Obituary of George Rippey

George Dean Rippey, age 81, died peacefully in Chico on Friday, November 27, 2009. Born on August 29, 1928 in Oroville, CA to Lloyd and Mabel Rippey, he attended both grammar and high school in Oroville before working in the logging industry in Oregon. George joined the Air Force in 1950 and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served 20 years in the Air Force where he became a B-57 pilot assigned to the 13th Tactical Bombardment Squadron. George achieved the rank of Major and earned several medals, including an Air Force Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart. After leaving the Air Force he moved his family to Paradise and was employed by McDonald's Travel and Fun RV as a repair technician and later at Patio Cruisers as a Boatwright. Those who knew him would say he was a hard working man who enjoyed simple pleasures, such as going to the coast with his wife, Pansy, fishing, hunting, and camping. He loved his family and was always there to help them get through any difficulties that they faced. We are truly grateful for all he shared with us and will hold these memories close to our hearts. George is survived by his wife of 51 years, Pansy Jane (Grigsby) Rippey; daughter, Sandy Anderson and her husband, Fred; sons, Richard Burkett and wife, Linda, Peter Burkett and wife, Deborah and Scott Rippey, as well as many loving grandchildren; greatgrandchildren and the family dog, Bogie. A private family service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2009 at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.