[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 99 (Thursday, June 13, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER KELLY RAPP

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2019

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness today that I 
rise to honor the life of Mr. Christopher Kelly Rapp, a husband, son, 
musician, and public servant from Virginia's 7th Congressional District 
whose life was taken too early on May 31 of this year.
  Friends and colleagues describe Mr. Rapp as empathetic, honest, and 
helpful. As a public works employee for Virginia Beach, Stafford, and 
Powhatan, he dedicated much of his working career to improving the 
lives of those around him. A man of deep faith, Mr. Rapp was also a 
devoted volunteer. In fact, he was scheduled to volunteer at an event 
to help the less fortunate on June 5th--an event which he was never 
able to attend.
  In addition to his commitment to service, Mr. Rapp was known for the 
true and abiding love he possessed for his wife, Bessie. When they met, 
she was a travel agent and he wanted to travel the world. As husband 
and wife, they spent 24 years traveling it together. This abiding love 
also led to Mr. Rapp embracing his wife's culture by becoming an active 
member of Kultura Filipino. Through this group, he learned Filipino 
dances, empowered Pinoy children by teaching them about Filipino 
culture, and made his home a central location for all types of cultural 
communities from the Tidewater to Central Virginia.
  Chris loved the experiences of life and was a life-long learner. 
Whether it was buying a Tagalog dictionary on his wedding day, starting 
piano lessons in his mid-50s, or avidly writing short stories, he 
capitalized on every second of life. He was renowned for his passionate 
performances on the bagpipe and served as a member of Greater Richmond 
Pipes & Drums, as well as Tidewater Pipes & Drums. These bands remember 
him for his love for music and eagerness to share his sound with the 
community.
  I am heartbroken by the death of Mr. Rapp during the senseless 
shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. While I know that I 
can offer no true consolation, I offer my prayers and heartfelt 
sympathy to Mr. Rapp's wife, parents, family, and friends.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in commemorating the life of Mr. 
Christopher Kelly Rapp.

                          ____________________