Nigel Rippon

Nigel R. Rippon, 85, of Waynesville, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 4, 2022. He was born November 2, 1937 in London, England, to the late Roger Clifford and Elsie Edith (Carey) Rippon. In addition to his parents, Nigel was preceded in death by his companion of 32 years, Vivienne Evans, of Waynesville, and his brother, Peter Rippon, of England.

Nigel is survived by his son, Lee (Sarah) Rippon; grandchildren, Amy, Oliver, and Luke Rippon; brothers, John (Geraldine) Rippon and Paul (Jackie) Rippon; and sister, Pauline (Eddie) Cleall; sister-in-law Christine Rippon, all of England; as well as stepdaughter, Rachel (Mike) Stickney of Springboro; stepson, Andrew (Lynn) Evans of Centerville; stepdaughter, Vanessa (Alvin) Gable of Greenville, SC; step-grandchildren, Alex & Caroline Stickney, Tyler & Cody Evans, Evan (Kristen) & Gwen Gable; step-great-granddaughter Averie; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Nigel was born and raised in London, England. During his childhood in WW II, he, his mother, and siblings were temporarily evacuated to the countryside for a time to avoid the bombing in London.

During his mid teens in England, Nigel became an apprentice toolmaker. He was mechanically inclined and very adept at assembling and disassembling tools and electronics, including completely disassembling a motorcycle and putting it back together himself when he was 16.

Nigel greatly enjoyed shooting archery throughout his life. He earned many medals and trophies in competitions over the years, including the Senior Olympics.

In 1968, Nigel moved to the USA for better job opportunities. Over the years, he worked for NCR, Monarch Marking, and KDI Precision Products. He retired from KDI in 2007.

Nigel was a member of a local British club and enjoyed attending monthly activities. In 1989, he began dating a fellow English expat he was friends with at the British club. Nigel and Vivienne later became a couple, enjoying yearly trips to visit their families in England, as well as side trips to other nearby European countries. Nigel was very interested in anything concerning WW II and enjoyed seeing Caen and the Normandy beaches, Ypres and the Menin Gate. Having worked on aircraft during his life, he particularly appreciated a weekend in Toulouse, France, visiting the Airbus A380 assembly plant.

Nigel and Vivienne were fond of Jack Russell terriers and had several over the years.

Nigel will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A private gathering for family will be held at a later date.

Donations in Nigel's name may be made to Jack Russell Terrier Rescue of Ohio. https://donate.rescueme.org/jackrussell (select send printed card or gift).