User:Ghipple/sandbox

LTC. Richard (Rick) Dennis Hipple USAF (retired), a long-time resident of Fairfax, VA, passed away on September 21, 2013, at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA.

Rick was born on December 18, 1948, in Dayton, Ohio. He was the first of two sons born to Georgette R (Dayton, Ohio) and Mahlon L Hipple (Miamisburg, Ohio). Rick graduated from Fairmont West High School in 1967, and then attended Denison University where he received his bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1971. He received his Juris Doctor with distinction, from Ohio Northern University in 1974. In 1983, he received his Legum Magister degree, in labor law, from Georgetown University School of Law.

He was commissioned into the USAF as a 2nd Lt. in May of 1971. He had a 36 year career of government service that included 13 years of active duty with the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps. Following his USAF active duty, he served for twenty-two years with the Department of the Navy Office of the General Counsel, including fifteen years with the Navy Litigation Office. His work with the NLO as a trial attorney included work with civilian personnel cases, class action discrimination cases, and major contract disputes. Rick ended his career as an Attorney for the Alternative Dispute Resolution Program. Rick truly enjoyed his work as a mediator. He grew to believe strongly in the importance of mediation and alternative dispute resolution techniques. Rick received numerous honors and awards during his distinguished career, including the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award and the Edward M. Connelly Award, and just prior to his retirement in January 2011 he was awarded the ADR Champion Award.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Barbara Ann (nee Borgman); his mother Georgette Belden of Dayton Ohio; his brother Gary Hipple of St. Paul Minnesota; his two daughters Elizabeth Reece of Centreville, Va, and Dr. Katherine Jones of Charlottesville, Va. The great joy to Rick was the recent addition of his three grandchildren Hailey Jones, Reagan Reece and Gavin Jones. Rick was preceded in death by his father Mahlon Hipple, step-father Eugene Belden, and step-sister Linda Kramer(Belden).

Rick was a devoted husband, father and son. One of his greatest achievements was the example he set for his daughters and the values he taught them. He was always present in his children's lives. He never missed a soccer match, basketball game, swim meet or music recital. He always supported his girls in their educational and career endeavors. Rick and Barb loved to travel. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family all over the world. He had a great sense of humor, and loved to make others laugh. He loved all types of music, especially jazz, rhythm and blues and any live performances; he enjoyed especially Monty Python, Mel Brooks, and the Blues Brothers. He served as a trusted advisor to many, and set a wonderful example for all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The addition of his grandchildren in recent years brightened Rick's days. He loved watching his grand-daughters grow and learn. He had plans to take his grandchildren to Disney World so that they could ride his favorite Dumbo ride with him.

A lifetime public servant, he was a volunteer firefighter and paramedic during his high school and college years. He had a great admiration for firefighters, first responders, and paramedics. As a long-time member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Fairfax, Va, he enjoyed volunteering with church-related activities, including their annual hosting of the hypothermia program. He was an avid amateur photographer who was never without his camera. He loved electronics and always had any new gadgets, and had a love of trains and model fire trucks. He was a fan of the Washington Nationals and was always enjoyed opening day. A lifetime animal lover, Rick enjoyed the company of his beloved cats and dogs and could often be found in his recliner with a cat on his lap. He was instrumental in nightly dinner preparation, firing up the grill in all kinds of weather on his specially designed grilling porch.