character.

Ian Stott
Moncton
Canada

Posted by: jimtab Oct 25 2009, 07:38 PM

Jake, I'm sorry for your, and your family's loss. I've lost both a dad and stepdad in my life and it isn't ever easy. Sounds like you were lucky and had a long and loving relationship to remember. Hang in there the pain will change to warm memories. Jim

Posted by: JazonJJordan Oct 25 2009, 10:57 PM

My hand on your shoulder- my friend; along with dozens of others~
from here to New Zealand.
You will not be alone in these moments either, we stand right-beside you-

QUOTE(Jake Raby @ Oct 25 2009, 09:19 AM)

Posted by: stephenaki Oct 26 2009, 02:16 AM

I've been out of the net and just saw this; my deepest condolences to Jake and his family.

Posted by: Bruce Allert Oct 26 2009, 11:05 AM

Jake, so sorry for your loss. I was with my Dad on Saturday cutting his lawn for him because of an illness. He's getting better but at 85 his recovery is slow. I got him outside & he did some weed eating & sweeping & I could tell he felt better because of it. Talking to him about his rogue Navy days perked him up too. I guess what I'm saying is I will miss him also when he's gone but I will, as you have, cherish all moments with him that I have left.

Hang in there Buddy and thanks for all you & your Dad have done for the "Air Cooled World".

....b

Posted by: MDG Oct 26 2009, 11:50 AM

Jake, very sorry to hear of your loss. Having just lost my dad last month (on 9/14 oddly enough), I feel for you. The memories, the imparted wisdom and the influences he's left behind are yours to keep. Once the physical absence gets easier to deal with you'll realize he's still right there with you.

m.

Posted by: moggy Oct 26 2009, 03:55 PM

So sorry to hear your sad news Jake. Take care of yourself buddy.

Moggy

Posted by: charliew Oct 26 2009, 04:51 PM

I'm sorry for your loss Jake and my prayers are with you. Be strong for those left behind. You will be numb for awhile but it will get better. Remember your Dad loved you and wouldn't want you to suffer too much and just try to do the best you can to take care of everything. I was lucky that my mom still was going good and was right in the middle of all the things that needed to be tended to. It's been 11 years since he went to a better place. He was 90. He spent several years in a rest home with dementia or alt. and the last year in a fetal position sleeping but I still remember the hunting and fishing trips we went on and all the other family outings we had. My mom spent a part of every day with my dad for 9 years in the resthome. He was a old athlete so his heart was very strong but his mind went way to soon.

I know it's easy for me to say but down the road you will realize that the way your dad went was one of the better ways to go. It's good you were closeby. I know he suffered over the years but he was still able to keep going and to give you support and advice.

It sounds like he was a very good man who always wanted the best for you and his other loved ones.

Something I do when something gets misplaced or is hard to diagnose is, I think to ask my dad where the item is or what the heck is wrong that this fix isn't easy. It really seems like he helps all the time.

God Speed Harry and hang in there Jake.

Charlie

Posted by: Jake Raby Oct 26 2009, 09:28 PM

Thanks again guys..
Today was the Funeral. Tomorrow I'll start to rebuild.

Having this many friends really helps.

Posted by: MrKona Oct 26 2009, 09:34 PM

Jake,

Logging in for the first time in awhile, and was sad to see this post. My condolences to you and your family. I wish you strength as you move through this.

- Bryan

Posted by: 914 Oct 26 2009, 09:42 PM

Jake,
I wish I had a father like yours.. Sorry for your loss.
Alan

Posted by: flipb Oct 26 2009, 09:48 PM

Jake,

I've barely been a member of the board (and a 914 owner) long enough to graduate from newbie status, but everyone, down to my local Porsche mechanic, can't say enough good things about your shop and your work.

It's clear that somebody instilled in you an incredible work ethic and an honest demeanor, and I presume that your Dad gets a lot of that credit. While I'm lucky to still have my parents, I've been through a loss and my friends and community did more than they will ever know to get me through it.

For one thing, you've inspired me (and probably a lot of other members) to make a few more long-distance phone calls and not take for granted the time that we've got. It's a difficult time for you, but hopefully the support from this community is half as moving to you as your eloquent tribute to your father has been for us.

Celebrate his life and be comforted in the memories that will always be with you.

Philip (Flip) B.

Posted by: mikelsr Oct 26 2009, 10:09 PM

Jake,
I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts.

Mike

Posted by: Kansas 914 Oct 26 2009, 10:49 PM

Jake,

My deepeset condolences - God's speed Harry Raby.

Posted by: championgt1 Oct 27 2009, 12:04 AM

Bummer! You and your family are in our thoughts

God speed Mr. Raby

Posted by: fiid Oct 27 2009, 01:01 AM

Condolences, Jake. Sorry for your loss.