Robert (Bob) Hipple Sr. died Friday, Aug. 20, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was 71.
Bob was born on April 25, 1939 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Victor Sr. and Amy (Betty) Hipple; the oldest of five children. When Bob was twelve, his family moved to Maryland where they eventually settled in Rosedale.
In 1956, Bob enlisted in the US Air Force. While stationed in Spain, he became an air traffic control officer. Bob's fondest memory of the Air Force was when he was asked to escort Debbie Reynolds around the base. He and some of his Air Force buddies even had a bit part in one of her movies.
Bob met the love of his life, Sandy, in September 1960, and asked her to marry him a short two weeks later. They were married on New Year's Eve, three months later.
While living in Baltimore, Bob spent time working for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a conductor. He also worked as a journeyman lithographer for American and Continental Can Companies, and filled several management positions with different companies.
In 1978, Bob moved his family to California, but was soon transferred to Washington State in 1981 where they settled in Maple Valley. While living in Maple Valley, the Hipples ran the family business, VOICE of the Valley Newspaper, out of their home.
Bob was very active in the Maple Valley community. He belonged to the Maple Valley Lions Club, The Maple Valley Days Committee, The Maple Valley Rotary, and helped start the Wilderness Business Golf League. The Fisherman's Derby began in 2003, and Bob was instrumental in getting the Maple Valley Rotary to sponsor the Fisherman's Breakfast.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Sandy, parents Amy and Victor Sr., and brothers Bill and Victor Jr.
Bob is survived by their five children: Robert, Donna, Lori, Michael and Richard, who gave them thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with two more expected in early 2011.
Bob's wife of eleven months, Judith Martinak, remains in Baltimore.
"Bob was a man who could never say no. If he could do anything for you, you had only to ask. Bob was a kind and giving man. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends."
Bob was laid to rest at the Tahoma National Cemetery with Sandy. At Bob's request, there were no services held.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VOICE of the Valley, P.O. Box 307, Maple Valley WA 98038 for the Saundra J. Hipple Journalism Scholarship at Tahoma High School.
