"Taps" is a bugle call T- a signal, not a song. As such, there is no associated lyric. Many bugle calls had words associated with them as a mnemonic device but these are not lyrics.

A Horace Lorenzo Trim wrote a set of words intended to accompany the music:

Day is done, gone the sun,
 From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
 All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
 And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.
 From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,
 'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, 'neath the sky;
 As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,
 Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds
 Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,
 And the stars gleaming rays softly send,
 To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

Part (15) 

Taps part 14

To

He came this way but once. Yet, he touched our lives in many ways while he were here. We shall remain eternally grateful for he's friendship and for the influence he bestowed upon us.

It is with deep sadness that we report the news of the death of RILEY PAPE He will be greatly missed by his family & friends. We give thanks for RILEY life.

Obituary

Go in peace and remember you are not forgotten while I am still on patrol.

 Guest Book

Riley E. Pape Corporal Riley E. Pape, 22, East Grand Forks, Minnesota died Wednesday May 18, 2005 in National City, California. Riley was born on October 27, 1982, Grand Forks, North Dakota the son of Ron and Shar (Monk) Pape. He graduated from East Grand Forks Senior High School in 2000. Riley enlisted in the US Marine Corps on June 21, 2000. Upon graduation from Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Private First Class. Upon completion of Infantry Training School at Camp Pendleton, PFC Pape was assigned as a rifleman to 2d Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton. In July 2002 he deployed to the western Pacific in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with 2d Battalion, 4th Marines. Upon returning to Camp Pendleton in June of 2003, he was screened for service with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion and by virtue of his superior physical and mental performance was accepted into the Advanced Reconnaissance Course. Upon completion of Advanced Reconnaissance Course he was assigned for duty to 1st Recon Battalion as a Reconnaissance Marine. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in February of 2004. In March 2004 he deployed to the Al Anbar Province of Iraq with A Company, 1st Recon Battalion, 1st Marine Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. While serving in Iraq he participated in combat operations in and around the cities of Fallujah, Karmah, and Ramadi. Riley was awarded the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal with ""Combat V' device (denoting ""Valor') for individual heroism during numerous engagements against the enemy and the Combat Action Ribbon between March and August of 2004. He redeployed with the 1st Recon Battalion to Camp Pendleton in September of 2004. Riley is survived by his parents; Ron and Shar Pape of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, brothers; Ryan Pape of East Grand Forks, SPC Ross Pape stationed in Iraq with the US Army, grandparents; Robert Jr. and Donna Pape of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, Herbert and Donna Monk of Alvarado, Minnesota, great grandparents; Robert Sr. and Henrietta Pape of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, Gladys Useldinger of Grand Forks, North Dakota. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials. Services: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2005 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. all at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Burial: Bethany Cemetery, rural East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Military Honors: United States Marine Corps. Arrangements by Stennes Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, Minnesota. www.stennesfuneralhome.com

I know it's been a long time so here I am. Every year around this time it i think about you more and more. I still think one of the best memory i have of us is letting you drive my tank in Iraq. Man those things were fun. Online there was a picture of kids sitting on a green transformer box and somebody said "It was crazy how you never knew it was the last time you were gonna sit on one of those with your friends." And it hit me how true and sad that was. Maybe in another life. Juan Garcia II May 21, 2019

My man!! Miss you bro. You popped into my head this morning as if out of nowhere. Just found this page too.
I still remember when Newlen told me the news over the phone. It was like someone pulling the needle off of a spinning record in my head.
The next time around we need to get a beer at a different bar in Guam. Ill try to remember. Anthony B October 25, 2017

Just thinking about you and Ryan today. I miss you guys so much. I think about you huys everyday.
Love unkle Arn. May 31, 2013

Photo sent in by Juan Garcia

December 23, 2013

Riley,


This is the first time I've written but I come here so very often and read all the wonderful messages over and over. It's the official day of Memorial Day today. I said a prayer for all our military passed a present this morning. We attended the memorial service on Monday at your resting place. It's nice to see so many care and come out to pay their respects. We still think of you every day and miss you so much. Please watch over Ross, Carissa, Miss Reagan and baby #2. Love you my son! Sending you a virtual hug cuz hugs are free! Love, Mom

