Francis B. 'Rip' VanAuken

Francis B. 'Rip' VanAuken passed away Friday, October 18, 2013, at Garden Villa Bloomington. Born October 7, 1924, in Rhinebeck, NY, the son of Fulton and Dora (Shene) VanAuken, Rip grew up and lived in Dutchess County in the Hudson River valley. From early childhood his family spent summers at his Grandfather Shene's farm in Johnson, Vermont. There Rip first worked with horses, developing a love for them that stayed with him the rest of his life. Since Rip's father died when he was a baby, it fell on him to drive an early morning milk wagon when he was sixteen. After falling asleep in class he was sent to the principal's office, where he explained why he was so tired. From that encounter he was dubbed Rip, after the famous sleeper Rip Van Winkle, another Hudson valley native. It was a nickname he bore proudly. On November 20, 1949, he married Margery Taylor from Oneonta, NY. For years he worked on farms, the high point being Ankony Farm, a world class Angus cattle breeding operation where he was herdsman . In 1960 he and Marge and their two young daughters moved from Rhinebeck to Clinton Corners, NY, where he had his own small Angus herd at their farm, 'Lanrest'. He served two terms as Highway Superintendent for the Town of Clinton, and was neighborhood carpenter and handyman. Having lived for a while in a colonial house, Rip and Marge designed and built two new homes together. They moved to Monroe County, Indiana, in 1988 at the approaching birth of their granddaughter. Here they had a farm with Angus cattle, draft horses, chickens and gardens, and continued enjoying birds and wildflowers. When Marge became seriously ill they moved in with their daughter Margie and her husband in Bloomington. Marge died in 2010 and Rip stayed until his move to Garden Villa in July, 2013. Rip is survived by daughters Jane VanAuken of Dublin, OH; and Margie VanAuken Heckman (Arthur) and granddaughter Ella Heckman of Bloomington; sister-in-law Doris VanAuken; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Joseph and Paul VanAuken; Paul's wife Mary; and Jane's husband Robin Righettini. He always made time to stop and help folks, or to tell them jokes and stories. Rip's delightful character will be missed. Given Rip's support of 4-H, in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County, 2715 Rt. 44, Millbrook, NY 12545. Friends may call at a memorial open house at the Heckman home, 816 W 3rd Street, Bloomington on Sunday, November 3, 2-6 pm. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Garden Villa Bloomington. Arrangements were made with Allen Funeral Home and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org.

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Francis B. 'Rip' VanAuken

October 7, 1924 - October 18, 2013