Stephen Hipkiss

I knew Stephen only from Hatcher North, but he was so much a part of life here it's nearly impossible to imagine it without him. He was one of the good parts, it goes without saying. I have two humble contributions to include, emails so funny and joy-giving I copied them from another coworker years ago and saved them as precious library memorabilia. They're a small enough insight into his obviously fantastic mind, but I think they're worth sharing, because they'll make everyone else as happy as they made me.

I don't know you, Pat, but my heart goes out to you.

From: Stephen M Hipkiss [stavka@umich.edu]
Sent: Friday, July 28, 2000 10:39 AM
Subject: Beware Banana Phantom

There have been five reported instances in the past eleven days of full banana peels being found early in the morning by housekeeping staff on marble stairs and around blind corners above stairwells in the olde North Stacks of the Graduate Library.

This creates a very real danger of slipping, and indeed two housekeepers have fallen prey to villain unknown.

Staff should tread carefully in the early hours, lest they too slip and succumb to injury; at least until the fiend ceases, is apprehended, or moves on to another haunt.

Staff should also report any suspicious behavior, e.g. disfigured patrons banned for violating our no food policy, unattended monkeys, or anybody slipping into the many secret passages leading to the sewers and steam tunnels below.

From: Stephen M Hipkiss [stavka@umich.edu]
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2004 3:27 PM
Subject: Found Jewelry

Normally beyond what I see as the scope of this list; I felt the need to mention the recent recovery of a piece of silver jewelry in what I would characterize as a rather staff oriented area of Hatcher Library.

The item is available at North Circulation for return to anybody who can describe it.

In the event of no claims the item will be recast as shot, to help deal with the rising costs associated with werewolf abatement.

The above, of course, is all in Stephen's words.

Stephen and I didn't work a great deal together, but it was always good to cross paths with him. His laugh was infectious. My condolences to the family.

I will remember Stephen as kind, funny, intelligent, creative and big-hearted. He was an integral part of our own, much more realistic version of the Brady Bunch, sharing many irreverant, happy and meaningful moments. Sympathy goes out to Andy, Bill, Pat, Karen and all who, like me, miss and are saddened by his passing.

I am very saddened by Stephen's death. I was his father's last wife for 20 years and Stephen was always very kind to me. After Bill's death, he kept in touch. We shared many thoughts about his father. Stephen had a brilliant intellect and wit. The world is sadder for his untimely loss.

Stephen's untimely departure is a deeply felt loss to all who knew him. My deepest condolences to Pat, Karen, Andy, and all who loved him and feel his loss keenly. As our parents worked closely together, and my brother Eric and I were of like ages to the Hipkiss boys, I had the good fortune of having known Stephen and Andy from earliest childhood. Never at a loss for brilliant insight or wit, the loss of Stephen is a great loss to us all. He will be missed.