Gary Dean Van Riper, 60, of Veneta, passed away on August 27, 2015 at Sacred Heart Riverbend Hospital. Born on August 12, 1955 in Portland, Oregon to Sanborn Wellington Camp and Betty Louise Martin. In his early years he attended schools in the Portland Metro area and Graduated from Gresham High school in 1973 where he was involved in sports, music and theater. In 1972 he met Colette Renee Gressel and married August 1, 1975 in Portland, OR (Divorced 2005.) Two children born to this union were, Son, Ryan Lee/ wife Jenifer, of Columbia City and Daughter, Caitlin Renee/ husband Scott of Eugene, OR. While attending Portland State University, Gary began a career in Law Enforcement working as a Sheriff Intern for Multnomah County. He then graduated from Oregon Police Academy in February, 1978 and served the Eugene Police Department until 1990 as a member of the Patrol/Motorcycle Division and the SWAT Team. He received many letters and commendations, but the most treasured was the Distinguished Service Medal received in February 1989. He entered the retail industry in 1992 and opened “Buc’s Ten Forward”, later renamed “StarQuarters” – It was a well-loved Science Fiction/Star Trek retail store in the Oakway & Gateway Malls. In 1998 he received his Private Investigator License and opened “Van Riper Investigations” working notable cases over several years.  His attention to detail and thoroughness won him great respect. In 2007, Gary volunteered as a Divorce Care Facilitator where he met and fell in love his wife, Debbie Siewert, also a Facilitator.  They were married on March 9, 2008 in Mapleton, Oregon. They spent their short yet happy time together camping, cycling, and watching Duck games and NASCAR races. They also enjoyed gaming together, attending church and spoiling their 9 ½ grandchildren. Gary leaves behind his wife, Debbie; his mother, Betty Phelps/ husband Del of Florence and 3 brothers, Bruce Temple of Ocean Park WA, David Ryker of Portland and James Van Riper of Eagle Creek; as well as Debbie’s two sons: Kris Siewert/wife Amy of Junction City and Nic Siewert/wife Mindy of Portland. Gary (known as “Papa”), is most proud of all his grandchildren: Kaley, Hailey, Ashlyn, Claire, Gracie, Addison, Audrey, Mason, Roland, and baby Siewert. We will celebrate Gary’s 60 years of life on Saturday, September 19 at 6pm at Willamalane Adult Activity Center on 215 West C Street in Springfield. The celebration includes Gary’s favorite things: Oregon Duck Football, Papa’s Pizza and Pepsi. In lieu of flowers, we request donations in Gary’s name to the following organizations: http://campagapeoregon.com/give/ (summer camp for children of incarcerated parents) http://www.nationalcops.org/support.asp (supports families of Police Officers killed in the line of duty)

• published: 21 Sep 2015
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