May 30, 2013

Hey Riley,
I was at the Memorial day service today. A lot of friends and family attended. The weather was beautiful and one of the guardsman gave a spent casing to Reagan as a keep sake. I am sure she will treasure it later on when she fully understands the meaning. Give your brother a hug for me. We miss you guys dearly. We love love you. Mike and Candy. May 27, 2013

Riley-
I never got the chance to meet you, but I know how much my husband loved you! Please watch over us as well as your amazing family! June 25, 2012

So I'm sure you know this already but every now and then I Google your name and read all the great things you did in the Marine Corps, well after I thought I found all the sites your name could be on I found this one and figured I'd say hi. It's been a long time but I'm really glad I got to see you and say bye when I left Iraq. I still have that picture of you and I some where I know I need to find it and put it back up on my fridge where it belongs so I can see us together. I've been really lucky the last 5 years after my accident, I met Alicia my wife and together we have 2 beautiful kids Juan III is almost 3 and Brooklyn is almost 1 1/2. Right now things have been going pretty good for us we're both going to school and spending as much time together as we can. On Monday Alicia and I went to the Idaho Falls museum to see the WWII exhibit and we had a great time together. I like how Alicia asks me stuff about Iraq some times it's hard but it's nice to talk to somebody about it every now and then because it's hard to really find somebody you can talk to you know. I wish things were different and saying bye to you in Iraq wasn't the last time I'd see you but I guess we can't change what happens no matter how hard we wish we could. I just want you to know I love you and I'll be looking forward to standing duty with you when I see you next. I do out rank you so you can be the A. Duty. All I ask is you watch over and protect my family in ways I can't. Juan Garcia II November 18, 2011 / Shelley, ID

Riley and Ryan,
I was one of the lucky ones to have not only know both of you, but had the opportunity to watch you both grow into honorable, brave young men.
Your absence leaves a hole in many hearts that can never be filled.
You both can be proud of how your Mom, Dad, and Ross have been able to carry on after suffering so much sorrow. They are a remarkable family and I am proud to be a part of their lives.
Riley...ever since your death, I had a plan, but I just couldn't seem to get it done. But when Ryan died I knew...I had no choice but to get it done.
Neither of you shall ever feel the darkness fall over your final resting place again.
Your mom and dad have two flags folded neatly, and now you have one above your graves that shall always be flying high and forever bright!
No darkness shall ever find you again...my promise has been fulfilled!
Rest in peace
Oh ...and Ryan ...one more thing...I have a fun little suprise coming for you one of these days. Better be ready Grasshopper. Brian & Pam Coster November 01, 2010 | Grand Forks, ND

Hey Riley,

We never officially met and I'm disappointed I never had the chance to know you. Ryan talked so highly of you, just as he did Ross. He looked up to the two of you so much. I always thought that I hope my sisters loved me and have that much respect for me too. I just wanted to tell you Ryan means the world to me and I find comfort in knowing he's with you. I love him so much and don't know exaclty where to start putting the pieces of my life back together. I ask that you take care of him and please send all of us the strength to start healing. Amy Cash January 22, 2010 | East Grand Forks, MN

Riley, I have never met you, but Rod, and Ryan have both talked so highly of you. Im writing because now you and Ryan are together, and probably having a blast! you two take care of each other, and know you are missed greatly down here. you guys have a lot to watch over, as your family is missing you greatly i'm sure. Tell Ryan thanks for the wonderful times we had, and we will not ever forget what he accomplished and gave for our country. Can't wait till we can meet again on the other side!
~ Kaitlyn Swenson December 06, 2009

Riley, This is long over due. Thank you for your service to this country. I know your family is so proud of you and I know that you'd be proud of Ross and Riley, I tell you what they are still quite the characters and very good men. I wish I could see them more often then I do. I just got married this summer, a couple days after Ross and Carissa. I wish they could have been there. I understand why though. Planning a wedding has been one of the most stressful events in my life. I just finished my service in the Air Force, but my sacrifices seem so small compared to the ones you and your brothers have put up with. At any rate take care up there. Lots of folks miss you down here and look forward to meeting up with you again.  Steven Roseno August 18, 2009

Riley,

We think about you everytime we drive past the cemetary. You will always be in our hearts. We always wonder what you would be doing now. Life goes on but we will never forget how special you were to us. Love you always.

