Jack Humason

06/27/1937 — 06/29/2016

From Richland, WA | Born in Kirksville, MO

Jack Humason

Jack Humason

Jack Humason of West Richland, WA at age 80 passed away June 29, 2016.  He was born in Kirksville, MO. June 27, 1937 to Wilma and William Humason.  The family moved to Portland, OR. in the 1940’s. There he graduated in 1956 with high honors from Benson Polytechnic High School and was selected by General Electric in Richland, WA, to work as a lab technician.  He met and married, Theresa Oswald, in 1963. He transferred to Battelle in 1965 where he retired as a Senior Technical Specialist in 1993.

They raised and raced Appaloosa and Thoroughbred horses throughout the Northwest.  Jack was an avid horseback rider, himself. He joined the Rattlesnake Ridge Riders chapter of the Back Country Horseman of America. He has ridden many trails, including the Nez Perce, Chief Joseph trail of War 1877 from Joseph, OR to Chinnoock, MT. This ride, taken in 100-mile sections each summer, took 13 years to complete totaling 1,350 miles across 4 states. 

His love of the water and speed came when he and his friend, Kay Metz, decided to build an outboard motor speed boat.  The “U-2” (a 13.5 ft. long fiberglass hull with an 80hp motor) came to life.  On January 1, 1961 Jack piloted the “U-2” at a staggering 85mph, just missing an international speed record on the Columbia River at Clover Island.  They were hoping for over 100mph.   


In 2003 Jack met and married Kathy Newland.  They continued raising Thoroughbreds, trail riding, camping, “leisure” boating, fishing and visits to the family cabin in Longbeach, WA.  He welcomed Kathy’s daughter Wendy and family with open arms. 

Jack’s happy personality will be greatly missed.


He is preceded in death by his father William, mother Wilma, sister, Patty McKenzie, and wife Theresa. He is survived by his wife Kathy, step-daughter Wendy Davis, her husband Jeremy Davis, children Michelle and Logan Davis, Benton City, WA, nephews Carl Harvitt and wife Julie, Rainier, OR, Scott Harvitt of Vancouver, WA, and numerous family members in the Portland, OR area.

 Service will be held at Einan’s Sunset Gardens Event Center, 915 By-Pass Hwy, Richland, WA on  July 16, 2016 at 3pm.  Please join us for a celebration of Jack’s life.  In lieu of flowers please donated to Rattle Snake Ridge Riders Chapter of Back Country Horseman of America, PO Box 63 Benton City, WA 99320.

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