Brian Tipton

1961 - 2021

Brian Tipton
October 19, 1961 - July 1, 2021
Sacramento, California - If ever there was a Fighter who continuously got knocked down, but got back up again, it was Brian "Bear" Tipton. His perseverance in the face of troubles should inspire us and our hearts are warmed remembering the twinkle in his eye, sly smile, generous and affectionate nature and that hilarious chuckle. He is missed.
Born in Portland, OR, then moving many times as a kid, he grew up mostly in Cupertino, CA, with his late Mom and "Dad", Sharon and Bob Price, joined by siblings Scott and Tracy for fun summers.
An admitted adrenaline junkie, in different eras of his life he played hockey and rugby, rock climbed, cliff-dove, skied and especially loved sky diving. He valiantly fought wildfires on a crew for several years. Journalism was his major at Chico State and he was quite a wordsmith, sarcasm being a favorite skill. He brought Home Building customer service to a "performance art" level. Despite all his risk-filled adventures and an admirably consistent exercise routine, he died from a diabetic incident, after a very happy last few months on Earth.
He was an award-winning volunteer with Special Olympics for over a decade. He adored dogs, especially his late Best Friend, Lolo, who got certified to cheer patients in the hospital. He recently prepared to start a pet care business.
His healing powers were legendary including a serious brain injury (TBI), after which the surgeon dubbed him "Miracle Man" for his extensive recovery. He was an incredibly strong, brave, tenacious, generous, intelligent, thoughtful, complex soul. He covered nearly all his "canvas" with amazing tattoos skillfully rendered by Tanya - he called this his "therapy" and they told his story. He also loved watching football with friends, eating out and hiking Foresthill Bridge, pictured there with Lolo.
Besides his 2 far-flung siblings in Boston (Tracy) and Hawaii (Scott with kids Cam & Jessie), he is survived by family on the West Coast: Jon, Nikki and Bobby Campbell, the Macleans, the Woodens and Mark Williams. His many Friends in different circles are also his Family. He was grateful for every one of you. To name just a few close to his heart: Chris Maudru, the Monsons, Lee K, the Ferrarinis, the Allins, Termite, Bird, Combo, Buster, Kathleen, Mitch & Dawn, Dan, Tanya, Chris S, Ben and his devoted girlfriend Angela Sharp.
On Tues, October 19th, 2021 at 4:20pm you are invited to gather at a fav spot of Brian's to celebrate his spirit: Sailor Bar Park Boat Ramp at the southern terminus of Illinois Ave in Fair Oaks, Sacramento. 60th Birthday cake will be served and memories will be shared. Please mark your calendars now!
Feel free to honor Brian in the online Sac Bee obit at Legacy.com: find his name, scroll down to "Add a Message". Leave your email if you'd like. If you wish to donate, Special Olympics and Animal Rescue were important to Brian. A skydiving memorial may happen.
The last weekend of his life, he went on his 250th skydiving jump, captured in this joyous video where you can watch him do fist bumps with Ben, a backflip, wave, and finally fly free. https://vimeo.com/584655658