George H. “Skip” Ruppel
George H. “Skip” Ruppel, 70, died Nov. 30, 2008 in Vancouver, after a long fight with lung and heart disease.
Skip was born in Jersey City, N. J. on Sept. 8, 1938, to Henry and Dorothy (Hess) Ruppel. Skip proudly served his country in the United States Navy from June of 1956 to November of 1958, and then in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Skip met his wife, Doris Delehant in Denver, Colo., in November of 1973. Skip spent the early years of marriage in retail sales, and he and his family lived in Denver, Colo., Winter Park, Colo., Salt Lake City, Utah, Twin Falls, Idaho, Great Falls, Mont., Burns, Ore., White Salmon and Goldendale, before settling in The Dalles, where he owned and operated a counseling service.
Skip was a talented decorator and took pride in decorating his home and office, especially during the holidays. Skip enjoyed bowling and competed in many bowling leagues and tournaments prior to becoming ill. Skip also enjoyed his cats, collecting eagles, and most of all, helping others in need.
Skip is survived by his wife of 35 years, Doris of Vancouver; children, Angela and Boyd Hamilton of Farley, Iowa, Rob Delehant of Vancouver, Jeremy Delehant of Ontario, Ore.; grandchildren, Amity Hamilton of Farley, Iowa, Lacey Delehant of Kennewick, Brittany Delehant of White Salmon; and great-grandson, Blake Hamilton of Farley, Iowa.
Interment will be at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. A celebration of Skip’s life will be held at 12:30 p.m., Dec. 4, in The Dalles.
