Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best

To do my duty to God and my country

and to obey the Scout Law;

To help other people at all times;

To keep myself physically strong,

mentally awake, and morally straight.

Frank Rapp has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America from a local to an international level for more than 60 years. During that time his life has been pretty much governed by the Scout Oath, as you will see when you read his profile. Frank is a family man who still works at his profession, enjoys sharing activities with his best friend, his wife, participates in community activities, has hobbies and is physically active. A widower, in 1996 he remarried. Since then he and his wife Bobbie have made Saratoga Springs their home.

This vigorous man with bright blue eyes and a firm handshake is as well-dressed a veterinarian as you’ll ever meet. Frank Rapp, V.D.M., still maintains his practice in Schenectady where he was born and raised. He shows up nearly every day although he is semi-retired and continues to perform certain specialized surgeries for animals.   

If asked about his transition to semi-retirement, Frank will tell you that it has worked for him because he continues to have a place to go to where he has responsibility, and keeping active in his profession has been good for him mentally.

What you will find unique about Frank is that the passing of years has not slowed him down. A sports car accident in 1959 caused Frank to lose some of the range of motion in his right arm. However, it did not cause him to use this disability as an excuse to sit home by the fireside. When Frank was younger he was involved with ski racing and is a member of the Adirondack 46ers. Today he tries to spend at least 30 days on the slopes throughout the winter. “If my health remains, I plan on continuing to ski every winter and golf and garden every summer.”

Service to community has played a big role in Frank’s life. As a board member of many organizations and foundations, he has experienced the joy of giving and raising money for worthy causes from Hospice to United Cerebral Palsy of Schenectady, Saratoga and Schoharie. For Frank the difficulty of fund raising is eased if you are committed to the organization for which you are raising funds.

Serving his country has also been a lifelong activity for Frank. He served in the Air Force after graduating from the ROTC program and Cornell University in 1953. Today Frank continues his service to his country as a member of the honor guard at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Of his fellow honor guards Frank says, “I have never seen a more devoted, loyal group of men.” 

Twice weekly you will find Frank taking time to have a cup of coffee with several members of his congregation following their morning service. Clearly, his morning minyan is an important part of his life.

This active man has several hobbies that help to keep him sharp and active. Frank is a philatelist and maintains a collection of several vintage cars. I was most fascinated with his 1936 Ford Panel Delivery. The collection includes a ‘55 T-Bird, a ‘61 MGA and a stunning ‘64 Austin-Healy, all in working condition.

I asked Frank if he has kept up-to-date with the new technology of computers, Blackberries and iPods. He told me his office is computerized but there is no computer at home. “I can’t see myself spending my free time in front of a screen. I prefer reading books and talking directly with my four daughters and eight grandchildren. Frank is especially proud of his oldest grandson who has served in Iraq.

Frank and his wife Bobbie are avid supporters of SPAC and lovers of the opera. They very often travel to New York City and Glimmerglass to see an opera. Of his wife, Frank says, “All the good times in my life are shared with Bobbie. We always have fun together.” 

At the end of day, Frank Rapp spends a few moments with the other love of his life, Lucky, his dachshund. When Frank and Lucky take their late night walk around the neighborhood you would recognize them immediately. Lucky will be wearing a Boston Red Sox handkerchief around his neck and Frank a BoSox cap.

If you are contemplating what your life might look like when and if you retire, Franks Rapp provides a good model of the possibilities. You are never too old to practice the Scout Oath, whether you were ever a scout or not. There is always a need for people like Frank Rapp who are willing to fully engage in the world around them.