VASILE R Rady

Vasile was born on March 3, 1937, in the small village of Pătrăuți, in the Bucovina region of Romania, to Vasile and Eugenia Rascol. He was the sixth of eight children in a family deeply rooted in faith. His parents were born-again believers, and his father was widely known as a pastor and prophet—a reality that profoundly shaped Vasile’s life.

He grew up on a farm, where responsibility and diligence were learned early. As a young boy, he helped his mother and neighbors with daily farm work—harvesting corn, feeding animals, taking cows to pasture, and riding horses. At the age of ten, his childhood was abruptly altered by the Communist invasion of Romania in 1947, marking the beginning of a life shaped by perseverance and faith under oppression.

At fourteen, Vasile attended boarding school, and from ages sixteen to eighteen he learned the trade of photography. He was later drafted in the military for two years before moving to Bucharest, where he worked alongside his brothers Ionel and Victor in photography. It was during this time that he attended a youth gathering in the mountains and met Elena Radu, the love of his life. They were married on July 7, 1963.

Their son, Dorian, was born in 1964, followed by their daughter, Christiana, in 1970. Vasile and Elena shared a marriage of more than 58 years, founded on their deep love for the Lord and a shared conviction that God had brought them together for a divine purpose. Their faith shaped every aspect of their lives and service.

One of the most significant ways they served the Lord was through the secret distribution of Bibles across Romania during the communist era. With the help of Western missions that smuggled Bibles into the country, Vasile and Elena received and distributed them to those who had none. This ministry continued for over a decade until Vasile was arrested by the secret police and sentenced to two years in prison. He was imprisoned for 14 months and 7 days. Though terrifying and filled with persecution, this season became a time when their faith was strengthened and their dependence on God and His Word was deepened. Many remarkable and miraculous stories from this period are recorded in Elena’s book, Flight to Freedom.

In 1977, through a series of extraordinary events, the Rascol family emigrated to the United States. Vasile continued his work in photography, becoming a master of his trade—especially known for his expertise in black-and-white lab development and printing. His business, Vasile’s Custom Lab, (VCL) became the leading photo lab in the Pacific Northwest throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He was widely respected as a businessman, admired for his generosity, integrity, and excellence by colleagues and clients alike.

Beyond his professional achievements, Vasile was known as a man of deep moral character, guided by a reverent fear of the Lord that shaped the way he lived and loved others. Vasile approached life with gusto and quiet enthusiasm. A master of backgammon, he enjoyed both the strategy of the game and the connection it brought. His gentle, well-timed sense of humor was one of the many ways he expressed love. Vasile found joy in the simple yet meaningful rhythms of life. His garden was a place of quiet care and patience. He was a builder at heart—whether crafting with his hands, building a playhouse for his granddaughter, or creating a home that was steady, welcoming, and full of life.

Though shy and naturally introverted, Vasile loved being surrounded by people. His home was often filled with conversation, laughter, and the joyful noise of family gathered together. He especially came alive in the presence of his grandchildren, whose smiles drew out his warmth and unmistakable delight.

He especially found great joy traveling with his wife, Elena, and taking long drives, appreciating the beauty of God’s creation. Together they carried a sincere desire to help those in need whenever they could.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, craftsmanship, and love that will continue to be felt through the lives he touched.

Vasile is survived by his beloved children, Dorian and Christiana; their spouses, Renee and David; seven grandchildren—Landon; Aaron and his wife, Leah; Lauren; Selah and her husband, Joash; Emma; Judah; and Bria; and two great-grandchildren, Florence and Jamie.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Romanian Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon.

Vasile will be remembered with deep affection—not only for who he was, but for the generous love he shared and the lives he so beautifully touched. He will be deeply missed.