Rick Van Bebber, 60, died in Petaluma

The owner of one of Petaluma’s oldest businesses, Rick Van Bebber died on Oct. 31 of cancer. He was 60.

A lifelong resident of Petaluma, he graduated from Petaluma High School in 1974. A year later, he married Karen Everhart. They were happily married for 40 years until her recent passing in July.

Van Bebber was the 4th generation of a family-owned steel service center, Van Bebber Bros. Inc., which has served Petaluma and the greater Bay Area since 1901. He was known for his active and dedicated involvement in the local Rotary Club, along with participating in Interact for several years.

An avid traveler, Van Bebber enjoyed summer trips with his wife to Hat Creek and driving to Oregon in their RV to visit his sisters. He was very proud of his recently restored 1970 Oldsmobile 442 that he had owned since 1973. Van Bebber had a passion for working with his hands and constructed many unique pieces using metal, wood and stone. He also loved relaxing on his property with his family, friends and dogs.

Van Bebber is survived by his parents, Royce and Carolee Van Bebber; his three children, Royce Van Bebber, Krissy Vaughn and Lindsay McIntyre; many grandchildren; and sisters, Cindy Johnson, Linda Garner and Cheri Van Bebber. A celebration of his life will be held for his family and friends at the Petaluma Golf and Country Club on Nov. 14 at 2 p.m.