Jack (Jack Phillip) Tripp was born on Feb. 6, 1930, in Cooperstown, N.Y., and died quietly due to complications of cancer on March 24, 2012 in Lake Stevens, Wash.

Jack grew up in Vermont. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1957 and following those years he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1968. He worked civil service as a machinist at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station for 17 years. He was proud of receiving his captain’s license for inland waters in 1995.

He and his wife Donna spent their retirement traveling in their RV all over the western states, especially enjoying the warmer climates of Southern California, New Mexico and Arizona. They met many of their close friends on their travels. Jack loved to be outdoors, enjoyed boating, fishing and long walks with his dog.

He is survived by his wife Donna, his sons Steve and Mike, his stepdaughters Leanne and Debbie, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jack was laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery on April 9, 2012.