Obituary

My best friend and husband passed away on December 30, 2020.

Rick was born May 27, 1954 in Vancouver, WA. He was the 3rd and middle child of Bob and Martha Chapple. Shortly after his birth the family moved to Richland, WA where Bob worked at Handford Nuclear Power Plant.

Rick had a Catholic education through 8th grade then attended Richland High School, who were known as “The Bombers”. He always liked that that was their logo.

After high school he worked on farm circle irrigation systems in the Richland area, mostly potato farms. Now those farms are mostly vineyards.

In the late 1970’s Rick packed up a few belongings and a sleeping bag and rode his motorcycle to San Clemente, CA. He loved the beach, actually had a Boogie board he rode and thoroughly enjoyed the warm sunny climate. He worked at San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant for many years and made lasting friendships with people he enjoyed working with there. He rented an apartment in San Clemente with a guy whose last name was Church, get it? Church/Chapple, kinda funny.

He left the “Nuc” business in the 1980’s and began working as a construction superintendent. When he interviewed for his first superintendent position he was asked, “Do you have construction experience?”. Absolutely! (Not.)

He found his groove and really liked running commercial projects. He never did or wanted to do residential work, too tedious for him I think.

Rick and I met in 1997. It truly was love at first sight. He proposed 10 days later and we married 3 months after that.

Rick is that; “Good guy”, “Stand up guy”, “Man’s Man” kind of guy. He was liked and loved by so many. He was very smart, liked to stay current on the news, especially politics. He was a huge Nascar fan, as a matter of fact, we “honeymooned” at the Inaugural Nascar Car Race in Fontana the day after we wed. He liked farming, we had a 10 acre parcel in San Diego County that we developed over a 12 year period. Also during that time we started “RVing”. Over the course of 20 years we had at least 10 RV’s! I think he liked buying and selling almost as much as he liked camping.

In 2013 we bought a second home in Ocean Park, WA. All of Rick’s family is in WA state and having that place rekindled relationships with family and friends. He loved our home there, especially his “Man Cave”!

Rick is survived by two brothers and a sister, son Aaron, his wife and their 2 sons, son-in law Chris and his 2 sons, 2 step-sons (my sons) Ben & Lee and their wives and daughters, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He has left a HUGE void in all of our lives and will be forever loved and missed.

Please view the services at
https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160981655793440
Event ID: OCONNOR
Password: ZEWTOY

No Events & Services

No Charities & Donations

No Videos

17 responses to Richard John Chapple

« Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »

Jim Chapple says:

January 8, 2021

My younger brother Rick was a powerhouse in the family. He was always trying to boss everyone around starting when we were kids. “Trying” being the key word. That attribute would eventually pay off for him when he was hired to be the superintendent on various large commercial construction jobs. He loved being the boss and and was very good at it. in a way he was the boss of the family once our parents passed. He was a big part in organizing family reunions and also providing a place to have them these last few years. He was also the perfect “Host” or the “MC” along with his wife Debbie at the reunions which was another calling he excelled at.
Everyone knew where they stood with Rick, no holds barred and no punches pulled. If he thought you were screwing up in life he would tell you outright and I remember hearing the word “dumb-ass ” used on occasion when needed. I can also still hear “You So Smart” when you would have a comeback to him. Rick could also turn into a big teddy bear in a flash. He loved all his family and extended family all the same.
Rick and I were good friends who could at times go head to head with each other but I always knew I could count on him no matter what. Who could ask more of a brother than that! RIP Dear Brother!

Reply
Lindsay Jarrell says:

January 8, 2021

I will miss you so much, Uncle Rick. I loved growing up with such a fun, loving uncle and I will always treasure the visit Ilsa and I had with you in Debbie at Ocean Park. Thinking of everyone during this time, especially Aunt Debbie & Aaron – love you so much.

Reply
Rhonda Chapple says:

January 8, 2021

Uncle Rick, I’m so glad I became part of your family. Your we’re such an amazing human being. Your energy, happiness and light will never be forgotten. I remember the first time meeting you. You gave me the biggest bear hug and said welcome to the family! You played such a pinnacle role in your nephews life Bryan. He looks up to all his uncles but he had a special bond with you. He still cannot find words to describe what you meant to him. We love you Uncle Rick. Yes you teased hard, but I’m a Chapple now, I can handle the heat:) I will always remember your laugh, your hugs, your generosity, your love, and your bad jokes. Forever in our families heart’s.

Reply
Christopher Perez says:

January 9, 2021

This man was so much more to me than just a Dad. He was someone that gave me inspiration, gave me goals to achieve, and motivated me when I needed it most. Never looked at me as just his Son-In-Law he treated me as if I was one of his children. He was a caring, loving, and dedicated Grandfather to my my boys and even extended his loved to my current wife and family. He was a genuine and honest Gentlemen, but would give you what you needed to hear no matter how hard it was to hear it. He always had the answers to the hard questions that arised in my life and always helped steer me in the right direction and supported me no matter what. I’ll miss the calls we shared and being able to pick up the phone to hear from him or seeing him in person for one of those big hugs. I know we will be together again one day and until that day comes, Dad you were the “Worlds Best Dad and Grandpa” to us all!!! Love you always Pops Eternally – Your Son Chris

Reply
Christopher Perez says:

January 9, 2021

This man was so much more to me that just a Dad. Dad was my motivator and my inspiration to do great things in my life and be a great example to my children. Dad was a person I could look to for answers to life’s hard challenges I faced. He was always there encouraging me to do my best and supported everything I focused on. He was the best loving, caring Grandfather to my children and even extended his love and thoughtfulness to my wife Delia and kids. He will be sorely missed. I will miss our calls to catch up and talk about what was current in our lives and activities. I will miss hearing the phone ring to hear his voice and also the visits we shared and get those big hugs. No matter where I landed in life he was sure to pay a visit to where ever I was. What a Great Dad he was to me, but more importantly he brought value and charity in my life by including me with the Chapple family whom is apart of our lives forever and with Deb and her family with Ben and Lee!! He has shared so much and treated me as I was his own child from the moment we met so long ago, and I won’t ever forget that. I know he’s watching upon us and I can honestly say and know we will reunite and share what we’ve been doing again and hang out for the eternities. Dad we love you and miss you!!! See you in my dreams Pops!! Forever your Grateful Son Love ya- Chris Perez

Reply