Kip was a good friend of my parents, and I am blessed to have known him. He always had a smile on his face, a funny story to share, and brought a lot of joy to everyone.

My fondest memory of Kip is when he, my parents, and I spent the day driving his side by side around Houghton Lake & St. Helen, last summer. It was a particularly difficult summer for me, but that was one of the happiest days I had that summer.

I had never driven a side by side before, but Kip let me drive around the trails and even let me drive all the way to the Firehouse in St. Helen. Early on into the ride, I got the side by side stuck over a small ditch. Most people would be annoyed or frustrated, not Kip, he laughed and turned the minor hiccup into a funny photo shoot with my parents.  He was always so kind and loving. Kip hardly drove himself, letting all of us have a turn. He encouraged us to floor it up hills and fly down them. Kip knew all the best spots along the trail to take great pictures of the woods too. He was such a generous and fun trail guide. The four of us had a great time!

Kip spoke a lot about his daughter Melissa that day, about all the adventures he, Melissa, and her friends had recently had on the side by side. I know he loved her and Cole very much.

My parents, Brian and Kathy, everyone in Sandy Oaks, and I will miss Kip dearly. I am truly grateful my parents had Kip as their friend. It is difficult to make new friends as an adult, especially, finding a good, honest, fun-loving person like Kip. You very loved and very missed, Kip. We will never forget you, and I’ll never forget the day we all drove to St. Helen!

Melissa, Cole, and all of Kip’s family thank you for sharing such a wonderful man with all of us. You are all in our thoughts. I pray that you receive lots of love and comfort.

Love,

Katie, Peggy, & Dan Sass