In Memoriam
Richard R. Rappuhn
Richard Rudolph Rappuhn passed away peacefully at home in Oak Harbor on Aug. 26, 2015. He was surrounded by his family as he entered the life of everlasting joy and peace to be with our Lord.
Richard, known as Dick by his family and friends, was born in Startup on July 15, 1934 to Ed and Selma Rappuhn. He was the youngest of their five children, having three older sisters, Ellen Love, Esther Rust (Julius) and Florence Rappuhn and an older brother, Robert “Bob” Rappuhn.
Dick grew up on the family farm, cultivating his curiosity in exploring nature and developing his interest in agriculture. He was an active member of FFA in high school and participated in sports; however, his farm chores took precedence. After graduating from Sultan High School in 1952, he attended Washington State College in Pullman studying animal husbandry and participating in ROTC. Upon graduating from WSC, Dick served in the Army Reserves and worked for H&N of Redmond selling baby chicks to area poultry farmers.
He met and married his first wife, Sharon R. Miller in 1959. Later, he married Patricia Morgan, with whom he recently celebrated 32 years together. In 1964, he moved his young family to South Whidbey Island, beginning a long career in poultry farm management. In 1976, he and his family relocated to Oak Harbor when Dick went to work for Dynes Poultry Farms, Inc. managing farm operations at their multiple locations on the island and throughout Skagit County.
Dick enjoyed life. He had a quick wit and a playful nature, a propensity to have fun, banter with, and heckle others. He loved to tell stories of his and other’s life experiences (a few tall tales) which were always entertaining. He loved music, his dog Nell, reading, watching comedies and westerns, and debating politics as a dedicated lifelong Republican with anyone who would participate. He had a real gift for nurturing, whether it was his garden, family/friends, or the area wildlife. He had a love of sports, playing baseball, basketball, and running when he was younger as well as watching sports and keeping up with the sports section of the newspaper. Dick had a strong faith in his Lord, Jesus Christ and practiced his faith in his daily life and his relationships with others. His faith was tested and confirmed; especially in this 10-year battle with cancer. This challenge seemed to strengthen his resolve to live the best life he could in the years he had left.
He is survived by his wife Patricia Rappuhn; four daughters, Tamara Dow (Erik), Teresa Forsyth (Keith), Tina Rappuhn and Tonya Rappuhn; and two step-daughters, Wendy Robbins (David) and Shelly Sowers.
Grandchildren are Elya Henry, Jadon (Carly) Henry, Laurissa Henry, Brandon Rappuhn, William Forsyth, Sharon Forsyth, Josh Sowers and Jennifer Sowers.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at Church on the Rock at 1780 SE 4th Ave. Please join us for this opportunity to remember our beloved Dick as well as telling your side of the story.
