Robert M. ‘Whip’ Whipple
Owner/Operator, Bob Whipple Ski Shop, 69
Bob Whipple, a lifelong resident of Monticello, died Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at his home with family and friends by his side, after a long battle with cancer. He was 69.
Son of the late Harry Morris and Agnes Kaempfe Whipple, he was born and raised in Monticello.
His name is synonymous with skiing. He owned and operated “Bob Whipple Ski Shop” at Holiday Mt. Ski Area for over 40 years. Bob was also a master carpenter, who built and renovated homes on Swinging Bridge Lake, where he lived for 28 years.
Anyone who knew Bob was privileged to know true friendship. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was loved by so many in return and touched the lives of so many people through his passion for skiing and helping others to enjoy the sport. He had an uncanny eye for beauty which was portrayed in his creations in building. His best friend once summed him up in one word “Pure.”
Bob “O” as he was called by his grandchildren, gave himself in endless ways on a daily basis to anyone who needed him. Whip could perform any task, if it was broken, he could fix it, and he got great pleasure from it. He passed his skills on to so many young people who worked for him and with him over the years, be it the ski shop or carpentry.
His selfless nature was appreciated by so many, and he will be missed more than words can express.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Dr. Maureen Whipple, at home; a son, Jeffrey Weyer and his wife, Jill, of Monticello; his daughters: Jackie Rutledge and her husband, Bradley, of Cochecton, and Ali Granito and her husband, Rob, of Monticello; a brother, Richard Whipple and his wife, Lucy, of North Carolina; six grandchildren: Annabelle & Matthew Rutledge, Daniel & Evan Weyer and Andelenea & Romneya Granito; nieces, Alice Frost and Judy Edmondson; nephew, Kenny Whipple; and his extended family and numerous friends.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Whipple.
His funeral service will be held on Friday morning at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Monticello, 445 Broadway. The Rev. John Thomason will officiate.
Burial will follow at the Rock Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550 or The Holiday Mt. Ski Club, 99 Holiday Mt. Road, Monticello, NY 12701.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home of Monticello; www.kenny funeralhome.com