Obituary of W. Robert Rippey

It is with heavy hearts but great memories of a life lived, the family announces the passing of Bob Rippey on January 25, 2015, after spending the past several months living at The Orchards, Vineland. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Joan (Bodman) in 2004. He leaves behind his three daughters and their families, Kathy Rippey and Frank Takacs of Orillia, Barb and Todd Williams of Edgewood, Washington and Sandra and David MacPherson of St.Catharines. Papa Rippey is missed by his five grandchildren, Karly White, Dillon MacPherson, and Tucker ,Tanner and Madison Williams. Also missing Bob, is his special friend, Jaqueline Buzila. Dad was born in Thorold to Robert J. Rippey, formerly of Northern Ireland and Margaret (McKenna) who was born in Nova Scotia. He was predeceased by his sister Jane Dominey of St. Catharines and leaves his sister Margaret and several nieces and nephews. Dad and Mom met when he played football and she was a cheerleader, on rival teams naturally. They married in 1952 and moved to Vineland shortly after. They ran the small restaurant in the plaza on the Main Street of Vineland for several years. A customer who became a good friend was Ontario Provincial Police Constable Fred Blucher. He encouraged Dad to apply to serve as the constable for Lincoln County. Together they ran many bicycle rodeos and Elmer the Safety Elephant programs throughout the County. Dad will be remembered by many who were students in the 60s as "Officer Bob" of the Lincoln County Police Department, some of those same students might have received their high school diplomas from Dad in the 70s when he was Chair of the Lincoln County School Board. Dad left policing to join Regional Niagara Public Works and spent the rest of his work life there. Mom and Dad later moved to Jordan, raised their three daughters and spent their lives living down the road from Balls Falls. Dad was a member of the Lincoln County School Board for many years, serving as Chair several times. He was a lifetime member of the Jordan Lions Club and Ivy Lodge #115. He was an avid golfer and boater for much of his life. In later years, he served on the Niagara Regional Police Services Board. Thank you to Colleen Bredin, Paula Lawrence CCAC Niagara, to Dr. Marshall and Mary-Kathryn of the Niagara West Palliative team, to St. Elizabeth nurses Barbara and Tracy and to all the staff from the Orchards for your care and compassion during Dad's stay. Many thanks as well to Hospice Niagara for warm, caring support. In accordance with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life and a spring interment is planned. If desired, memorials donations in Dad's memory may be made to Hospice Niagara.