BOMBER MEMORIAL
JACK ROWE LIPPOLD ~ Class of 1954
December 1, 1935 - May 17, 2016
~
Jack was born December 1, 1935, and died unexpectedly and suddenly on May 17, 2016.
He moved to Richland in 1951 and met his wife Mary Esther Anderson at Columbia High School where they both graduated with the class of 1954.
Jack was a distinguished pilot and officer in the United States Air Force, flying the first generation of jet warplanes, including the F-100, B-52, B-58 supersonic bomber, and F-4. He flew nuclear-armed B-52s during the Cuban Missile Crisis and combat missions for three tours in the Vietnam War; one year armed with only a camera.
After 21 years in the Air Force, Jack became the Executive Director of the Pasco Housing Authority for 19 years. He was a founder of the Pacific Northwest Mustang Club, which led to a third career selling Mustangs to himself for Russ Dean Ford. He had more hobbies than there is room to write; he was interested in everything. In addition to his Mustangs and other cars, he cooked, landscaped, gardened, Koi-ponded, painted, sketched, and built scale models. He was skilled at leaded glass-work and ceramics.
He was very active at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, serving as Senior Warden, on the Vestry and in the choir. He was the catalyst for the installation of a beautiful classical pipe organ and cooked after-church brunches to raise money for it.
Jack was a leader, a story-teller, and a great entertainer... he always had something funny to say and could lighten any situation. Jack was one of 14 children.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Mary Esther ('54); his sons Harland (Linda) and Nicholas (Beth); four sisters Marjorie, Ruth, Hughlene, and Shirley "Chi-Chi"; his brother-in-law Roger Anderson ('57)(Diane); four grandchildren Kenneth, Joseph, Sage, and Blanca; and one great-grandchild Malcom.
Thanks to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at Trios Hospital who so valiantly tried to save him. Jack, I know you don't read the paper much but please know how much we love and miss you!
There was a Memorial Service on May 21, 2016, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kennewick. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or to St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Published in the Tri-City Herald on May 20, 2016.
Guest Book will remain online until 6/19/2016