Rick Warren Vipond

Rick Warren Vipond
April 18, 1961 – April 18, 2016

Rick Vipond, who was born on April 18, 1961 to Les and Ruth Vipond of Herman, Minnesota, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on his birthday, April 18, 2016 at his home in Park City, surrounded by family. He is the little brother to Mike Vipond and the big brother to Ann (Vipond) Shuck. Rick was baptized, confirmed and married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Herman.

Rick is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. Rick was loved by many: his mother and father-in-law, Peggy and Wally Horning, as well as nephews and nieces, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters-in-law, and numerous cousins and friends who will cherish their memories always.

Rick's childhood memories are highlighted by loads of time with family at Grandpa Bennie and Grandma Ethel Van Zomeren's farm, a dislike of their chickens who pecked his buzzed head and time spent on the lake, where he was often looking for a bit of mischief. Rick attended school grades Kindergarten through 12 in the Herman-Norcross public schools. Rick's teachers, coaches and friends remember a creative thinker with a mind for all sorts of trivia, subtle dramatics, a dedicated athlete and a fiercely loyal, fun-loving friend. After high school graduation in 1979, Rick attended Moorhead State University for a year, and went on to complete a bachelor's degree in computer programming through the DeVry Institute in Dallas and Chicago.

He utilized this knowledge for a few years in Minneapolis and then was grabbed by a bit of wanderlust and followed his cousin, Paul Schultz, to Aspen, Colorado in 1988. Rick was a true collector of adventures and experiences! While working and skiing in Aspen, Rick would often venture over to Park City, Utah, where his childhood friend, Kris Horning, was collecting adventures and experiences as well. They shared many, many laughs, more than a few shenanigans, a deep love of the outdoors and a genuine trust in and commitment to each other. Rick moved to Park City for the ski season in 1990 and he and Kris were married on Sept. 7, 1991. The love grew and the shenanigans continued between many jobs and loads of exploration!

On June 1st of 1997, Rick and Kris welcomed their precious child, Tori, into their world! Their family was blessed again on May 2nd of 1999 when Maclane made his appearance! As a father, Rick was always filled with joy and pride; Rick absolutely lit up when in the presence of these two. Tori and Maclane's dad was open-minded and an eternal source of encouragement and support! Tori and Maclane are amazing examples of ALL things that Rick valued and honored.

While raising children, Rick also enjoyed expanding his skills as a fine and appreciated painter, baker extraordinaire, snowplow driver, landscaper and airport shuttle driver. Many of you know that Rick was a firm believer in the "hunt" for a good deal…he loved the Park City yard sale scene and found many treasures that he often shared with others. He liked to remind us that, "Sharing is Caring." Rick shared his love of travel and adventurous antics with his family and friends. Some of Rick's favorite (EPIC) places to explore include Hawaii, Minnesota (road tripping), Zion National Park, The BVI's, Moab, Park City Ski Area, Madeline Island and the Wasatch State Park Golf Course. We must also include Dub's Place to watch his beloved Vikings football team, play darts and throw some horseshoes. One more…poker with friends! Rick said, "I've always been lucky at cards. Always. AND I'm lucky in love. That doesn't happen very often."

Please hold your family and friends close and think of Rick when you look at the stars or appreciate the sun shining on your face. Believe in yourself, even when you stumble, and continue to follow your own path. Be genuine and be KIND.

A funeral service for Rick will be held Sunday, May 1st at 3 p.m. at Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Park City. Arrangements for other celebrations of Rick's life (in Minnesota and Park City) are being planned.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Rick Vipond Family Memorial account at Mountain West Bank in Park City.