Dr. William Paul Kipp Ii

1932 - 2019

Dr. William Paul Kipp II (Bill)

Dr. William Paul Kipp II (Bill), died peacefully at home in the early morning of November 5, 2019, at the age of 87 with his loving wife and life-partner, Dene, at his side.

Bill was born January 22, 1932, in Wilkinsburg, PA to William and Margaret Kipp. His mother died in childbirth. His father remarried Ruth Chilcot Fisher but died 10 years later from black-lung as a coal miner. Bill was then raised by his stepmother.

Dad was a standout offensive and defensive lineman at Penn Hills High School. Upon graduation in 1950 his Marine Corps reserve status was activated for combat duty in Korea where he spent 18 months.

Returning from Korea and still struggling with the effects of a year and a half fighting overseas, a coach from the University of Tulsa called and offered Bill a scholarship. Later he transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma University from where he graduated and met the love of his life - Eldene Patsy Emerson (Dene). The two married May 27, 1954, in Tahlequah, OK. They had four children.

Dad's first teaching position was in La Puente, CA in 1957. Over the next 15 years, he served as vice-principal, principal, district personnel director and then deputy superintendent in charge of instruction. His first superintendent position was Saugus, CA. During his nearly 40 years serving in public education, Dad earned a master's degree from California State University at Los Angeles and a doctorate in education from the University of Southern California.

Bill, (along with his wife Dene and son Mike) moved to Redding in 1982 to take the reins of the Redding Elementary School District as superintendent. A role he executed with wisdom and grace. Bill retired in 1995.

Dad's life philosophy was to serve others. He was quoted in a newspaper article explaining this philosophy, "Use your God-given talents and skills to try and make the world a better place." He did this as a lifestyle. Dad described why he was so motivated to serve, "When I got all the breaks I've gotten in my life it was because of other people." Dad always seemed to be a person who wanted to give back and be one of those "other people." His record of volunteer work combined with his military service and investment in our public schools was just the tip of the iceberg. Among the organizations in which dad volunteered were: Boy Scouts of America, Mt. Lassen Council, United Way, Redding Chamber of Commerce, Senior Advocacy Center of Northern CA., California Retired Teachers Association, AARP Community Presence Team leader, Redding Rotary Club, First United Methodist Church, Redding Elks Lodge, United Way of Northern California.

As one friend commented about dad after his death, "Bill volunteered for so many different organizations and in each one seemed to rise to the top. He was the cream of the crop!"

Dad had a great voice and loved to lead singing whether around the campfire or in civic service organizations. One of Dad's friends from the Redding Elks recently wrote,

"Bill's rich and mellow voice would proudly lead us with the pledge of allegiance to our country and singing of "God Bless America." We could always count on Bill for an uplifting story to begin our meetings and a great big warm smile, a hardy handshake or a quick hug and pat on the shoulder. Always supportive to anyone who came to him for advice. Proud of his family and loving wife & partner Dene. Bill was truly a good man, we will miss him."

Dad loved the outdoors and spent many, many days with his family; playing tennis, racquetball, golf, camping, backpacking, houseboating, snow & water-skiing and soaking up the sun.

Dad loved his family and spoke with great pride about each of his kids to several friends in his final days.

Bill is preceded in death by his sister, his parents, his half-brother Sonny Kipp, and his grandson, William Paul Kipp IV.

Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dene, Redding, CA., Children: Kathy Kipp, Vallejo, CA. William Paul Kipp III, Red Bluff, CA. Jeff (Andrea) Kipp, Palmdale, CA. and Mike (Sandy) Kipp, Nampa, ID. Grandchildren: Spencer and McKenna. Half-sister Joann (Bob) Coates and their children: Bob (Mary Beth), Coates New Kensington, PA. Cindi Caristo, North Charleston, SC., Nancy (Jim) Greenwood and their children: Elsie and Charlotte, Arlington, VA.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, February 15 at 1 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 1825 East St. Redding, CA. A reception will follow at the Redding Elks Lodge, 250 Elk Dr. Redding, CA.

In lieu of flowers, Bill requested donations be given to the First United Methodist Church of Redding, CA (1825 East St. Redding, CA 96001) or First Christian Church of Redding, CA (3590 Placer St. Redding, CA 96001).