Robert Edward Rippee Iii

Robert Edward Rippee III, age 66, of Eugene, Oregon went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, May 25, 2014.

Bob was born April 26, 1948 in Cottage Grove, Oregon to Robert E. Rippee Jr & Marian L. Rippee. At age 11, the family moved from Southern California to Williams, Oregon where he graduated from Williams Elementary in 1962 and Grants Pass High School in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Army with his best friend, Ed Moyer. They served two tours in Viet Nam where Bob was a helicopter mechanic. Bob attended Lane Community College and became a building contractor. He had his own business and built many beautiful homes.

Bob loved life. He loved to travel and explore. He was a hunter, fisherman, scuba diver and enjoyed riding his Harley. One of his greatest accomplishments was getting his pilot’s license in 2013. He took great joy in flying.

Bob leaves behind two sons who were his pride and joy, Robert Edward Rippee IV who is a civil engineer in Portland and Trevor Rippee who will graduate from Oregon State University in June; his mother, Marian L. Rippee and two sisters, Sharon Peckham and Darleen Best all of Grants Pass; many nieces and nephews; and his loyal black Lab, Daisy.

Bob will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

Waiting to welcome him home at Heaven’s Gate were his father, Robert E. Rippee Jr; nephew, Charlie Hobbs; and best friend, Ed Moyer.

A celebration of his life will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, June 7, 2014 at Rivers of Life Foursquare Church, 450 SW J Street, Grants Pass. There will be a military color guard to honor his patriotism.