Eric Rapp

Moxee - Eric Michael Rapp, 41, passed into the loving arms of God, Sunday, January 3, 2010, at home with his family by his side, after a courageous battle against cancer. Eric was born at Chanute Air Force Base Hospital in Rantoul, Illinois on April 25, 1968 to Mike and Patty Rapp. As a member of a Navy family, he was an extremely active child with a special athletic ability in Little League baseball. As he grew, so did his love of music. He enjoyed playing the drums and keyboards, but excelled at the guitar. His talent flowed into an uncanny ability to write music and meaningful lyrics which mirrored how he was feeling about his life. He was successful as a guitar player in many rock bands throughout the east coast and south east. Eric had battled mental illness since his teens. Instead of succumbing to his illness, he devoted the rest of his adult life to educating himself and caring for individuals with mental health issues and other life challenges. He graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia in 1994 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education with an emphasis in Counseling. In 1999 he earned his Master's Degree (M.Ed.) in Counseling from Heritage University in Toppenish, Washington. He was a registered Counselor in the State of Washington and earned a certificate as a Chemical Dependency Professional in 2007. In 1990 Eric met and fell in love with Sue, his wife of 15 years. Eric and Sue moved from Chesapeake, Virginia to Yakima, Washington in 1998. Two years later they bought their farm in Moxee, Washington where they lived happily with their horses, cats & dogs. Eric had a wonderful sense of humor and love for his fellow man, not to mention a strong fondness for animals. He will be deeply missed by all who had the gift of knowing him. Eric was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Norman and Erma Rapp of Quincy, Illinois, and his maternal Grandparents Lance and Mary Kelly of Detroit, Michigan (and later Virginia Beach, Virginia). Eric is survived by his wife Susan (Drinkwater) of Moxee, Washington; parents Capt. Michael Rapp, JAGC USN, Ret. and Patricia Rapp of Virginia Beach, Virginia; brothers Chris and wife Bessie Rapp of Powhatan, Virginia and Tim and wife Eugenia Rapp of Woodbridge, Virginia; niece Giana Rapp and nephew Skyler Rapp of Woodbridge, Virginia; stepdaughter Meredyth and husband Matt Dinniman, and four step-grandchildren Zachary, Natasha, Lilia and Helena Dinniman of Tucson, Arizona. The family would like to send their heartfelt thanks to the EMTs who made countless trips to help them out in their time of need and to the "angels" of Hospice at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital who provided all the help and support anyone could askfor. Memorial services will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church,S S. Naches Ave. (and Yakima Avenue), Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the church reception hall. In lieu of flowers, please send your charitable donation to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, PO Box 19024, Seattle WA 98109-4433. Arrangements are in the care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home. Please visit mem.com to share a memory.