April 30, 1955 – Oct. 14, 2011
Kevin C. Hipp, 56, died Oct. 14, 2011 after a fight with cancer, surrounded by his family and friends.
He was born April 30, 1955 in Lebanon to Erick and Ernestine (Malone) Hipp. He lived in Sweet Home his entire life.
He graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1973, lettering in football and wrestling. During high school he worked at Sweet Home Tannery and the Slaughter House on River Road in Sweet Home.
On the Monday morning after he graduated from high school, he went to work in the woods with some of his classmates for Harvey Zoon Logging. He also worked for Triple T Logging, Willamette Industries and several other logging outfits.
Mr. Hipp attended Linn-Benton Community College, taking welding and diesel mechanic classes. He then worked as head mechanic for Willamette Industries. After retiring, he opened Hipp’s Automotive.
He married Robbie Vavrosky Kruesi and later divorced.
Mr. Hipp knew how to enjoy life – drag racing, snowmobile drag racing and making anything go “fast.” He wrote, “When I die I don’t want to get to my grave well-preserved and in good shape. I want to get there sliding sideways, screaming ‘Holy Cow, what a ride!’”
He had a passion for Alaska, which was almost his second home for over 30 years. Homer, Alaska was his favorite. Another of his favorite pastimes was ocean fishing. Mr. Hipp was a born skipper and fisherman, as anyone who fished with him or knew him recognized. He was very proud of his boat, the White Star. He also enjoyed wood- working and amazed people with his beautiful work .
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife, Vicky Bentley of Sweet Home; her daughters, Lisa Magers of Sweet Home and Teresa Warren of Creswell and five grandchildren; his mother, Ernestine Hipp of Sweet Home; sisters Robin and brother-in-law Diji Dada of Aubi Daubi, United Arab Emirates and their children, Daniel, Makenzie and Adam, and Ronda Hipp of Dallas and her child Matrika; and father-in-law Hal Hennick. He also leaves behind close extended family members Fred, Stephanie, Bryan, Britney and Breana Warth; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mr. Hipp was preceded in death by his father, Erick Hipp; and one of his very true friends, Tim Rund.
A funeral service is planned for 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at Holley Christian Church, with final burial at Crawfordsville Union Cemetery.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.