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1945 - 2019

BORN

1945

DIED

2019

About

Columbia University

Ted Kipping Obituary

Ted Kipping

1945-2019

Ted was a renowned horticulturalist as well as an indefatigable artist, speaker, musician and photographer. His vast knowledge of natural history made his monthly slide shows popular for 38 years. After attending Columbia University and working at the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park, Ted established his own tree care firm. Ted logged nearly 50 years as a Botanical Garden volunteer. He was active in several local horticultural clubs, a lifetime member of a dozen horticultural organizations and a longstanding member of the International Society of Arboriculture and the American Society of Consulting Arborists. For more than 12 years he donated time, funds, plants and crew to the Sunnyside Conservatory. He is survived by his wife Diana, son Kirk, brother John and niece Zoe. Donations in Ted's name may be made to Save the Redwoods, one of Ted's favorite groups. The family will hold a private memorial service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 31, 2019 to Jan. 2, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Ted Kipping

17 Entries

Miriam beer

May 31, 2024

I was parked on west portal one day many years ago and a tree well was about to catch fire,so ...I got a gallon of water from my 2001 Prius and was dousing the smoke when at that exact moment TED was about to do the same.right place, right time. I was privey to enjoy his garden when I was a student of horticulture at San Francisco City College. I'm texting this as I sit in front of his home.may 30,2024.

Dennis Patterson

September 24, 2023

Ted was a good friend of my late father Glen Patterson, of Vancouver BC, also an avid horticulturalist. I was privileged to travel with them on many adventurous trips to see petroglyphs like Sinbad´s Head and arches and rare plants and Arizona Highways photographic tours in Utah. Ted and Dad were childlike in their fascination with the wonders of nature and made epic alpine hikes together to marvel at aged Bristlecone pines in California. Loved them both and feel so privileged to have known and spent time together with them. (Senator) Dennis Patterson

Carolyn Thomas

August 19, 2020

I'm sorry to realize Ted's passing so many months later...
There are some people that when you are meeting them, you know you'll not forget them. Ted was one of those people. He was at my house to look at my trees and help me decide what to do with them. He was full of curiosity - especially about an evergreen maple that he couldn't identify right away. He was interested in all the trees, and wanted to do right by each of the 13 trees on the property (which included removing some of them so others would survive.) I learned about his interest in photography, and next time he arrived with a CD of his pics.
I always looked forward to tree trimming time after that. I enjoyed his company, and appreciated the wonderful job he did with the trees, and his camaraderie with the crew that did some of the hard work (as a testament to him, it was over the years many of the same fellows, including 'little john'.
I remember also his character - while others before him cut corners or weren't mindful of everyone's safety or didn't show up on time, or would be wary of recommending someone else - that wasn't Ted's way.
This is a loss for all, though I feel blessed to have known him even a little.

Michael Olexo

May 3, 2020

I am beyond shocked to hear of Ted's passing. As a young Architect and Landscape Architect, in the early 80's Ted took me on a river rafting trip down the Carson river with a group of botanists that I remember to this day. His cloud forest garden, generosity trimming trees for those who could not afford it, and his generous spirit will be sorely missed.

Douglas Kipping

February 3, 2020

January 10, 2020

I have a daily memory of Ted because his photo of a sunset in Baja, California has been my screensaver for years.

January 8, 2020

I met Ted in 1969 when he was working as a gardener in the west end of Golden Gate Park, near the Beach. He readily shared his vast knowledge and passion for nature and the arts, especially everything that grows from the earth's floor, with me and my friends. He was an amazing, unique person in many ways: he was multi-talented, and loved to share his gifts, and the gifts we all share in living in a place with so much beauty and life!

My deep condolences to Diana, Kirk, and Ted's family.

Farewell, Ted! I can imagine you now, in some other universe, eloquently speaking--or getting ready to--about your adventures in this lifetime on Earth. Thank you for pointing out, and contributing so much to its beauty and wonder!

Fare forth, voyager!

Jim Smith

January 6, 2020

I had nothing but positive experiences whenever we crossed paths in the plant world. He will be sorely missed.

Elliot Goliger

January 4, 2020

I was very fortunate to know Ted for many years. I learned a lot from him and he introduced me to so many great people. He helped me whenever I needed anything. God broke the mold when he was made, I'll never meet anyone again quite like Ted.

Leslie Dean

January 3, 2020

Ted was the type of person you could ask any question about any topic and he would have an answer. He just knew everything!
I met Ted while I was involved with the Western Horticultural Society as well as the Pacific Horticulture Society. He seemed to be involved with just about every horticultural group in the area and I never ceased to learn something every time I saw him. His dedication to horticulture and his endless energy had him volunteering countless hours to help educate the public. He generously opened his lovely garden for countless tours of which I was greatly thankful as it was a treasure trove of unique and beautiful plants.
His passing is a big loss to the horticulture community. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed dearly.

Janet Hoffmann

January 3, 2020

Ted was a giant of the horticultural community for many years! I first heard him speak at Cal Hort in the 80's and then got to know him a bit better through my recent involvement with Western Hort. His presence will be missed in both groups, I am sure.

Marjory Harris

January 3, 2020

My condolences to Ted's loved ones. He was a unique individual, an autodidact and polymath with an encyclopedic knowledge of nature. Ted introduced me to the world of horticulture after I met him in early 1982. He taught me about pruning and many other things, and I witnessed the development of his most unusual garden. Ted was a relentless volunteer to many horticultural organizations, a fantastic photographer and world traveler. Truly an American original.

Jane and John Cavala

January 2, 2020

We worked with Ted for many years. He was a lovely man. We appreciated the curiosity and wisdom he brought to every project. We will miss spending time with him.

Katherine Bishop

January 2, 2020

We were deeply saddened to read of Ted's passing today. He cared for our trees for 25 years and accomplished amazing things with the huge redwoods that had been untrimmed and neglected for 30 years when we purchased the Victorian house at Taylor Street and Macondray Lane. The first thing he told us was, "I will not cut huge view spaces in the trees. I will do what is best for the tree. The tree is part of the view." He worked for years to get the redwoods back in shape and removed a dead oak and replaced it with two bronze leaf cherry trees that added color and spring blooms to the otherwise evergreen lane. He was a marvelous person, full of stories and wisdom about all sorts of topics. He introduced us to everything from the Potters' Guild to his acupuncturist. He was kindness personified. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Kate and Richard Bishop

December 31, 2019

I had the pleasure of working with Ted in the late 70's. I was a tree climber. He was one with nature and taught me how to appreciate the things that came from the ground. I have never met a kinder soul. God Blessed you Ted Kipping. RIP See you in the next life. Mike Arias SF

I am so sorry for your loss and send my deepest condolences.

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