Valentine Morris Ripley passed away Monday, October 24th, at the age of 91. He is survived by his daughter, Leona Rickerson, her husband Aaron and their son Wyatt; his niece, Shelby Concepcion, her husband Pedro and children, Valery, Maxwell, and Patrisha; and his brother, Richard Ripley. He was a WWII veteran, union organizer, Merchant Marine Officer, and community college professor. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his studious nature, strength of heart, compassion for others, and a love of bad puns. Among those close to him, he was infamous for mailing snippets that spoke to your interests, his funny bone, or his hopes for you. If he could send us one today, it would no doubt ask us to answer the cynicism of our time with kindness, to withhold judgment, offer mercy, and take a moment to make each other laugh. Let us all pretend we received a mailer today. A reception for invited guests will be held at his daughter's home Friday, October 28th at 11 AM.