The sudden loss of Charter Member & Moderator, BillR
08-29-2017 | 11:23 AM
#43
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Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Virginia Beach
We learned about Bill's passing while at dinner at Smithfield Station Saturday night. We had just seen the entire gang out on the water earlier in the day. Very sad. The boating community has truly lost one of its greats. Fair winds and following seas, Bill. You will be missed. Prayers for Cindy and their family and friends.
08-29-2017 | 08:31 PM
#46
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From Bill's wife, Cindy:
Those were Bill's two catch phrases that we've all heard a bazillion times.
All that knew Bill know how much he loved boating and along with boating came boating shirts, shorts and flip flops. I am requesting that no suits be worn this Friday. Instead, in honor of Bill I am requesting that all wear boating shirts, (your choice) shorts and flip flops, (or your choice).
Bill would want nothing other than for everyone to celebrate his life, be completely comfortable and wear their boating gear proudly!
"Settle down Francis" and "Drink up bltches!"
Bill would want nothing other than for everyone to celebrate his life, be completely comfortable and wear their boating gear proudly!
"Settle down Francis" and "Drink up bltches!"
Last edited by Sydwayz; 08-29-2017 at 08:33 PM.
08-29-2017 | 08:41 PM
#47
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Obituary:
William "Bill" L. Rippel was welcomed home to the Lord Saturday, August 26, 2017. He passed doing what he loved to do most-boating.
Bill was originally from Avon Lake, Ohio but resided in Virginia Beach most of his life and he lived life to the fullest. Bill was involved with the boating community and was one of the original founders of the "Power Boating for a Cure Poker Run". He was involved in several charitable orginizations. He also studied Business and Economics at Virginia Wesleyan University.
Bill was also a long time owner/President and operator of the family business, Audio Connection which was founded in 1977 and is located in Virginia Beach. Bill was an upstanding pillar of the community. He was a good friend to everyone that met him. He was kind, generous, and always willing to help at a moment’s notice with a smile to share. Bill was an all-around good guy which is why he will be truly missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife Cindy Rippel, his loving parents; Ann Rippel and Robert Rippel, his brother--Charles Rippel, sister in-law Beth Rippel, niece Ashley Rippel, great niece Ella, and a great nephew Logan, also aunts, uncles, cousins, and many, many dear friends.
Visitation is scheduled this Friday, September 1st from 2-4 PM with a memorial service at 4PM on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23462. The family has requested no flowers.
Immediately following the service, the family invites you to join them in a celebration of Bill's life.
To all of his wonderful friends, and you know who you are, "Settle down and Make America Great Again."
Bill was originally from Avon Lake, Ohio but resided in Virginia Beach most of his life and he lived life to the fullest. Bill was involved with the boating community and was one of the original founders of the "Power Boating for a Cure Poker Run". He was involved in several charitable orginizations. He also studied Business and Economics at Virginia Wesleyan University.
Bill was also a long time owner/President and operator of the family business, Audio Connection which was founded in 1977 and is located in Virginia Beach. Bill was an upstanding pillar of the community. He was a good friend to everyone that met him. He was kind, generous, and always willing to help at a moment’s notice with a smile to share. Bill was an all-around good guy which is why he will be truly missed by all that knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife Cindy Rippel, his loving parents; Ann Rippel and Robert Rippel, his brother--Charles Rippel, sister in-law Beth Rippel, niece Ashley Rippel, great niece Ella, and a great nephew Logan, also aunts, uncles, cousins, and many, many dear friends.
Visitation is scheduled this Friday, September 1st from 2-4 PM with a memorial service at 4PM on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23462. The family has requested no flowers.
Immediately following the service, the family invites you to join them in a celebration of Bill's life.
To all of his wonderful friends, and you know who you are, "Settle down and Make America Great Again."
Last edited by Sydwayz; 08-30-2017 at 09:06 AM.
08-29-2017 | 08:53 PM
#48
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 714
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From: Va Beach, VA
Bill was one of those guys that epitomized a true boater. Always happy when he was on the water, always ready to help, and he would give you the shirt off his back. The waters around here won't be the same. Fair winds and following seas.....with a slight chop to keep it interesting. RIP
08-30-2017 | 01:19 AM
#49
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Chesapeake, Va.
I knew Bill for 36 years, we did RX-7 stuff back in the day. He was always making his car faster...sound familiar? Bill was always the joker and always a good friend. I feel horrible, This is one of those you ask why?? Bill will be missed...He's in a better place now, that I have no doubt.
