From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Hildie Anne Tripson, 68, Vero Beach
June 06, 1952 – April 18, 2021
Hildie Anne Tripson died unexpectedly at home from natural causes on April 18th, 2021. She was born on June 6th, 1952 in Opalocka, Florida. She was a graduate of Winter Park High School and moved to Vero Beach in 1970. She instantly fell in love with the town, and not too long after met the love of her life, Mark Tripson, on a blind date. They were married at the Driftwood on July 20th, 1974.
Hildie was a talented businesswoman and operated a successful floral and plant business. She was ahead of her time, starting a plant rental business back in 1981 long before it became en vogue. She owned Waldo’s Garden Flower Shop and transitioned into the event venue business with Waldo’s Secret Garden in 2010. She has been creating centerpieces for the Ocean Grill for the past 30 years. Hildie cherished her 50+ year friendships with people in Vero, from her lunch crews, family crews, florist crews, wedding crews and cow crews, and would make them all feel so special. She lived for family values like loyalty, respect, and lots of love.
She volunteered with the Mental Health Crisis Line, was past president of the Indian River County Historical Society and served on the board for saving the Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach. Hildie was a lifelong collector of all things, refusing to part with anything even when the American Pickers crew came calling. She loved caring for all living things; dogs, cats, fish, livestock, geese, pigs, goats, turtles, racoons, and possums and nursed many litters back to life right in her kitchen. Her door was always open to Friends old and new. Whether there was a crowd of 10 or 30, everyone felt welcomed, and no one left with an empty stomach.
Hildie was a devoted Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister … and treasured her role as Mimi to her five Grandchildren. She was a warhorse, always ready for battle. It has been said you would rather tangle with a tiger in a telephone booth than mess with her kids or grandkids. Between holidays and Wednesday night family dinners, she kept everyone together, even after Sam died. She never gave up, until her dying breath.
She is preceded in death by her Father (Donald David), Mother (Ann Stewart), Stepfather (Dr. Richard Stewart) and Son (Sam). Hildie is survived by her Husband Mark, Son Rob (Tiffany), Daughter Charlotte, Daughter-in-law, Kristen and Grandchildren Will, Isabella, Jack, Alice Ann, and Lillie Belle.
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting The Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation a 501(c)(3) Donations can be sent to: PO Box 421929 Kissimmee, FL 34742
Please put “Hildie” in the memo line or donate online.
Or The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary 501(c)(3) 2500 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458
Please put “Hildie” in the memo line or donate online.
A Celebration of Hildie’s life will be held at Waldo’s Secret Garden (5000 12th Street Vero Beach, FL 32966) on Saturday May 15, 2021 at 4:00pm.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
David W. Cunliffe, 61, Vero Beach
February 29, 1960 – April 22, 2021
David W. Cunliffe, age 61, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 22, 2021. He was born on February 29, 1960 in Fitchburg, MA to the late Stuart O. Cunliffe and late, Mary Berglund Cunliffe and was raised in West Springfield, MA. He was a graduate of West Springfield High School and Holyoke Community College. He was degreed in Environmental Science and followed a career in multiple environmental areas. Mr. Cunliffe was retired in Vero Beach, FL.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda Cunliffe of Vero Beach, FL; his brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Kathy Cunliffe of Southington, CT along with their children, Ian and Hannah Cunliffe.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
William (Bill) E. Rice, 93, Vero Beach
March 16, 1928 – April 23, 2021
William (Bill) Edward Rice, 93 years, born & raised in Vero Beach. Married 70 years to Edith Harms of Wabasso. Served in the United States Navy. Longtime owner of Rice Bros. Laundry & Dry Cleaners with his brothers Warren and Edward Rice. Charter member of Asbury Methodist Church, Vero Beach.
Survived by his lovely wife of Edith (Harms), son William E. (Stephanie) Rice Jr., daughter Deborah (Michael) Green, son Pat (Barbara) Rice, daughter Mary Johnston; Six grandchildren, Justin (Jaclyn) Green, Kevin (Kristin) Green, Patrick (Summer) Rice, Lacey (David) Bernheisel, Amber (Brian) Mitchell, Tyler Johnston and fiancé Kristian; Six great grandchildren, Harper & Carter Green, Hunter and Luke Green, Evan Bernheisel and Finnegan Mitchell; Sister in laws, Jeanne (Bob) Rice and Carolyn (Warren) Rice; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his 6 brothers: Clark, Stephen (Bud), Byron, Bob, Warren, and Eddie. Bill was the last of the Magnificent 7.
Bill graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1946 and served as captain of the Fighting Indians football team in his senior year. He was an avid fisherman and a lifelong fan and supporter of VBHS Fighting Indians football.
Memorial contributions can be made to Fighting Indians Football Boosters, PO Box 6413 Vero Beach, FL 32961, or your charity of choice in lieu of flowers.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
John A. Flinchum, 88, Vero Beach
October 20, 1932 – April 24, 2021
John passed away peacefully at his home on 24 April, 2021, at 88.
Beloved long term partner to Frances Clough; devoted father to, Russell (Abby), Randall (Susan) and Dawn (Larry) Compton; dearest grandfather to Ali (Joe), Shane (Eilleen), A.J. (Taylor), Buster (Andrea), Morgan, McKenzie, Dylan (Alex), Gunnar & 6 great grandchildren. John was proceeded in death by his former wife of 30 plus years Anita.
John graduated high school class of “51” and immediately joined the Navy. After a couple years of active duty, he was released to pursue an engineering degree under the G. I. Bill. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a BS in mechanical engineering in “58”. With his engineering degree he was accepted into the Navy’s “Aviation Officer Candidate” school. After several months of intense physical & mental training, he was commissioned an “Ensign”, was taught to fly, and spent multiple tours on the USS Forrestal. Following his aircraft carrier deployments, he was the commanding officer on a submarine performing reconnaissance work around Cuba prior to the “Bay of Pigs”.
