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Craig Richard Ripley eagerly entered the world on January 9, 1964.
He was a healthy bouncing boy weighing 9 1/2 lbs. His growing up
years were spent in Hawaii, CA, NC, and WI. He was an energetic,
curious child with an amazing zest for life. Craig never met a
stranger. I often wonder if he knew all along that he had to live life
to the fullest since his time would be so short here. Enjoying
life, for Craig, was an understatement.
How can we forget the maroon F150 Ford truck with the yellow stripe
and super sized tires? The "invisible" school-skipping
vehicle! Kenny, does this ring a bell? Feeling a pang of guilt,
anyone? I know you're out there! The same truck with all the party
equipment in the back for after the Friday night football games, held
at the secret gathering place. You remember the truck with the
gravel-pitted side? Thanks to Ronald and friends for helping in this
unbelievable crisis. It is amazing the strength one acquires in a
moment of terror.
Can anyone tell me the real story of how the alligator ended up in MY
bathtub? Kenny, Ronald, Norman, Les, George, Mike, anyone? ANd then
there was the car in my driveway that "accidentally" shifted
into forward and moved the garage door from the front of the house to
the back. I won't mention names here. Surely you haven't
forgotten "the birthday party of the year". This must ring a
bell for the multitudes. How is your memory, Joey? Now that you
are getting "older" , has the arthritis set in that once
broken collarbone? I'll never forget the pride and compassion in your
dad's voice when he was told of your dilemma. And Malinda, are you
convinced how difficult it is to travel very far with four flat
tires? I smell a Joey story here! But I'll let you tell it,
Joey. You were a little late for cheerleading practice, weren't
you Stacy? And by the way, Stacy, I hope you are remembering to
check the side and rearview mirrors to avoid hitting the only car in
the parking lot! Sorry about you car, Susan! I have so many
stories I could tell. Many, of other classmates, like wrestling real
live bulls at Finney's Plaza with the Rice twins. A class act to be
sure!
When I think of Craig I can't help but think of Tommy Young, his best
pal for so many years. I have no doubt Craig greeted Tommy with a big
bear hug. Won't heaven be "rocking" when we get there?
Craig's priorities in life were his family, particularly his little
sister Stacy, his golden retriever, "Rainey". his school
buddies (to include his gal pals Berta, Elaine, Annette, Wendy, June,
Jeannie, to name a few), his love for the outdoors which he shared
with his dad; fishing, hunting, boating, water skiing, HHS wrestling,
and just being with his family and friends making memories for those
of us he would eventually leave behind. I know that Craig's
heart was in the right place, for he was very caring and extremely
private about his good deeds. Those of you who knew him well
have knowledge of his kindness and generosity. I miss his laughter,
his voice, his hugs, his country music, his corny jokes, his
exuberance. Thank you Lord for the privilege of having him in our
lives and all the funny wonderful , beautiful memories of him we hold
so dear to our hearts.
Thank you class of 1983 for honoring his memory and for letting me
share it with you. Much love to all of you and happy 20th.
The Ripley Kids
These next few pictures were taken
by Donald Phillips on the day Craig was killed while hydro sliding.
Jumping a wave!
Wow!
The ultimate
"invisible" skipping truck!
Stacey and Craig
Craig Ripley
Kenny Wilmoth and Craig Ripley...
What a pair!
I'm sure this in not an alcoholic
drink!
Tom Young, Craig Ripley and Les
Sermons
Craig Ripley, Don
Richards, and
Ronald Lundy
Wendy Ebron and Craig
Ripley
Aww.... Guess Who.....
We miss you Craig....
Memories we have, memories we all share, do not replace
the memories we could still be making....Make sure when we
all climb that stairway to heaven, you greet each of
us with your famous smile and hug....
With love, your
classmates of 1983
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