What an honor to be able to write and close the final chapter of my brother’s life here on this earth. It is, however, not the final chapter of his life. On Oct. 14, 2022, Gary transitioned to his eternal home to live with his Heavenly Father and Personal Savior, Jesus Christ for all eternity. Gary was born in Hutchinson, Kan. at Grace Hospital on July 10, 1951. A few hours before Gary’s transition, a service of songs, scripture and prayer was attended by around 20 people, including his mother, staff at Sunshine Meadows Retirement where he resided the last few weeks of his life on earth and a number of Hospice staff, all who wanted to honor Gary’s life.
Gary was born to Raymond and Marian Lipe. He was number two of their five children. Family that transitioned before Gary were his father, Raymond Lipe and his sister and her husband, Sharolyn and Duane Meyeres. Gary was the quietest of the five children. He attended elementary school in Great Bend, Kan., Roosevelt Junior High and graduated from Great Bend High School in 1969. He attended Wichita State University as a music major. He moved to Denver, Colo. and lived there for three years. A few years after his time in Denver, Gary made the decision to become a medical doctor. He had a strong calling to serve people struggling with physical problems. He attended St. Matthew’s University in Belize in Central America and shortly after did an internship in England. He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine on May of 2004. Shortly after receiving his degree in Medicine, Gary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and was never able to practice medicine. Gary also worked for Reno County Maintenance and Purchasing for 8 years. In the summer of 2022, Gary was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, which is what helped him to transition to his Paradise in Heaven. Gary told me the same day as his diagnosis that with his Parkinson’s starting to progress rapidly, he considered this diagnosis a “miracle” from God.
A Celebration of Life was held for Gary by family and friends at the Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community on Oct. 16, 2022. All attending had wonderful stories of Gary’s love and gentleness with every person he met. The relationship he and his mother had will carry on into heaven and will remain strong through all eternity.
Family that Gary left behind for a short time are his mother, Marian Lipe of Buhler, Kan. His brother, Michael Lipe, married to Suzanne Lipe of Fort Collins, Colo. and their son, Douglas Lipe of Merriam, Kan.; brother Richard Lipe and his wife Lisa Lipe of Hutchinson, Kan. and their daughter, Jordyn Kelly and husband Joshua Kelly and baby girl which is due in December, of Dunn, N.C.; sister, Carol Dennis and her husband Sean Dennis of Grand Lake, Colo., and their children, Amanda and Brian. Gary is also survived by many extended family members and friends.
Gary and I talked about what heaven would be like and that he would be able to sit and personally talk, face to face, with God and Jesus. That promise from his Savior, Jesus Christ, carried him through his final days on this earth. Gary will be missed by all of us left behind but only for a short time, as we will see him again and be able to sit with him, our loved ones and Jesus. We will bask in the glory of Paradise for all eternity.
Gary’s final wishes are to be laid to rest in his beloved Rocky Mountains near Grand Lake. The family will meet there in the Spring to carry out his wish. Here is to Gary, his life and the sure fact that we will see and be with him again. Love you, Bro!
On behalf of Gary and his 4-legged furry best friend Sheba, please offer out a memorial to the following: Reno County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Program, c/o Gary Lipe Memorial, 206 W. 1st Avenue, Hutchinson, KS 67501
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 23, 2022
