Quote:
Originally Posted by missbelmar
It is with a very heavy heart that we have to tell you that Joe Rapp, aka "Papa Smurf", died at home on Sunday with his wife at his side at the young age of 82. We have a tremendous amount of love and respect for Papa Smurf and we can not describe how much he meant to us. He was such a wonderful person. He was a father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend to many people. To us he was more than just our friend; he was our family. We have many wonderful memories of him through out the years. He was a very kind man and also very wise. He taught us a lot about hard work, love for friends and family and appreciation and respect for others. We will miss you Papa Smurf more than words can say and we will never forget you.

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Papa Smurf was like a father to Captain Alan Shinn, always fun to be with and known to be a tease. Alan and Joe were a great pair. He would spend all his time helping Alan for hours no matter what he was doing. A great fisherman and friend, I will miss you.