October 22, 1917-September 16, 2013
A memorial service for Hubert will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, Saturday Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association National Office, 225 North Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. (24/7 help line (800)-272-3900.)
Hubert Rackets, preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years, Helen Louise Rackets, went to join Helen with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 16, 2013. Born in Trinidad, Colo., Oct. 22, 1917, Hubert was the only son of Stefan and Gladys Irene Rackets. Hubert and Helen were married Valentines Day 1942, and he is survived by three children: Barbara Skiles, Stephen Rackets and William Rackets; their spouses, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Hubert received a degree in petroleum engineering from Colorado School of Mines and worked as a geophysicist for 34 years before retiring in 1976. During this time, Hubert and Helen lived in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Sumatra Indonesia, Montana, Wyoming, Brazil, Texas, Canada and California, raising their three children in most of these locations. Hubert became totally enthralled with the art and science of faceting gem stones upon introduction to the craft by his father-in-law John Denny, in 1943. He pursued this avocation through retirement until shortly before his death. His reputation was renowned throughout the USA and even internationally, as he was part of a select team representing the U.S. in international gem faceting competition. The pinnacle accomplishment of Hubert’s faceting career was personally researching and creating exact replicas of 53 world famous diamonds which will be on display at his alma mater, Colorado School of Mines. Hubert and Helen lived most all of their retirement years in Pagosa Springs, forming many loving and special friendships in one of Colorado’s most beautiful communities.
The family would like to invite all who knew Hubert to share in our celebration of his being reunited with Helen.
