Former Mill Valley mayor and prominent local architect Christopher Raker has died at the age of 78, the Marin IJ reported this week.
Mr. Raker died on July 5 from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, at his home in Tiburon, said Bianca Raker, Mr. Raker’s daughter. A longtime resident and political figure in Mill Valley, Mr. Raker moved to Tiburon in 2015.
“He filled every room that he walked into. Everything that he did, he did with absolute dedication. He was the best father anyone could ask for. He was enthusiastic, brilliant, had a huge heart and was inspiring in every way,” said Bianca Raker.
Mr. Raker’s firm, Raker Architects, was credited for many civic and architectural contributions in Southern Marin, including renovations of the Corinthian Yacht Club and the Mill Valley Lumber Yard. But his foremost legacy is likely the development of the Mill Valley Miller Avenue Precise Plan, which ultimately culminated in the city developing a pedestrian-friendly reconfiguration of Miller Avenue, said former planning commissioner and city councilmember Dennis Fisco.