Grandma & Grandpa Pape

November 08, 2008

Riley,

Happy 26th birthday son. Mom, Ross and I are comming out to visit you today. Guess what is on tap for tonight, Pizza and a movie, just how you would spend your birthday.

Ryan is over in Iraq again, this time he is in Allasaad. (Spelling?) He is going out on a mission, 1st one since he got there. Keep him safe while he is there. We can handle things here.

You know that you would still have 4 more years to go on our bet. I don't think you would have made it.Ha I still havn't figured out how I would spend the money!!

Miss you my son, I wish you were here.

Love Dad

Ron Pape October 27, 2008

Riley,
Can't believe is has been three years.Every day I think of you and wonder what we would be doing. I always thank you when something goes right, you're watching over all of us.
I lost your phone in the field Monday and I found it within minutes. You led me right to it. good REcon man.!!!
Ryan says Hi as I talked to him today and he is thinking about you. It is hard when he can't be here with the family.
Crops are almost in the ground, just 100 acres of potatoes left to plant.
Take care of your brothers, you have done a great job already.
Miss you much
Love Dad

May 18, 2008

Hi Riley,

Went to Whapeton today with your dad and Ross and picked up a "Freightliner" truck. This is going to be my truck for potatoes and has air and "cruise".....YIPEE!!!

Had a good visit with your brother and he bought the old "Larson" farmstead and has been doing a good job fixing up the inside. Adam graduated from MCAD college this weekend (can you believe it?...lol.) and I am now the grandfather of two great kids.... Brody and Matty.

We talk and think about you often and miss you dearly. Keep watch over the family, marine, especially Ryan on his last year of duty.

Love you always,

Uncle Rodg

Rodger Pape May 14, 2008

Hey Riley,
There is a small snowman standing guard while you rest. Your dad made it at the farm and brought it over for you. Thanksgiving came and went as did Christmas. It is not the same anymore. We laugh and tell stories and miss you a lot. Ross is home now, picking up where you left off, you would be proud of him. Ryan came home for Christmas, I didn't get to see him but I can paint a picture in my mind. Aunt Candy and I are very proud of all of you. We love and miss you.

Michael and Candice Ferguson, December 26, 2006

Riley Pape family . . .
I finally had the opportunity to see Riley's final resting place. It was comforting to see him resting among family and friends. The many tributes from the Memorial Day weekend were still there.

I was especially proud to see the USMC Globe,Eagle and Anchor to display on his headstone to show the pride he had and his family has in his being a Marine.

Semper Fi
Rick Monson

LCDR Ricki Monson USN (Ret)

June 05, 2006 | Chesapeake, VA

Ron, Shar and Family,


Please accept my deepest sympathies. My heart goes out to all of you and Riley's friends.

Debbie Holcomb, June 01, 2006

Hi everyone, I herd about Riley not to long ago, I wish I could have been at the funeral, Im really sorry for everything, and miss you all very much
Love Meghan 

Meghan Yanish, May 24, 2006 

Riley,
Just thought you should know that your youngest brother Ryan, is accepted into recon school and will be there in 10 weeks. Ross made it home and is now SGT. Ross Pape. You are doing a good job watching over your brothers as they are doing fine.
Mom and I miss you and think about you often. I wonder what you would be doing today and what you would say to your brothers.
Take care my son and we will see you on the other side.

Love Dad

February 27, 2006

Hey Riley,
We spent Christmas at Moms'. We talked about the special little snowman your Dad made and put a flag in it by your resting place. Sarah and Adam were present and we had fun talking about their jobs and such. Seems most people are a little under the season, your uncle Rodger was sick and couldn't make it. Your mom and dad miss you so much. I wish we could help heal the hurt but I think it will be here for a very long time. We love and miss you too. We think of you often.

