Happy Birthday Dad  <3  
  Have a Happy  :-)
Love, Blessings & Blue Skies always 
xoxo

I think about Artie often.  He was truly a good man---one who thought of others before himself.  He is missed.

I just now learned of Artie’s passing, and I am at such a loss...😢  I will miss the social drive-bys at my hangar when Bunnie and Artie would stop with their dog in the back of their Van just to check up on me and shoot the breeze.   Van Riper Park at Warwick Airport under the tree with the picnic tables will always be a special place.  Fly west, Artie.  See you where the birds fly and the clouds go, someday.  Until then, I’m gonna miss ya... Give my dog Bentley a scratch for me.  👍😇   Scott Stegmann (pilot at Warwick Airport)

So many things could be said about Artie, but anything said seems  so inadequate. Artie was just Artie, and I was blessed to have known him. Like so many other young men who had the privilege  of working at Van Riper's Farm, Artie was the best role model. He taught by example. He was always working hard, but was quick to have a good time and also share a joke. He set a high standard for work ethic, and was an example in all walks of life. Having had over 50 jobs in my life, I must say that Artie was the best boss EVER.  I was fortunate to have contacted he and Bonnie several years ago and enjoyed talking with them, sharing memories, and some of the funny things that happened at the farm. He was a huge blessing in my life! I pray God's peace for Artie and God's Grace for Bonnie and the family. God bless Artie!


Art, you will be missed.  I can remember all those days at the greenwood lake airport restaurant back in the late 90s.  Art would come in and always have a great story to tell.  When we were kids my parents would take us to van ripers farm and we would go bonkers for all the candy.  Although you have traded in your metal wings for real ones, Artie, you may be gone from this Earth, but you will never be forgotten.

I wish to share my heartfelt condolences in the passing of Mr. Artie Van Riper. He and his family provided many wonderful memories during my childhood.  It was exciting when my mon and dad said we are going to the "farm".  I was very lucky to live in the area during those years.  I must say the memories at the family farm are one of the highlights of my life. The Van Riper family, the staff, the fresh food, the cider, and the candy apples are still fresh in my mind. It is funny that even today I compare hospitality, fresh produce, cider, and Halloween events  to those days at the family farm. I am now living in Kentucky. One of the reasons I live here is because of my memories of the farm, Kentucky farms are the closest to what I remember and Bardstown, Kentucky is like the area I grow up in.
Artie and your family will always be remembered and when we visit the farms here in Kentucky he, the family, and the farm will be in my thoughts.
These Memories will live on forever in my heart. 

Warmest Regards,
You are in Our Thoughts and Prays
Thank You for the Memories
Frank J. Hayden, Jr.
Command Sergeant Major
US Army, Retired


Started working weekends in mid 1950's when I was 14 and continued almost 10 years. Artie was super to me and helpful in all the things I had to do including cranking an old cranky tractor. The experience at Van Ripers is a treasured memory made richer by knowing Artie and my brother in law Peter and all those in their families and others that worked at the farm. Those years are a rich part of my life that I am so glad to have. My sympathies to Bonnie and to other family members.





Many fond childhood memories at the farm on Halloween and lots of fun family parties. This photo of Artie & Bonnie is from my wedding in 2016. We were so grateful that they attended and celebrated the occasion. My husband loved Artie’s expression “Have a happy!” He will be sorely missed. Sending our deepest condolences to the Van Riper family. 

    I think  One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking the people  you love and in my case haven't seen in quite some time will always be there. 
    A great many of the finest memories of my childhood all come from the Farm, The old house and most of all from the people! Sitting around the Kitchen table waiting for Art Jr listening to Uncle Artie tell one of his stories. Taking hours looking at all Bear Pa's treasures in the Living room. 
   I am so fortunate to have grown up on one of the greatest playgrounds a boy could have known and to be watched after from some of the finest folks I have ever known!

Everyone who ever had the pleasure to have spent time with the gentle  giant can only say nothing but good things about him, that is a great tribute to him.
Those of use who remember Woodcliff Lake before the garden state parkway, Van Riper stand, the birth of the Old Mill Park can go back to the history.
I first met Artie the night the big barn burnt behind the homestead, then the raising of the farm stand along with many helping hands.
My fondest memory was flying down the Hudson River under George and around the Statue of Liberty, last , two hands coming over my shoulder ripping the car door off the vehicle so we could extract several children from the car.
HE ALWAYS WAS THERE FOR EVERYONE.  ✈️

I have so many memories spending Sunday evenings at Artie and Bonnie’s kitchen table. Discussing everything from the merits of “Young Frankenstein’ to the validity of what country music brings to the table. I will admit at Arties urging I bought a Chet Atkins album.

Artie was the master of Halloween, every year without fail setting the stage, creating memories for all the kids brave enough to confront the witch in the cornstalks.

Rest In Peace kind sir.

