01/07/2026
It is with profound sadness that we share in grieving the loss of Jon Douglas Rake, lifelong supporter of community theatre, founding member of TACOMA MUSICAL PLAYHOUSE, and longtime board member and supporter of community theatre across the nation, not only with Washington State Community Theatre Association, but AACT - American Association of Community Theatre, Oregon Community Theatre Alliance, IACT, and countless other theatre companies and organizations.
Our hearts surround Jon's family and the Tacoma community he impacted so much.
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of longtime AACT board member and beloved theatre advocate, Jon Douglas Rake.
Jon served as an AACT regional representative and was a passionate, steadfast supporter of community theatre at every level. His dedication to AACT, to WCTA, and to the broader theatre community was matched by his sharp wit, infectious laugh, and unwavering commitment to the art form he loved so deeply.
Jon was a cherished member of the Tacoma theatre community and a co-founder of Tacoma Musical Playhouse, where his legacy of leadership, creativity, and historic preservation will continue to be felt for years to come.
Our hearts are with his husband and life partner, Jeffrey, as well as Jon’s family, friends, and the countless artists and colleagues whose lives he touched. Jon’s impact on community theatre, both locally and nationally, was profound, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled.
We are grateful for the time we shared with him, for his mentorship and friendship, and for the passion he brought to everything he did. Jon will be deeply missed, and his legacy will live on through the stories, laughter, and creativity he helped foster. 💙