Michael and Candy Ferguson, December 25, 2005

Hey Ri,
We had Thanksgiving at Mom and Dads. It was pretty quiet since the boys are away and your cousins went elsewhere. Mom made a spread as always. Turkey, potato sausage, hot pickles and a new lite pumpkin pie that was o.K. says she bought it for me. (less sugar). Me and Dad took your folks to the airport they went to visit with Jim. Didn't much care to be here for the holidays. Can't say I blame 'em. We'll talk again at Christmas. We miss you a whole lot buddy. Love Mike and Candy.

Michael and Candy Ferguson, November 27, 2005

Dear Pape family,

I have met you once, i believe it was the day Riley graduated Recon school. We were at the barracks. Riley was a really good and close friend to me. We were in 2/4 together, we had alot of great time. As I am sure he brought many great times for your family as well.
I am so sorry this happend. Riley was such a great guy, I would take the place for your son any day.
Please contact me when ever you would like.
Sincerely,
Brandon Southern
Cpl. Southern

August 01, 2005

Two families unite as one

August 28, 2005

What wonderful and thoughtful entries in this guest book....We too are very sorry for your loss of Riley.....What a wonderful and brave person he was.....He was very lucky to have such a wonderful family....Let us know if we can do anything....Thoughts and prayers...God Bless

Dennis and Caryl Mack

June 10, 2005

We are very sorry to hear about your loss and our prayers go out to your entire family.

Jake & Sheri (Yuric) Gunby, June 01, 2005

My heart aches with your pain. I learned of Riley through his friend Adam. Through his pain he was able to tell me a few things about him and Riley. Take comfort that he was a fine young man and a Hero for our country. Soldiers Angels have sent their prayers and unconditional love your way to help ease your heart ache. May Angel Wings surround you and yours.

SherryAnn Tarte, June 01, 2005

My heart goes out to your family with the loss of Riley. My son is also a Marine, and though they didn't know each other, it is still like losing part of the family.
Your son was an honorable man, who's life made a real difference. You can be proud of him.
Sue, May 31, 2005

.

Ronnie, Shar and family,
I recently talked with my Mother and was very sad to hear about you son. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. God Bless Riley and your family.

Bruce, Char, Blake and Alexandria Kollin

Bruce Kollin, May 31, 2005 

Prayers for Marine Cpl. Riley Pape and his family and friends. Words are so often without meaning during times of sadness but know that our hearts are with you.

We met Riley briefly when he and our Marine son rode their bikes from Pendleton to Arizona for a weekend a few months back. Such a pleasant young man.

We are so sorry for your loss.

Ian & Denise Murray, May 29, 2005 

My deepest condolences to the Pape family.

Jacob Hansel, May 29, 2005 

Pape Family and Friends,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and that Riley will not be forgotten.

GySgt Anthony Easton, May 28, 2005 

Dear Ron & Shar, and the Pape and Monk families. I wanted to express my heart felt sympathy in the loss of Riley. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It is truly amazing to see how much impact such a young man had on so many people. I'm sure you are very proud of his accomplishments.. and that can never be taken from you.

CeCe Krueger (prev Hanson), May 26, 2005 

Dear Ronnie/Char/Ross/Ryan; Candy/Roger; Arnie/Melanie/Marshall; Bobby/Donna; Herb/Donna and your families:
My deepest sympathies to all of you. It was wonderful hearing more about Riley at the service last night; mixing laughter and tears. God Bless You, Your Families and the U.S.A.

Rhonda Jones, May 26, 2005 

Dear Shar, Ron, Ross, Ryan, and the Pape extended family: My thoughts have been with you all week, but particularly today, as you all come together and say goodbye. I so wanted to come to give all of you my love and tears.

Riley was an exceptional young man who enriched all of our lives. His grin, his twinkling eyes, and his open heart were always evident. I so appreciated his kindness and sense of values that he carried with him.

