Franklin Ripley, 84, passed away peacefully into eternal life on March 22, 2022. Frank was born in Croydon, Pennsylvania.
He grew up in National Park, New Jersey. After High School he entered the Marine Corp, then switched over to the Navy were he spent 18 years on active duty and the Naval Reserves. He entered the Rank of Chief Petty Officer. He then switched over to the Air Force and maintained the rank of Master Sergeant while keeping engaged with his career.
In 1961 Frank was hired and worked for Boeing Vertol Company in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania as a flight test mechanic. He worked on CH-47 Chinook Helicopters. In 1978 he transferred to Boeing in Everett, WA. Frank was a Quality Assurance Inspector on 767 and 747 Aircrafts. He also worked in AOG and traveled the world.
Frank retired after 38 years of service at the Boeing Company. After retiring he joined the Marine Corps League and working with the Boy Scouts and Rep. Ric Larsen. He made sure each Eagle Scout had a flag flown over the Nation’s Capital, then brought each flag back to be presented at their Court of Honor. He was an asset to his community helping neighbors do chores, standing outside the store gathering toys for the children at Christmas. His hobbies included going camping with his camping club, gardening and traveling. He loved watching local sports such as Seahawks, Mariners, PGA golf and after watching he loved talking about the games with his sons.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Arlene Hines-Ripley; 3 sons, Franklin (Kim), Thomas and Donald (Renee); 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Joe, Charles, George and John. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William, Robert, Lenard; sister, Mary and Pat.
A Memorial Service honoring Franks life with full Military honors will take place at 12:00, on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share your memories of Frank and sign the online guest register.
What can I say but my dad? He was an awesome father. You could talk to him about anything and then he would give you his opinion like it or not. If you asked him one thing you better have enough battery on your phone because he may take an hour to tell you.
I miss talking to him about golf every week after the tournament the pros and cons of what happened.
Will miss his goofy little hum as he wandered around in the house never made any sense what he was humming but drove my mom crazy. We know we will see him again because he gave his heart to the Lord. His face was glowing in the end.
My husband Pat and I have been next door neighbors of Frank and Arlene for 17 years. We could not have asked for better neighbors! In fact, between Frank, Arlene, Pat and myself we often felt we were not just neighbors, friends but “family”. Frank would often refer to Pat as “his brother”. We hold a very fond remembrance of Frank over the years not only as next-door neighbors, but with our Good Sam camping group and various activities within our community where we live. Frank will be dearly missed as he was one of a kind, a very generous person, one who many times over made us laugh with his sense of humor.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Fondly, Pat & Kathy Lyons
Our deepest sympathies to Arlene
and his 3 sons.
Meeting Frank was one of the highlights of our Panama cruise.
My husband Gary and I first met Frank and Arlene thru the Skagit Sams RV group where we went out as a group. One of the places we went was on Harstene Island out of Shelton that had their own oyster beds. Frank came all prepared to make his ‘oyster stew’ even ordered special crackers from back east. When we arrived at the RV place we were told couldn’t get oysters due to ‘red tide’. So that didn’t stop Frank, he drove several miles back to Shelton to purchase store bought oysters for his stew to share. Arlene told of Frank’s culinary cuisine creations in the kitchen at home. Frank-you had a good heart and a gift of gab. You will be missed.
What can I say except that you left us way too soon.. I was not prepared. You were the brother that I never had and was there for me at a moment’s notice. Words cannot express how much you have meant to me and my family. Get comfortable in your new home in heaven.
It was a great honor to work with Frank ensuring Eagle Scouts received flags via Rep. Rick Larsen’s office for many years. Frank took great pride in presenting each flag and always had encouragement for each Scout. His stories about his service in the military were interesting and made it seem as if you were there with him.
Arlene and family, you have my sincerest sympathies for your family’s loss.
Sailor’s Rest
When my sailing days are over,
And I sail the seas no more,
I shall build myself a refuge
By the oceans murmuring shore.
As I watch the foaming breakers
When the tide comes rushing in,
I will contemplate my lifetime,
With it’s virtues and it’s sins.
Where the azure of the heavens
Meets the undulating blue,
Where the sweeping, soaring seagull
Flies it’s endless quest for food.
It is there that I would rest,
When my work on Earth is done,
At the endless blue horizon
‘Neath the crimson, setting sun.
-David Block
MSG Ripley, may you have fair winds and following seas, the watch is secure.
Will always remember the wonderful camping trips growing up. Traveling to Niagara Falls, Fort Wilderness Campground Florida. Cherry Stone campground and our fishing, crabbing and clamming. Our Family BBQ’s and all the great holiday dinners. I am so glad you are at peace and in heaven! Love, Karen
It was an honor to work with Frank. He is fondly remembered by many at Boeing.
I traveled the world with Frank. We had great respect for each other. We both served on the USS Kitty Hawk. He was a man I admired and appreciated his service to our great country in the Marines, Navy and Air Force. He helped me with my career at Boeing and was always fun to talk to. What a great man. Thank you Frank Ripley!!!