Richard Lynn Rebel

Longtime businessman and healthcare benefits consultant, Rick Rebel, passed away on December 30, 2018, at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis after a courageous six-month battle with cancer.

Rick was born on January 18, 1952, to Richard L. and Lois M. Bridgman in Wichita, Kansas. He moved to Southern California at the age of 3½ and was raised by his parents, Wayne and Lois Rebel, in San Bernardino.

He started singing and playing guitar at a very young age and became an accomplished musician, playing various instruments such as guitar, pedal steel, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and drums.

Rick graduated high school in 1970 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1971 to 1975, stationed at Norton Air Force Base.

He loved country music. He became a member of the “Sound Company," a local band in San Bernardino that performed at the Brandin’ Iron from 1976 to 1979. He also played music with numerous country artists such as Kenny Rogers, Rick Nelson, Thom Bresh, T.G. Shepherd, Merle Haggard and Joe Maphis.

Rick married his wife Reneigh on June 1, 1979, and moved to Albany shortly after. He started his career in the health insurance industry selling Medicare supplements. He joined the Albany Agency of Insurance in February 1980.

Rick became a principle in the firm in 1995 and continued as owner until merging with Western States. He then joined Aldrich Benefits Advisors, formerly known as AKT in December 2011 as a Group Insurance Benefits Consultant and remained there until his passing.

Outside of his professional career, Rick loved and lived life to the fullest. From 1980 to 1993, he sang and played music with the “Sound Company V” band that was formed with his wife Reneigh and Ray and Bev Brassfield from Corvallis. They entertained at the local American Legion, Elks Lodge and Albany Eagles Club.

Rick also was an avid golfer and truly loved the game. He was a long-time member of Spring Hill Country Club. He loved RVing in his motorhome with his wife, Reneigh, and spending time in their timeshares in Palm Springs, Hawaii and Florida.

Last but not least, Rick loved spending time with his family and always encouraged each and every family member to always make “Lasting Memories.” He loved his camera and tried to capture each and every moment of his life with family and friends.

He was a 38-year member of the Albany Eagles and American Legion Clubs, and a 32-year member of the Voiture 40+8 Club.

Rick is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Reneigh Rebel, his two daughters Mandy Rebel and husband

Casey Renfro and Missy Hayes and husband, Robert Hayes of Albany and son, Josh Rebel and wife, Farrah Rebel of Lebanon.

He leaves eight grandchildren, Savannah and Paul Lancaster, Sidney Hayes, Spencer Hayes, Anthony Rebel, Madison Renfro, Carson Renfro, Isabella Rebel, Zach Rebel; and a great-grandson, Chayce Lancaster, with a great-granddaughter, Charlee Nicole Lynn Lancaster due in March.

He is also survived by his sister, Karla Rebel and partner, Dave Linskens of Anaheim, California and one brother, Steve Rebel of Highland, California; along with numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Jeffrey Kuhnlein.

A celebration of life will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on April 6, 2019, at the Santiam Building of the Linn Country Fair & Expo Center in Albany.

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