Justin Robert Raschack

Justin Robert Raschack (September 18, 1988 - June 22, 2024) It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved child, Justin Raschack, who was taken from us too soon on June 22, 2024 at the age of 35. He was born in Portland, Maine on September 18, 1988 to Michelle (Langis) Christakis. He lived with his mother and stepfather, Andrew Christakis in Westbrook, Maine in his mother’s childhood home where he initially attended Westbrook Schools and later obtained his GED. Justin was artistic in many ways, a huge animal lover and had a gift for expressive articulate communication which allowed him to connect effortlessly with people from all walks of life. Professionally, Justin worked at Christman Pool, a job he loved as it brought him into nature. Outside of work, he enjoyed creating music, painting and exploring nature, spending time with family and friends but also enjoyed his moments of solitude and reflection. Growing up in a small neighborhood with little traffic made for the perfect place for Justin to spend countless hours playing with his cousins and friends including nighttime games of manhunt, a favorite of Justin’s. He had a natural gift of athleticism, playing soccer, baseball and hockey as a child and adolescent, forging many friendships and cherished memories for which we are forever grateful. He was involved in a wonderful Boy Scout troop that was highlighted by unforgettable experiences, including a memorable canoeing expedition down the Allagash River, which, despite the constant battle against the hordes of persistent black flies, he enjoyed and talked fondly about throughout his life. He cherished his younger brother and sister and loved sharing in their joys and accomplishments, celebrating their milestones with unwavering support and love. He was always quick to share with others that he was very proud of them, marveling at their talents and achievements. Justin had a love of all dogs enjoying a special bond with his dogs Abby and Rose as they brought him immense joy and comfort. He lovingly trained his dogs himself, nurturing a bond built on patience, love and dedication. When Rose came to live with Grammy and Grampy she would light up with beams of joy each time Justin visited, never forgetting their special relationship. He found joy in walking, the beauty of nature, writing and recording his own rap music, painting, engaging in deep, philosophical conversations and sitting alone smoking in silence, deep in thought. Justin loved to travel, eagerly seeking out new experiences. A few highlights for Justin were Seattle, Miami, and San Diego. He chose to spend extensive time in these areas and often recalled positive memories and experiences from all of these areas. All of Justin's favorite places had the ocean in common. Justin was drawn to the ocean and the outdoors, he felt most alive near the water and bathing in nature. Above all, Justin loved his home state of Maine, returning for family, the natural beauty, and the small-town feeling of home. He was a person of remarkable intellect; shared as a defining characteristic by many people upon hearing of his passing. He possessed a keen mind that was always hungry for knowledge. His dreams of success were boundless, and he pursued them with determination and optimism, always working hard to try to reach his goals. His mind was sadly a double-edged sword, and sometimes bore a great weight of suffering that was both cruel and deeply sorrowful. He struggled most of his adult life with addiction and mental illness causing unimaginable challenges and relentless struggle that was exacerbated by systemic barriers and a society that sadly lacks adequate support for those most in need. He, nevertheless, fought to face this with resilience and courage. Although addiction and mental illness cast a dark shadow on his journey, he will not be defined by it or the ravages that it created in his life, because he was so much more than that. In honor of Justin’s life, please take time to have meaningful, honest discussions throughout our community regarding the issues of mental illness and substance abuse. Our society has chosen to push people into the shadows, forgetting our humanity. Please shine your light on this epidemic, together we may have a chance at finding real solutions. We will remember and love Justin forever and we hope he is at peace and knows he is cherished and loved. He is survived by his parents Michelle and Andrew Christakis, his sister, Emma Christakis and brother, Colby Christakis, all of Gorham; grandmother, Joyce Christakis of Lewiston; aunts, Dot Baillargeon of Windham; Cathy Petersen of Raymond; Nancy Ouellette of Lewiston; biological father, Jason Raschack of Portland; and many extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his maternal grandmother Jeannine Langis and maternal grandfather Robert Langis; cousin Nicole Baillargeon; and his two dogs Abby and Rose. There is great comfort in knowing that there are loving arms to welcome him on his next journey. A celebration of life service will be held at a favorite spot that Justin frequented, Bug Light Park (South Portland, Maine) on Sunday 7/14/2024 at 2:00pm. Please consider making a donation in Justin's name to Preble Street Resource Center, https://www.preblestreet.org/donate-now/ or extend a sincere kindness to someone in his honor.