[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 124 (Wednesday, July 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E695-E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER RAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2023

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Christopher Raker who 
passed away at the age of 78 on July 5, 2023. Christopher was a 
longtime resident of Mill Valley and beloved member of the community.
  Born in San Francisco to John and Elda Jane Raker, Christopher, 
nicknamed Chris, lived in the Palace Hotel where his grandfather was a 
general manager. The family later moved to Concord, Massachusetts and 
Chris enrolled at Columbia University before joining the Navy and 
serving as a lieutenant during the Vietnam War. After his military 
service Chris earned a master's degrees in English Literature from the 
University of Virginia, and a master's degree in architecture from 
Harvard University. He settled in Mill Valley, California in 1975.
  In 1989, Chris opened Raker Architects in Mill Valley. The firm 
contributed to key modernizations in Southern Marin, including the 
Corinthian Yacht Club, Mill Valley Lumber Yard, and most notably, Mill 
Valley Miller Avenue Precise Plan, which resulted in the development of 
a pedestrian-friendly reconfiguration

[[Page E696]]

of the prominent and highly trafficked Miller Avenue. Beyond his 
architectural profession, Chris made notable contributions to the town 
as a Planning Commissioner. After 2 years, he served on the Mill Valley 
City Council from 1996 to 2007, including as its mayor.
  Chris also served as president of the American Institute of 
Architects San Francisco chapter and board president of the Corinthian 
Yacht Club. In his free time, he was active in the performing arts and 
enjoyed skiing, swimming, and time spent as a soccer coach.
  Chris was known by his colleagues on the Planning Commission and City 
Council for his direct and open-minded approach to difficult issues and 
great sense of humor. He was a respected mentor to many. He is survived 
by his daughter Bianca Raker, wife Donna Raker, brother Edmond Raker, 
and 3 nephews.
  Mr. Speaker, Christopher Raker was a dedicated public servant and 
active community member who was committed to improving the quality of 
life for Mill Valley residents. I respectfully ask that my colleagues 
join me in extending condolences to Chris's family and friends and in 
expressing my appreciation for his decades of good work.

                          ____________________