When John came off active duty he joined the naval reserves and flew as navigator on P3 “Orion” anti-submarine aircraft for 17 years before retiring from the Navy as Lieutenant Commander. He also earned FAA certification (DER) and a was commercial flight instructor.
John’s post military career was always focused on aviation & engineering. He joined piper in 1966 as an engineer mainly involved on mechanical systems. Later he developed a few patents that are still in use today on light aircraft. After Piper, John was offered a significant position with Gulfstream Aerospace in Savanah GA to be head of “Mechanical Systems” group. He worked another dozen years on the GIII & GIV.
In “89” John was offered a position with “Aramco” oil company of Saudi Arabia where he worked before, during & after the Gulf War.
John always loved Vero Beach and eventually returned to continue his passion for aviation with the new Piper aircraft after a a brief stint in Japan as a consultant. He fully retired in his late 70’s and piloted his last aircraft on his 80th birthday.
John spent the last decade traveling the world with Fran.
He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA and Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane Vero Beach, FL 32960, 772-978-5568
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Stuart Edwin Vance, 73, Vero Beach
April 6, 1948 – April 16, 2021
Stuart Edwin Vance, of Vero Beach, Florida, 73, died on April 16, 2021. He was the son of the late James Edwin and Dixie Billips Vance.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Jeanne Coleman Vance, and his brother, James Robert Vance.
He was a former resident of Prestonsburg and Lexington, Kentucky and retired from the Industrial Fuels Corporation.
He was a decorated Vietnam Air Force veteran, serving four years of active duty and two tours of Vietnam.
He is survived by his sister, Mary Lee Muir, his sister-in-law, Susan Coleman Hodapp, (Michael) and nieces, Sara Hodapp Rumsey, (Dexter) and Kathleen Hodapp Harrison (Thorp). He is also survived by grand nieces and nephews, Sally, Stuart, Peyton and Harry.
A memorial will be held by the family at a later date in Kentucky.
From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Paul Hargarten, 96
January 30, 1925 – April 18, 2021
“Mr. Perfect”
He danced his way to Heaven at 96 years young.
“To know him was to love him”
The last salute will be on May 16th 5-7pm at The Moorings Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Paul’s name, at
2300 5th Avenue, #150
Vero Beach, FL 32960
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Jay Workman, 72, Sebastian
August 16, 1948 – April 16, 2021
Jay Workman, 72 of Sebastian, passed away April 16, 2021 at home. He was born August 16, 1948 in West Virginia and was raised in Tampa, FL. Jay was a veteran proudly serving in the Army. He was well known for being a short guy with a huge laugh and an endless amount of love for his children. Jay was a generous man, regardless of how little he himself had.
Jay will be sadly missed by his children: Heather Nobles, Jesse Workman, Sybil Workman, Shanna Valliere, Helen Jones, and Kendra Hardwick. He will be greatly missed by friends and family. All our lives had more spark and laughter in them because of Jay Workman.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Jay Workman, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
James “Jimmy” John Sutherland, 68, Sebastian
November 22, 1952 – April 20, 2021
James “Jimmy” John Sutherland of Sebastian, Florida died on April 20, 2021 at the age of 68.
Jimmy was born in Toronto, Canada on November 22, 1952. He was the second of three children to Clarence “Larry“ and Margaret (Hicks) Sutherland. They immigrated to the United States when he was 4 years old and he became a US Citizen. Growing up in Deerfield and then Lake Bluff, Illinois, Jimmy loved playing baseball as a kid. He graduated from Lake Forest High School in 1971. He enlisted in the Army in 1972, becoming a paratrooper in the 505th infantry of the 82nd Airborne Division, and was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He returned to Illinois after completing his assignments.
While visiting a friend in the northwest Chicago suburbs, he had a chance encounter with the woman who would ultimately be the love of his life, Margo, when her rogue dog Tango wandered up to him. Upon their marriage in 1984, he became stepfather to her two young daughters, whom he lovingly referred to as his “girls.“ He was often busy coaching them in soccer, helping with their homework, and teaching them to garden. Always wanting to learn, Jimmy would visit the local library every Sunday, bringing home a dozen books of various topics that he read from cover to cover. He was the mastermind of their annual camping trips into northern Michigan and Ontario, Canada. He was a self-taught carpenter and woodworker, and enjoyed completing various house renovations and creating handmade gifts for his wife. He was always up for hosting a BBQ, whether it be on the road at a Notre Dame football tailgate or at home for friends and family. Sadly, he lost his Margo to cancer in 2000 and was never the same.
After his mother passed, Jimmy moved to Sebastian, Florida to help care for his father. He decided he preferred the warmer weather and chose to stay after his father passed as well. Jimmy adopted a cat he named Newman, of whom he loved to spoil. Although he made many new friends and memories, Jimmy ultimately could not recover from losing his wife and his health slowly deteriorated. He passed away at the West Palm Beach VA Hospital with his “girls” at his side.
Jimmy is survived by his stepdaughters Jessica Sutherland of Rye, New Hampshire and Jacqueline Sutherland of Farmers Branch, Texas; his sister Patricia Updegraff of Edwardville, Illinois and her four children; and his sister Marion Sutherland of Lisle, Illinois.
His family takes solace in knowing he is reunited with his love. Services will be private. His family asks in lieu of flowers, consider donations to your local library or your favorite animal rescue organization.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of James “Jimmy” John Sutherland, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
From Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory
Edward Lee Harper, 78, Barefoot Bay
January 1, 1943 – April 21, 2021
Obituary not yet posted.