Frederick Allen Rappin, 76, of North Bend, passed from this mortal plane, at home, in the early hours of Christmas day, 2022; taken from us much too soon by Lewy Body Dementia. His wife of nearly forty- eight years, Becky, was at his side.
Fred was born on June 17, 1946, in Tacoma, Washington to Georgianna and John Rappin. He was the middle child of five, surrounded by sisters. Fred and his sisters grew up in a house full of laughter, and were very close—even though, as the only boy, he got his own room while they all had to share one! Fred was a friend to all animals from an early age, and to his mother’s chagrin, his childhood menagerie contained plenty of reptiles and rodents.
Fred attended St. Patrick School
and graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School in 1964. After high school, he attended Yakima Valley Junior College. In early 1966, Fred received his draft notice and left for California, and was stationed at US Army Personnel Center in Oakland, CA during his time in the Army.
After finishing his service, Fred lived for a time in Oakland, immersed in the counterculture and music scene. Eventually, Fred inexplicably made his way to Nebraska, where he met Becky Rees. They married in the winter of 1975. Their first daughter was born two years later, and a second the following year. In 1978 they moved back to the Pacific Northwest and, in 1980, eventually settled in North Bend. In 1986, their third daughter joined the family.
While in Nebraska, Fred received an AA in Applied Science in Electronics, and spent his career in that industry, constantly learning and keeping up with ever-changing technology. After retirement, Fred delivered for Frankie’s Pizza; allowing him to drive his car, listen to music, and meet people.
Fred was easy-going, kind, intelligent, a true friend to many, and cared deeply about his community. In the early 1990’s, he campaigned for and won a seat on the North Bend City Council, which he held for eight years. Fred was a steadfast supporter of community theater in the Valley for over thirty years, involved first with Enter Act Theater and later Valley Center Stage.
After the girls left home, Fred and Becky enjoyed traveling, Seahawks games, plenty of time with family and friends, and lots and lots of live music. Throughout their almost 48 years of marriage, they were often amazed at how opposites truly attract, and that their natures complimented and brought balance to each other. Most of all, Becky will miss taking quiet walks holding hands.
Eternally a kid at heart, Fred instilled his daughters with his sense of awe about the natural world and all its wonders. With a patience that few possess, he taught them to fish and skip stones and drive. He
demonstrated the importance of walking quietly in the woods and getting your feet wet in the ocean. He imparted to them the wisdom that you should never take yourself too seriously, and that you should always, ALWAYS, turn the music up. All children loved Fred, and he was the best grandpa.
We are heartbroken and will forever miss our husband, brother, father, grandfather, and friend—he was truly one- of-a-kind, but we are relieved that he is finally at peace. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, John and Georgianna.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; his sisters, Cecilia, Karen, Monica, and Victoria; his daughters Christina, Amelia, and Chandra (Bryan); and his grandchildren, Aidan, Tavis, Iris, Asa, Carver, Avelyn, Oren, Elodie, Emmett, Lenora, and Helaina, as well as many nieces, cousins, and other family and friends.
An informal Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 11 at Valley Center Stage in North Bend. Please join us anytime between 1-3 pm for refreshments, anecdotes and, of course, music.
Please consider remembering Fred by planting a tree in his honor through A Living Tribute, One Tree Planted, or the Arbor Day Foundation.
