Ratterman's remains found

Submitted by KATU.com Staff on Mon, 2010-02-08 16:10

WASHOUGAL, Wash. - The family of a Washougal man found answers Monday in the Haitian rubble - but it was not the answers they wanted.

The remains of Washougal humanitarian Walt Ratterman, buried by Haiti's Jan. 12 quake, were found in Port-au-Prince over the weekend. Details are still coming in.

The family of Walt Ratterman posted on Facebook that they were notified Sunday night that his remains were identified and that his body will be flown home soon.

Ratterman was one of 15 Americans believed to be buried by rubble at the collapsed Hotel Montana in Port-au-Prince. He was one of about 4,000 Americans still missing in Haiti, according to the U.S. Department of State records.

Ratterman's family has issued this statement: "Thank you for your love, prayers and support; we look forward to speaking with each of you personally when we are able."

Funeral details are still being worked out.

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Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2010-02-08 16:51.

Wow. I can't believe that they found him. Hopefully the family can have some closure now.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2010-02-08 16:56.

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ratterman family during this time. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2010-02-08 17:39.

I am so sorry. Rest in peace, Walt.

Submitted by indigosage (not verified) on Mon, 2010-02-08 17:44.

My thoughts go out to all of his friends and family. I knew it was against all odds, but I had hoped they might find him alive. I hope that finding his body gives the family some closure. May he rest in peace.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2010-02-08 18:16.

This is not the ending I was praying for - but hopefully this gives the family some peace. Will continue our prayers for all of you.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2010-02-08 18:36.

looks like my prayers an all others prayers failed again. i am praying NO MORE

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2010-02-08 19:00.

I'm so sorry for his family and loved ones. I will continue to pray that God give them peace. Please don't stop praying. God loves each and everyone of us.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 2010-02-09 08:09.

If all of your prayers have failed, then you must only be praying when you want something. This poor soul was already gone when you began praying for him. And I imagine your prayers were for him to be alive. Prayers for you and his loved ones to find the strenghth they need to get through this loss... not a failure. Prayers of thanks for the Lords love and guidance.... not a failure. If you only consider his failure to answer your wants, then you don't yet understand, nor do you truly accept his love.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 2010-02-09 09:29.

I have to say that is a great comment. I don't consider myself to be very religious, but your comment is very thoughtful.

Submitted by Opinionated (not verified) on Mon, 2010-02-08 18:55.

Prayer does not fail... sometimes the answers are just not what we want. That is why when my sons were forest firefighters, another son who is now a firefighter served two tours in the war and later battled cancer that nearly took his life and when my 4 year old grandson developed stage 4 cancer... I didn't ask God to fix things to the way I wanted them ~ I prayed for the strength I would need to face whatever might come my way. He answered my prayers and never left me alone with my tears and fears~ Incidently, my sons and grandson are all doing fine though at times it was a trying struggle. To the Ratterman family... my prayers are with you tonight ~ May you always find comfort in your memories !

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 2010-02-09 07:14.

then why...why? as i choke back tears of pain...should i pray if i aint gonna get the answer i want. seems to me if i cant change the outcome with prayer than prayer is a waste. i dont tithe either...tithing is evil. churches should BE TAXED STARTING IMMEDIATLY.