Note: This article was originally published on May 4, 2003. We’re re-posting it now for our Colorado’s Fallen tribute.
The chrome of Army Capt. Russell Rippetoe’s Harley-Davidson
motorcycle gleamed in the midday sun.
An American flag mounted on the bike waved in the wind.
The cycle and flag were symbols of his passion and pride.
As the Harley sat atop the steps in front of St. John’s Cathedral
on Saturday, Gov. Bill Owens and hundreds of Rippetoe’s friends and
family gathered to mourn the soldier’s death and celebrate his
life.
Rippetoe, 27, of Arvada was among three soldiers killed April 4 in
a suicide bombing at a checkpoint in western Iraq.
The Colorado soldier was buried April 10 in Arlington National
Cemetery, but his family wanted to provide a memorial service in
Denver for his childhood chums, high school buddies and loved
ones.
Those who loved and got to know Rippetoe – the son, the brother,
the fellow soldier, the ordinary guy – dabbed their eyes and cried
about the fallen hero.
Rippetoe’s sister and brother-in-law spoke Friday about him.
“He really has an ability to get along with everybody,”
brother-in-law Tom Kim said. “People would meet him once or twice
and feel like they knew him for life.”
The personable Rippetoe had a big heart and a big smile, said his
sister, Rebecca Kim.
She had made a photo collage of her brother. The pictures silently
told the tale of the blue-eyed young man’s life.
Rippetoe was shown kneeling next to a soccer ball, putting his arms
around his family after his graduation, proudly wearing the
decorated Army uniform, and hugging his sister at her graduation
from the University of Denver.
Rippetoe surprised his sister that day, the photograph capturing
her teary-eyed response.
“He told me he wasn’t going to make it,” she said. “But I didn’t
see that he was there the whole time, sitting next to Tom.
“After the ceremony, he popped out from behind and I cried
instantly. It was like a faucet.”
Rippetoe loved surprising people, she said. He would try his
hardest to make people feel good.
Even though he was three years younger than his sister, he would do
everything to protect her – even when he was a baby.
“One day my older cousin was toughening me up, and there was Russ
– in diapers – shaking the fence and yelling at our cousin,”
Rebecca Kim said as she let out a big smile. “He was big
caregiver.”
Rippetoe was also passionate. He loved playing soccer, whether it
was a high school, college or a pick-up game. He loved riding and
taking care of his motorcycle.
The man who never liked shopping would spend hours looking for a
leather jacket as an accessory for riding his bike.
The soldier was also careful. Whether it was on duty or riding his
motorcycle, he would protect himself and anyone around him.
“Our father was very proud of him,” said Rebecca Kim. “My mom
was just as worried as any mom would be, but she had a great deal
of faith in his ability.”
Although he was a captain, Rippetoe was just one of the soldiers,
Tom Kim said. He would keep his locker with the enlisted men and
developed close bonds.
Rippetoe, the soldier, was not simply a soldier.
“If he didn’t have the Army haircut, I don’t think most people
would have ever guessed,” said Tom Kim. “He didn’t simply talk
about the military, he could talk about anything with anyone.”
Rippetoe is survived by his parents, Joe and Rita Rippetoe, his
sister, Rebecca Kim, and brother-in-law Tom Kim of Aurora.
