Dr. Donald Taylor Rippey of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2016 at the age of 89. Don was a loving husband, amazing father, grandfather and great grandfather, as well as a loyal friend to those who were blessed to know him. He had a long, wonderful and adventurous life and is now resting easy with our Father in heaven. His vibrant personality, his unconditional love and enthusiastic story telling will be sorely missed by family and friends.
He was born on January 1, 1927 as an only child to Charles and Lydia Rippey of Aztec, New Mexico. He is survived by his treasured wife of 40 years, Dr. Gwen H. Rippey and her children, Gary Hall, Kim Hall, Kelley Harris and her husband Dan, 5 grandchildren, Jason and his wife Kristen, Sheree and her husband Robert, Morgan and her fiancé David, Jennifer and her husband Krishna, Travis and his wife Emily, 7 great grandchildren, Kylee, Robert, Gracey, Jackson, Wyatt, Kendal and Cayson.
Don never turned down an opportunity to help others discover their dreams, achieve their goals, find adventure or generously give to those in need. No matter who you were, he had a sweet gift of always making you feel like you were his favorite! He loved well, gave so much, and, above all, loved life and especially all those around him. He had a great love for music and could often be seen directing with great enthusiasm. He generously donated to countless organizations; some include the Rippey UT Scholarship Fund, National Wildlife Federation, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Native American Aid and his Church.
Don served in WWII, often told great stories of being a Park Ranger and his love for Mount Rainier National Park, but his passion, energy and enthusiasm came when he entered the world of Education. Don received his BA and his MA from the University of New Mexico. His doctorate was earned at Colorado State College at Greely. His career included being the director of Roswell Community College in Roswell, New Mexico; president of Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington; president of El Centro College in Dallas, Texas from 1966 – 1976; and professor at The University of Texas, College of Education, in the Leadership Program, Austin, Texas from 1976 until he retired in 1994. In addition, he served as interim president of The University of Texas, Permian Basin, Odessa, Texas, 1982 - 1983.
Following his retirement from the University of Texas, he and Gwen traveled the world beginning with a 3 month safari in Africa and then on to some of their favorite places: Italy, France, Alaska, Canada, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos and Colorado.
He was a kind, gentle, and patient man and could tell a story better than the best with excitement, enthusiasm, charm, a bit of tenderness, and with great anticipation. It made you want to be exactly where he had been, experiencing the exact same adventures he loved.
As his memory faded and his life came to the end, he never lost his smile or his sweet tenderness. He would light up anytime a familiar face came to visit and delighted in pouring out his love.
The memorial service celebrating Don's life will be held April 1, 12 p.m. at Austin Christian Fellowship, 6401 Riverplace Blvd., Austin, Texas with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers and keeping with Don's tradition of helping others in need, the Donald T. Rippey family asks you to consider a donation in honor of Don to one of your favorite charities. May God bless you with great joy, love and adventure!
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