You are such a strong family, and your love for each other will help you through this time. Riley will always be with you in your hearts and souls. Find comfort in each of you.
My love, Sharon Knowlton
Doug, Justin and Jordan

May 26, 2005

Dear Ron, Shar, Ross & Ryan & the Pape family, Herb & Donna, Mel & Kent, Marshal & Sarah~
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Our hearts pour out to you. Words alone cannot express how badly we feel about this tradegy. You all hold very special places in our hearts & always will. Riley will always be a true hero & what he has done for our country will never be forgotten. His bravery & dedication to our freedom was truly amazing. Hold tight to your memories of him & trust in God that he knows what he's doing. Riley's an angel looking down. You all continue to be in our thoughts & prayers today & in the days to come. May God bring peace to your hearts & bless you always. Monica Sands, Corey Jamieson & Alexis

May 25, 2005

There are so many things to say about Riley I dont know where to begin except that I miss him. Riley was one of the best human beings I ever had the priveledge to meet in my life. I am heart broken and completely overwhelmed that he is gone. He was a very caring and thoughtful person who always had the biggest infectious grin on his beautiful face. I was always amazed at how he always made everything okay just by saying so and smiling. Just with that smile you felt cared about and taken care of. He just had such a calmness about him. I never felt so safe and cared for in my life. Riley always talked about how he loved his family and how he wanted me to meet them. He talked about how much pride he had for his father and how he raised him to be such an independant well rounded person. He also talked about how much love his mother showered him with and he felt so lucky to have such a loving and caring family. He often worried about how he could be as good an example for his younger brothers as his parents were to him. My condolenses and deepest regards to the Pape family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for bringing such a beautiful person into this world.

Riley I miss you more than words could ever say! I think of you in everything I see and do. I will never forget you babe. You will always be in my heart and dreams..
I miss you so much... Xoxoxo

Love,
Shanna Lowder, May 25, 2005Shanna Lowder

Dear pape family very sorry for your loss my houghts and prayers go out to you.

Love
spc jeremy gowan
Kirkuk, Iraq

May 24, 2005

It is men like Cpl Pape that I have always held in high regard. These kind of people are who I want to be. He did things for our country that many people couldn't and for that I thank him. He is the reason I joined the Marine Corps and I only hope I can make a fraction of the difference that he did.

LCpl Brandon Rosen, May 24, 2005

To the Pape Family,
I feel our families are so similar in that the brothers have all chosen the military as one of the paths they will take in life. I never got to actually meet Riley, but I know what kind of person he was from his incredible parents and church family. At times like these, the 'Footprints in the Sand' come to my mind and I hope that maybe it will bring you all some comfort through this hard time. I have always been highly impressed with all of Rileys accomplishments in life, and I know that he is someone that will not be forgotten to his family, friends, or his marine corp.

Jen,Andrew,Dawson Holle, May 24, 2005

I remember the day Riley was born. I called the hospital to talk to Shar (she was in labor) & Ron said "I don't think she wants to talk right now Mel" so I said "why not"...then I heard her screaming in the back ground and said "Oh my God is that Shar" & Ron said "yup" then I said "you better go" I'll talk to you later!

Shortly after that he was here on earth with us. Now he is in Heaven with God.

Shar, Ron, Ross and Ryan, please feel peace within your heart, for we will keep his memory with us in each new day we start. His smile brightened any day. Know he will be watching and guiding from above, sending hugs from heaven, on angels wings of love. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. Love you all, your Sister and Aunt, Melany

Melany Monk Ludtke, May 24, 2005

To the Whole Pape Family,

What is there to say about Riley that has not already been said. Anyone who meet the man new he had good intentions always. He had god in his heart. He did what needed to be done expecially when others wouldn't. I considdered him not just a Marine but a brother. He will be guarding the streets of heaven for all of us. Semper Fidelis Cpl. Pape. See you when i get there.

