Richard "Rick" Tipple, 1st Vice District Governor

1st VDG Richard "Rick" Tipple joined Gallipolis Lions Club on July 1, 2001, being sponsored by the late Odie O’Donnell. Lion Rick became Club Secretary one year later, a position he held for two years. He became Gallipolis Club President in 2006, guiding the club during the 50th Anniversary celebration held in the fall of 2006.

For Lions Year 2007-08, Lion Rick served as Region 2 Coordinator for Membership/Retention/Women’s Initiative/Campus Clubs, and in 2007-2010, he served as Extension Chair for District 13-J during which he was active in starting two new clubs (Rio Grande and Blanchester). Lion Rick served two years as Zone 6 Chair.

Rick has attended numerous district and state conventions, two international conventions, fall conferences, two Winter Retreats, and four USA/Canada Leadership Forums. He also attended the 2008 Senior Lions Leadership Institute and is a certified Guiding Lion. During his Lions’ career, Lion Rick has received a membership key, Council of Governors Award, Council of Governors Award of Merit, and a LCI Presidential Award.

Lion Rick was a Licensed Professional Electrical engineer with American Electric Power, retiring after 32 years of service. He also served four years in the U.S. Navy. Currently he is an elder and treasurer of Pathway Community Church in Gallipolis.

Rick is a widower following 33 years of marriage. He and his late wife Deborah have two sons, Christopher and Nicholas. (Nick is also a member of the Gallipolis Lions Club.) Lion Rick has been known to swing a golf club when his schedule permits.

Lion Rick has been known to swing a golf club when his schedule permits.