Obituary for Earl VanRiper

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Life Story for Earl VanRiper

Earl Eugene Van Riper passed away February 5, 2018 at his home in Hood River, Oregon. Earl was born on June 23, 1935, the youngest of six children to Lloyd and Pearl (Young) Van Riper.

Earl grew up in Parkdale, OR on the family orchard. Earl attended school in Parkdale up to the 10th grade and graduated from Wy’east High School in 1954. In 1956 Earl joined the National Guard and did six months of active duty and training at Fort Ord, California. He was placed on alert in 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Earl was honorably discharged, at the rank of Corporal, in 1963.

In 1957 Earl married Rose Braman and they had three sons Richard, Rory and Rodney. His fondest memories were when he and his sons went hunting, fishing and traveling around the United States and Canada in their caveman camper. Earl worked for Harvey Aluminum in The Dalles, OR for 27 years. He also worked his personal 30 acre fruit orchard for 10 years, retiring in 1985. In later years, Earl and is father owned Van Used Cars on Tucker Road for 15 years.

Earl is preceded in death by his son, Rodney VanRiper; his parents; sisters, Luella Herman, Emina Fisher and Violet Baker. He is survived by his two sons, Rick of Hood River, OR and Rory of The Dalles, OR; three grandsons, Wryann Richard (Mallory) and Tyler Benjamin both of Gresham, OR and Austin Earl of Hood River, OR; granddaughter Faith Clara Rose (USMC) of Monterey, California; great grandchildren Wyatt Richard and Sidney Corrine; brother Wayne VanRiper of Macall, Idaho and sister Blanche Neff of Bakersfield, California; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Due to Earl’s health complications, his son Rick cared for him the last 13 years. A special thanks goes to his second care giver, Maria Banuelos for her hard work the last 5 years…Jehova bless you. Thank you to all the extraordinary nurses from Providence Home Health for their nine years of on and off training and helping to extend Earl’s life.

A private memorial will be held at Idlewilde Cemetery where Earl and his son Rod will be placed to rest in the tomb of Lloyd and Pearl VanRiper, at a later date.

The family would like to bring more awareness to people like Earl who have dementia. Relatives, family, friends and neighbors…“Action is always better than talk”… give a family member you know a break now and then, be supportive, get involved and volunteer. God bless you all.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.