Obituary for Melvin O. Rau

Long time Kennewick and Richland resident Melvin O. Mel Rau passed away Thursday, May 15th at Kadlec hospital in Richland following an acute hospital stay for complications due to lung cancer and asbestosis. Mel was born in Brainerd, Minnesota Crow Wing county, April 21, 1929. He was the 7th son of Henry T. and Anna Olson Rau. Following the end of World War II Mel's family moved to Kennewick, WA in 1946 where he graduated from Kennewick High School with the class of 1948. Following high school Mel went to work in the area's nuclear power plant and general heavy construction industry as a heavy equipment operator. In late 1949 he was transferred to Enewetok, Marshall Islands to work in the building of a nuclear bomb test site. On return to the Tri-Cities he met and married the love of his life, Alma Louise Carlson. Following this he was called to active duty in the National Guard at Fort Bliss, Texas. It was here that the first of their three children was born, Jennifer, Jeffrey and John. After his discharge from the army at Fort Lewis, WA he returned home to Richland to work in nuclear material production. This experience provided the opportunity for him to join a research group engaged in the testing of a sodium reactor in Canoga Park, CA. It was here that he attended night school pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. After seven years he was promoted to reactor shift manager for another three years. Following this he returned to work with Battelle Northwest in development and construction of the FFTF. After ten years with Battelle and Westinghouse he joined Washington Public Power Supply System Energy Northwest at the nuclear site where he completed his career as manager of property and material central receiving in 1994. Mel's favorite hobbies were gardening and house building. Consequently he and his wife became master gardeners following his first surgery for lung cancer in 1987. Prior to retirement he and the oldest son joined in partnership and started a nursery on a land site over looking the city of Richland. The nursery was active for ten years during which time their retirement home was constructed on the nursery site. Many enjoyable hours of gardening and landscaping followed with the help of his precious wife. Numerous flower gardens and over 60 trees surrounded this new home. Mel's large vegetable garden produced food for all their friends and family and anyone in need. Mel always believed that a good life meant love and family. His children gave him six grandchildren that he cherishes. Two of his grandsons are attending their final years at UofW in Seattle. One granddaughter is also attending UofW and is a cheerleader. Another granddaughter attended WSU and obtained a scholarship from San Diego State University for the crew team there. She is now married and living in South Carolina. The oldest grandson is in the air force in Florida. Mel is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harvey, Merle, Bob and sister Doris Barrows. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Alma, daughter Jennifer, her husband Bill and their son James Windau of Snohomish, W A, their daughter Nicole and her husband Christopher Georgion of Spartan burg, South Carolina, son Jeff Rau, his wife Marsha and sons Luke and Henry of Pasco as well as son John Rau, his wife Aurora of Finley and daughter Jamie Rau and son Eric Shay. Mel is also survived by his brothers, Russell Rau of Martinez, CA, Denny Rau of Ventura, CA, Roland Rau of Rosebud MT, and Gerald Rau of Everett, WA. His surviving sisters include Marian Armstrong of Fargo, ND, Janet Perchalski of Kennewick, WA, and Barbara Wilson of Kennewick. Mel also had numerous nieces and nephews in this large. loving extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland, W A at 2:00 pm on Monday, May 19th, 2003 followed by a reception at the Richland Yacht Club. Visitation will be held at Einan's on Saturday May 17 from 1:00-5:00, Sunday the 18th from 5:00-7:00pm and 12:00-2:00pm on Monday the 19th. All family and friends are welcome. Memorials may be made to the church or charity of your choice.