Jeff Jon Rast

If you were unable to attend the celebration of life for Jeff you can watch by visiting this link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3saqeUzHqrw

    Jeffrey Jon Rast went home to his Savior on November 25, 2020. A man with a heart devoted to God, Jeff lived a life of purpose and passion. Though his legacy and impact continue, his friendship and presence will be missed my many.

     Born December 2, 1956 in Gooding, ID to Don and Naomi Rast, Jeff was the oldest of four brothers. Though his family lived in a few different cities in the Northwest, Camas County was the dearest to his heart. During his junior year of high school at a Christian youth conference, Jeff realized that his knowledge of Christ had been merely that, at which point he surrendered his life to Christ. After graduating from Camas County High School in 1975, he earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Idaho and then went on to pursue ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ.

     One hot day in Colorado, while at New Staff training, Jeff caught a fainting woman in his arms, not knowing she would one day be his bride. Jeff spent the next two years bringing the love of Christ to people in Turkey and parts of Europe, all the while long-distance dating Carol who was doing ministry in the Dominican Republic.

     After marrying Carol in 1982, they moved to Southern California where he got his Master of Divinity from International School of Theology in San Bernardino, CA. During this time, they welcomed their first child, Sarah.  Here he helped start the first of the three churches that he would help plant and pastor over his life. Jeff consistently moved with a vision for spreading God’s love and truth. After three years in California they moved back to Fairfield to raise their family; here they welcomed their second child, Joshua.

     Jeff worked as the University of Idaho Extension Agricultural Agent to help local farmers. His passion for sustainable agriculture continued more broadly when he wrote for a Northwest coalition about alternatives to pesticides.  Always a planner and dreamer, Jeff helped create the Camas Medical Services Board and Camas Medical Clinic.

     Jeff and Carol had many complimentary skills and talent throughout their 38 years of marriage.  Together they built and developed their 10-acre Prairie Sun Farm where Jeff built their home and Carol continues to raise a 2-acre organic commercial garden.

     Jeff combined his passion for science, education, and love of people when he began teaching science at Camas County High School in 2001. He went on to become Principal in 2008 where he served until 2017. He continually sought opportunities to invest in the youth and help them reach their potential through education as well as 4-H and youth group.  Each educational pursuit, degree and career shift were fueled by the purpose of loving, reaching and caring for people.

     Jeff loved hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing and being in the great outdoors. One of his favorite places to visit was Yellowstone National Park. He was always first to arrive at a potluck, enthusiastically enjoyed all things football, and loved snuggling his grandbabies.

     Jeff approached each pursuit with focused determination, giving 100 percent. His desire to use things the way God intended was evident in the way he taught, fostered sustainable agriculture, and even the way he and Carol treated his cancer for the final eight years of his life. Jeff had an undying zeal for education, people and caring for God’s creation.  His testimony to God’s faithfulness was daily, and the presence of Jesus was his steadying hope and vision.

     Surviving family members include his wife, Carol; his brothers Keith of Boise, ID, Nathan of Newman Grove, NE, and Ben of Tacoma, WA; his daughter Sarah (Daniel) Tompkins of Tacoma, WA and their children Adrianne, Micah, Stella, Robbie and Naomi; and his son Joshua (Lindsay) of Bozeman, MT and their children Oliver and Katelyn.

     A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 3:00 pm at the Fairfield High School Gym. Masks will be required.  Life streaming will be available for those who are unable to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boise Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 1494, Boise, ID 83701 or Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607.

     Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service - Gooding Chapel.

JEFF'S REQUEST WAS FOR NO FLOWERS FOR HIS CELEBRATION OF LIFE. 

PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO A WORTH WHILE CAUSE OR PLANT A TREE IN HIS MEMORY.

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