Samuel Rupert Tripson, of Vero Beach, passed away on Sept. 15, 2015, after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family and an overwhelming amount love.
He is survived by his wife, Kristen Tripson; son Jack Tripson (4), daughter Alice Ann Tripson (1); parents Mark and Hildie Tripson; brother Robert Tripson (Tiffany Tripson); sister Charlotte Tripson; nephew Will Tripson; niece Isabella Tripson; maternal grandmother Ann Stewart; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Barbara Tripson and Dr. Richard Stewart.
Born on Feb. 18, 1982, Tripson was a native of Vero Beach. He was a graduate of Vero Beach High School Class of 2000. He received an Associate of Arts Degree from Indian River Community College, and went on to the University of Florida to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Operations Management. He was a lifelong Gator, from Glendale Elementary to the University of Florida.
He descended from a long line of Indian River cattlemen and citrus growers. Although he stood at 6-foot 7-inches, he truly was a gentle giant and a blessing to all who knew him. He had an innate sense for all living things and could tame even the wildest of bulls. It was always said “You knew it was going to be a good day when Sam was in the cow pens.”
From the time he could walk, Tripson alongside his brother Rob, was out at his uncle Ralph’s ranch, his uncle Randy’s orange groves, and Big John’s dove field and farm. He learned from a very young age how to care for animals and respect the land. He raised livestock through the Indian River County 4H, and continued to be a dedicated supporter in passing along his knowledge and respect for agriculture to the next generation. This, along with caring for his family, was one of his greatest joys in life.
During college and after graduation, he worked as a ranch manager for Dr. Roger West in Gainesville before beginning his career with Helena Chemical Company in Fort Pierce. He was never one to jump from job to job, and he considered the Wests and his Helena Chemical co-workers as family.
Tripson was a proud brother of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, where he forged lifelong bonds with his brothers who courageously stood by him in “all kinds of weather.” He was a member of First United Methodist Church, a Life member of the University of Florida Alumni Association, Secretary of the Indian River County Cattlemen’s Association, a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and an adamant supporter of Indian River County 4H and the Dasie Bridgewater Hope Center.
He was an avid outdoorsmen and craftsmen. He was a natural born mechanic who could fix and assemble anything, whether it be a broke down hay bailer way past its prime or piece of furniture his wife would bring home from IKEA. And he always made sure to keep the kitchen knives sharp. He loved to travel and travel fast, whether by truck, scooter, minivan, Chevy Spark, bull hauler or RV. Tripson loved a good adventure, always bringing along a great sense of humor and an amazing playlist.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Sam’s honor to: The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation PO Box 421929 Kissimmee, FL 34742 or Alpha Gamma Rho House Association 161 E Rose Ave Orange City, FL 32763. Please place “In Memory of Sam Tripson” in the memo line of either donation.
A celebration of Sam’s life will be held 4 at p.m., Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015 at the First United Methodist, Vero Beach.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home, Vero Beach. An online guest book os available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.