To the entire Van Riper Family. I cannot imagine my childhood with out you all in it. Spending time at the shore with Aunt Sue & Uncle Pete. At the pool at Uncle Artie and Aunt Bonnie's. In Vermont with the Werners and the Holgersons. Uncle Artie stealing my nose. Timmy and Billy always teasing me.  In a good way!Like brothers would. All the teens working at the farm calling Dad "Socky".  The parades
 with the floats beautifully decorated. Went to Grade school with " Lil Arthur" as some called him. Loved Working the Hotdog stand with my dad at the turkey shoots.  The best dounghts and cider ever! Especially with Bill Pangert at the cider stand!  It was small town American then and I'm thankful for all these memories you helped create and the impact you had on my life. I hope and pray that all your beautiful memories flood your heart and can give you comfort and peace. So sorry for your loss. Christine ( Bartsch) Mild.

My thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie, Art, Lyn and family at this very sad time.  I have so many wonderful memories of Artie, the family and the farm.  My very first job was with these wonderful people.  I hold these memories close to my heart because they were such an amazing part of growing up in Woodcliff Lake.  Rest In Peace Artie and fly high!

Even though we weren’t your blood grandchildren you always held Sean and I as if we were as Art’s step children.  You were a big part of our childhood and you’ll be greatly missed.  Watch over Grandma,  Rest in the sweetest paradise and say Hello to Treb for us! 🐶. Fly high and “Have a happy!” 

Many fond memories of VanRiper  farm and the entire family.  May Artie RIP and know his life’s work has created so many memories for so many people. 

Artie was and is a very special friend. You will be missed. Fly high my friend!

My heart breaks for Artie's family.   I send all of you my love.

Artie was incredibly special.  He was thoughtful and generous, and he gave of himself without hesitation.    

I tried for years to adopt a dog to him, to no avail.  I never had the "right" fit.  (Yes, there were times I begged, but he held firm!)

I loved flying with Artie.  He never lost the smile on his face---regardless the weather we hit or any mistakes I made.

Artie was my friend.

Some people come in to our lives, and when they leave, we know for sure we have been touched deep in our souls.  We know that we are better people because they were a part of our lives.  We forever feel their touch.  That was Artie.

I know one more thing---Artie is flying loops and smiling right now.     Fly high, Artie!  Fly free.

To Bonnie, Lyn, Art Jr., all the Grandkids & Spouses.  Our Deepest Condolences in the loss of 1 of the Best Men I knew Growing Up.
The name Van Riper was Synonymous with the town We All Grew Up In.  Many knew the Family but there were select few who were privileged enough to know the Real Arty.  The Volunteer Fire Dept. Crew of those Days gone by over 50 Years Ago.  Arty was an Incredible Husband, an Amazing Father & Grandfather & a Wonderful Friend & a Fatherly Role Model to many of us who grew up during those days.  The Turkey Shoots. The Holiday Parties.  His Always on time needed Jokes.  When he got together with all the guys & the jr. Firefighters he could always make U Smile.  He was a Pilar & an Icon in Woodcliff Lake.  Rest in Peace & Enjoy the Freedom of the skies like you never could before.  You will be So Dearly Missed.  May God Comfort the Whole Family as they Fight the Sadness over the Loss of their Dear Husband, Father, Father in law, Grandfather & Friend.  With All Our LOVE, HUGS, HOPES & PRAYERS.  He is Forever imbedded in our Minds, Heads, Souls & Hearts.
Jaleen Rosenberg-DeMeritt, Arron & Cody DeMeritt.

I remember Art always sharing a laugh and a warm smile with others. Our sincere condolences to the Van Riper family.  
Love, 
Pattie & Greg and Family
"Apprentice yourself to nature. Not a day will pass without her opening a new and wondrous world of experience to learn from and enjoy.  For to own a bit of ground, to scratch it with a hoe, to plant seeds, and watch their renewal of life, this is the commonest delight of the race, the most satisfactory thing a man can do."

So sorry for your loss.  Art was my gentle giant while I was growing up and was like a second Dad to me.  His quiet presence was everything that I needed while we marked pumpkins at night.  His hugs made me feel secure.  He was a great man. 

I will miss Artie! So many good memories of all the times we were together.  Artie was the kind of friend I could call in the middle of night for help.  He would grumble a little and then be right there for me. Artie was a great friend for 50 years!

Condolences to the Van Riper family at this difficult time.

Artie, you will be greatly missed at Warwick Airport.  We appreciate the thousands of hours you spent cutting the grass runways at Warwick over the years and also your service on the board.

My best memory is of you on your John Deere tractor cutting runway 21 with your summer Stetson on!

Blue skies and tailwinds always.....Rest in Peace.

From all your friends at Warwick Airport.

OBITUARY

Artie Van Riper

March 16, 1932 – January 26, 2020

Becker Funeral Home

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