SSgt Eric Kuyper, May 24, 2005

For me, Riley was the kind of guy that would make one feel appreciated and involved in everything one did, whether it was myself or a close family relative. He treated everyone with the same respect and kindness, no matter what their title or backround. I was very fortunate to spend a couple days with Riley during one of his trips back home in 2003. Of course, we had talked and met many times before, but this was a time when his brother, Ross, was at boot camp; it was great to talk to Riley to inquire how Ross was doing. From what I saw and knew of Riley, he made the best of his time. He was a great brother and son to his family. His family and friends always spoke well of him. In 2003, our friendship grew more distant, due to his service overseas. I regret not staying in touch, but will try my best to comfort his family and friends.

Kevan Greene, May 24, 2005

Dear Ron, Shar, Ross and Ryan: I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Riley was so full of life and certainly had seen and been through more in his life than most. Cherish the special times and never let them go. Keep close in your heart, what Jesus said in the poem, "Footprints." "My precious, precious, child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." You are in my thoughts and prayers each day.

Mike Rasch, May 22, 2005

Riley was one of the best Marines I've ever known. It is sad to see a man of his caliber pass on in such a way. This loss will affect me in many ways being that Riley was one of the reasons that I joined the Marines, I've always looked up to him.

LCpl Josh Johnson
2nd Maint Bn
Camp LeJeune, NC

May 22, 2005

Dear Pape family, I really can not say. How Riely has become such a part of my life. Just since November when he got back. We hung out all the time. and talked at lest once a week. And to eachothers vociemail more then we would have liked. He was such a true gentlemen. He could always make me laugh. There will be little things in each and evey day. That will make me think of him. He loved his family and firends so much. He would talk about Ross and Ryan and how proud of them he was. My thoughts and paryes will Always be with you. It makes me very very pruod to call Riley a gerat firend. Riley will be missed for then you ever know. Love ~Ashley~

Ashley Bruhn, May 22, 2005

Riley on his 22nd Birthday!

To the family of Riley Pape: I have had the pleasure of serving with some of the finest men and women in the Armed Forces . . . we called them Marines! Before Riley ever earned the right to be called one of "The Few, The Proud, The Marines" he grew up with a family that nurtured and loved him so that he developed the personal integrity and courage that he displayed in and out of uniform. May the God that blessed us with his presence also provide us comfort in his absence.~

LCDR Ricki & Bonnie Monson, May 21, 2005

Dear Ron, Shar, Ross, and Ryan,
I am Sgt. Hannon one of Riley's team leaders at 1st Recon Bn. I am speechless with the loss of your son, brother, and our brother Riley. He was a key member of this place and we could not have succeeded in all of our mission's with out him. He saved my life in many occasions and only regret not meeting you all under better circumstances. We are having a memorial for Riley on Friday and we will be video taping it for your family. I am truly sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to your family from all of Riley's brothers and the Hannon family. Our parayers are with you all, if there is anything I can do, or if you ever need anything please do not hesitate to contact me.

My deepest sympathy,
Sgt. Matthew Hannon
1st Recon Battalion

1st Recon Battalion

 May 20, 2005, 1st Recon Batallion, CA

We never new Riley, but we herd great things about him. It is a tragic thing that happened to him. It is a sad deal. It goes to show you when the good Lord wants you he will take you at any given time. So live you life to the fullest.We give our thoughts and prayers to the family.

Love the Freshmen of 2008

Riley we will miss you.
BYE

 May 20, 2005, Freashmen Class 2008

I can't believe Riley is gone. He was a great person whom you could always trust. He touched the hearts of everyone he met. We will always remember him, and all the things he did to protect us from danger. It is truly a sad day for the graduates of East Grand Forks Senior High 2001.

 Brittany (Hanson) Berg, May 20, 2005

Riley was a class mate of mine. He was a great guy and had much love for his family and friends. He is one that will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to The Pape family. We'll miss you Riley!

