Harold Louis Rarrick was born December 10, 1928, to John Louis and Jennie Jones Rarrick.
He was preceded in death, Saturday, July 2, 2016 by his parents; his wife of 52 years, Billie Katherine Garrison Rarrick; and his sons, David Louis Rarrick, and Mark Steven Rarrick; his brother Richard; and sister, Beverly Holland.
He is survived by his wife, Priscilla; daughter, Susan Katherine Herrera, husband, James; grandchildren, James Kristopher Herrera, wife Colleen and son, Jacob, Rachel Areadna Nead, husband Scott, daughters, Eva and Lilly, Jason Tucker, wife Renee, children, Geraldine, Brandon and Justin; son, Shawn Garrison Rarrick, wife, Glenda, daughters, Samantha and Christine; also, Darryl, Donny, Douglas, Duane VanRoosenbeek and Dena Kennedy and their families; his daughter-in-law, Patricia Rarrick and Kimberly Rarrick; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends and colleagues.
Harold was raised between CA and OK, graduating from Lamont, OK, high school in 1945 and Pepperdine College in CA, 1949, in math and physics. He started with Sandia Laboratory in October of 1949, to work with nuclear cores for atomic weapons. He established the Health physics program in 1957, participating in many atmospheric and underground atomic tests and other radiation activities until 1970. He participated in many Development Test activities, including supervisor of Range Operations at Tonopah Test Range. He was involved in many other fascinating activities until his retirement in 1993. He remained as a consultant for history, archives and environmental restoration. In 1999, he became a Senior Mentor for the Sandia Nuclear Weapon Intern Program. He especially enjoyed being with the many interns, Senior Mentors and program members who gave him the title "Nuclear Weaponeer Emeritus." In 2002, he also became a consultant to the USAF on historical technical problems.
He was a docent and Trustee Emeritus of the National Atomic Museum Foundation now the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. He was a (former) member of the Lovelace Senior Advisory Group.
He and Priscilla found each other and were married on March 28, 2003. They enjoyed traveling and doing many things together. He loved being around younger people, especially his grandchildren whom he encouraged in science. He was a generous and caring individual who thoroughly enjoyed people. Harold often said that he had a wonderful, interesting life and a fascinating career.
Harold was an Honorary Member of the NWTA.