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

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17 responses to Richard John Chapple

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Jeff Smith says:

January 9, 2021

So sorry for your loss.

Reply
Bryan Chapple says:

January 10, 2021

Rest in peace Uncle Rick. You left us too soon. I’m not crying, just poked myself in the eyes on accident.

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Paul McGill says:

January 10, 2021

Hey Ricky,
Unfortunately, I don’t have a lifetime of family memories to share. I am so disappointed that when I finally retired and was looking forward to spending time with you and Jim we wind up in a pandemic. It has been said that there is a bigger picture but I’m not seeing it just yet.
I remember when I just started seeing Barb with all the teasing about an imaginary boyfriend and realized how close the Chapple’s were and then got to meet you and Deb in Temecula I thought this is good. I couldn’t wait to be retired and spend more time together.
Because of my railroad job I was gone for a few days at a time. I remember coming home once to find Barb was really sad almost sobbing. I asked why and she said” my brother Rick hates me”. Having met Rick and actually talking to him about Barb I knew this was just “brotherly love”. We all know that Rick called it like it was and he didn’t realize that his sister, my Barbie, was not quite so tough. I explained to Barb that if he hated you, he wouldn’t be calling and that it was because he loved you that he was on your case!
Another time I came home and she was half way grinning so I wanted to know what’s up? She said Rick called to tell her that I was a keeper and to not screw it up. We both laughed and his admonition lasted a long time. I would remind her not to “screw it up” if we were not seeing eye to eye.
Rick, from the first time we met with that crushing handshake, you have treated me like another brother. Our time was cut short and I am still trying to believe that’s its true and I won’t come to see you anymore. There must be a bigger picture, a greater need. We grieve for ourselves and our loss, your path was chosen.
Go in peace my friend and know you are loved by so many.

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Rinna McHugh says:

January 11, 2021

Clearly Rick left a mark on the world through his relationships. California family, Washington family, and many, many dear friends. Lucky are we who had an opportunity to be in his life. Like some of you, I first met Rick at a family reunion in Seaside. Rick and Debbie (and the rest of you, too) were so welcoming! I had no idea then what a fantastic unofficial brother-in-law he would be. I grew up with two sisters, no brothers. It never occurred to me at that time how important his support would be. We found out when Jim’s asthma was at its worst. He was a good sounding board, a rock during scary times, and patient — oh so patient. Rick was fun to be around, a frequent construction critic, a born host, dog lover, pretty good judge of character, overall good company, and a stand up guy, (Greg and Paul, you have some big shoes to fill in the brother in law department.) Living on the coast without Rick will not be the same. Fortunately, he lives on in our memories and hearts. RIP, Ricky. Peace be you and with us all.

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Debbie Chapple says:

January 14, 2021

Hi Family and Friends,

Rick was laid to rest Saturday January 9th at Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar. The committal service was nice and the weather was beautiful.

If you would like to view the video of the graveside service, here is the link.
https://vimeo.com/499423331

Thank you for all the support, love and prayers.
Debbie

Reply
1. Karen Heinsch says:
  
  January 24, 2021
  
  Beautiful Service, Debbie. Thanks for sharing it. Prayerfully, Karen Heinsch (Rick’s cousin in Portland, Oregon)
  
  Reply