 Kasey Corcoran, May 20, 2005

Many thoughts and prayers will go out for the family. Everyone I talk to says Riley was a wonderful boy. The child you always dream of having. I (Delaine) was first told about the tragic accident by my son (Casey Ristau). We live two doors down and Casey new the boys and said how great they all are. We will always take your word of advice. "Tell your kids that you love them". We will say many prayers for the family. You have our deepest sympathy and if there is anything we can do, remember we are only two doors down. God Bless Riley and God Bless the family.

 Steve, DeLaine & Kids Ristau, May 20, 2005

I want to give my condolences to Riley's family. I only met him briefly, but my husband Brooks Johnson was in the marine corps with him, they went to SOI together. I met him when they flew home for thanksgiving one year. they missed their first flight, and we had to go get them in Fargo later that night.
He was a great guy, and from what I've heard he was the best Marine.
We're Thinking of and praying for your family.

 Jenna Johnson, May 20, 2005

East Grand Forks family mourns death of second Marine son

By Elizabeth DunbarSt. Paul, Minn. December 7, 2009 11:43 a.m.

.

Those with loved ones fighting in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq know the violence can claim lives, but families and friends' worries usually subside when troops make it back to the United States.

That's made Marine Cpl. Ryan Pape's death last week in a training accident in California harder to accept, said the Rev. Charles "Bud" Johnson, pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church near East Grand Forks.  

"When the boys are deployed to Iraq and in harm's way every day, you live with that tension," said Johnson, who led Pape's confirmation class at the church and is good friends with Pape's parents, Ron and Shar. The Papes live in East Grand Forks and have a potato farm north of the city.

Ryan Pape, 23, was Ron and Shar's second son to become a Marine, and also the second to die in a non-combat related accident. 

Ryan's older brother, Riley, was killed in 2005 in a motorcycle accident in California. Ryan was just graduating from high school at the time. Both Ryan and Riley had served in Iraq.

Johnson, who like the Papes has three sons who have served in the military, said the Papes and their greater community are in a lot of pain, perhaps partly because families let their guard down when their loved ones are away from combat.

The Papes were looking forward to Ryan coming home for Christmas and had already secured plane tickets for him, Johnson said.

"This just isn't right," Johnson said Monday. "When you have training exercises like this, you don't think about the possibility of something going wrong." 

The Marines have said Pape was killed while conducting a nighttime low-level static line parachute training jump on Thursday near Camp Pendleton, Calif. Pape and five other Marines were jumping from a C-130 aircraft into a training drop zone when the accident happened, said 1st Lt. Kenneth Kunze, a Marine spokesman. The other five landed safely. 

Investigators haven't yet said whether Pape's parachute failed to deploy or whether something else happened, and Kunze said it could take a few weeks for the investigation to be complete. The reconnaissance Marines have suspended their parachute training jumps until they know what went wrong, he said.

The Marines haven't said much about the training accident, other than that Pape was involved in a low-level, static line parachute training exercise when he died. A message left Monday for Camp Pendleton officials was not immediately returned.

Johnson said Pape's death was under investigation, and he expected it might be a while before family and friends were given more details.

Mike McNamara, a Grand Forks City Council member and Marine who served in Iraq with Riley Pape,  said Ryan's decision to join the Marines came right after his older brother's death. 

McNamara said some parents might have tried to protect their other sons after losing one by discouraging them from joining the military, but not the Papes.

"They were completely supportive, because that's what he wanted and that was his dream," McNamara said, adding that Ryan's death was a huge loss for the family. "To go through the whole thing again is terribly sad."

Funeral arrangements were being made and a Facebook memorial was created. The Facebook page included dozens of photos of Ryan, including some from the last time many saw him --- as best man at his older brother Ross's wedding in July 2009.

Johnson said Ryan Pape will be remembered as a driven, confident young man who cared deeply for family and friends. 

Pape had recently re-enlisted in the Marines and was completing a higher level of recognizance training. He had already been to the Marines' schools for scuba diving, sniper training and parachute jumping.

"He had a path carved out for himself, and he was going to make sure that he had accomplished everything he set out to do," Johnson said.

Cpl Riley Pape

Paul "Medic" Roshong
1947 - 2021

Ricky Lee Fooshee
1948 - 2009

Navy Corpsman