Raishawn Wickwire

Raishawn Latrice Kairuz Wickwire was born May 10th, 1982 in Pasco, Washington at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital to Ranae Adams and Raymond Kairuz. Her birth was noteworthy as she was the fifth generation of living women in the Terry/Sparks family at that time. Raishawn was educated in the Pasco and Seattle, WA school systems until she settled in Oregon with her extended Hans family where she finished school in Troutdale, OR at Reynolds High School.

It was during her time at Reynolds High School that Raishawn developed and honed her strong sense of advocacy for the underdog. Known for her fiery spirit and direct communication, she was a formidable presence that would not back down. Raishawn was a kid at heart and believed in enriching and brightening the lives of those who faced challenges. She could be counted on to “balloon” unsuspecting friends for special occasions and it was always the biggest win for her.

Although she had no kids of her own, she was a great mother to her precious puppies, Pepper Oni Wickwire and Gus Topher Wickwire, that she shared with Scott Wickwire. She had an unbreakable bond and the greatest love for her siblings, sister cousins and her very close lifelong friends. They were the recipients of her shenanigans, sharp witted tongue and her unapologetic way of being her. She showed her love by being the ultimate auntie, labeled as the “baby whisperer” when she would travel cross country to babysit the “littles” for her bonus siblings and sister friends, anytime she was needed.

Raishawn realized her heartfelt passion was comedy and she pursued the training that made her a valuable and respected partner in the comedy community in Portland and helped to broaden the scope of possibility. She would travel anywhere and everywhere to attend, film and/or support these shows that featured up and coming acts. She contributed to shows like Bridgetown, Death Cab for Cutie, Gia Margaret, Bumbershoot, and most recently, MonsterBox. Raishawn and the work she did to make the comedy scene more inclusive and diverse, is undeniable and didn’t go without notice.

Raishawn passed away on November 15th with Vern Pirtle by her side in Portland, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her father Raymond Kairuz, her uncle Kyle Adams, her special grandparents “Nana” Frankie Stubbs, “Papa” Dave Webster, grandmothers Iris Adams and Irene Schultz, Grandma Tutu and grandfather Carl Phillips. She also lost a dear and beloved friend, Marshall.

Raishawn leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Ranae Thompson (Nathaniel), brothers Jay D’Love Davis III, Jay D’One Davis-brother bear, Dwayne Hans Jr, sisters Alexis Kairuz, Amanda Ali (Mohammed), Ashley Kinsey (Nick), Brittnee Ray (Shaunacy), as well as her grandparents Michael Adams and Deborah Phillips in addition to the precious ones she doted on with much love, bubbles and laughter, nephews Hendrix and Khylan, Knight & Carter. Her nieces Jasmine, Aminah, Frankie, Nieema, Ajiahna and a long list of Sparks and Webster cousins. Raishawn was blessed to have the love and guidance of Dwayne Hans and Tina Garcia (Tony) who treated her as their own and are going to miss her terribly. Raishawn also leaves her memories in care of her Kairuz family.