Michael Justin Lippe

1943 - 2014

Michael Justin Lippe obituary, 1943-2014, Washington, DC

BORN

1943

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Joseph Gawler's Sons, LLC

5130 Wisconsin Ave NW

Washington, District of Columbia

Michael Lippe Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 1, 2014.

This is Michael in his own words:

"I was born in 1943 in Columbus, Ohio, but I grew up in places like Cuba, Singapore, and Belgium. It sounds exciting and it was, but it also meant that I didn't really get to know my own country until much later.
After law school, I decided that a legal career was not really in my future. I joined the Peace Corps, where I served three years in Botswana. As many others have said of their time in the Peace Corps, it was the job of a lifetime. I met my first wife there, married and adopted her three boys, and we decided to continue an international-style life. During the next twenty years, this led us to places such as Kenya, Tunisia, and the Ivory Coast. We also added one more son to our family. I retired in 1996, but continued to work internationally as a consultant. Botswana had been a defining moment in my life. What came next was also one. In December 2007, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I fully expected to die in 2008, but when this did not happen, I decided to write a book on this experience with my amazing oncologist, Dung T. Le, MD. At this point in my life, at an age I never expected to reach, I take things very slowly. I don't plan too far into the future. I do, however, think about another book, and may just try it."


Michael was the son of an American diplomat and indeed did grow up all over the world. He came back to the United States for university and received his JD from Harvard in the mid 60s. After his service in the Peace Corps, he worked in Africa with USAID. His government specialties were in urban planning, specifically housing. His assignments took him to many parts of Africa, and it was an exciting and fruitful time.

Later, as a consultant, he based out of Washington DC, and then Shephardstown West Virginia where he lived with his second wife. For part of the year, he would be in places like Beijing, or Prague. Concurrently, he became interested in mediation and did work on behalf of refugees seeking asylum in the United States. In late 2007 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and his world changed. His focus now centered on staying well and living fully. He wrote a book about his experiences with cancer, and was working on several ideas for other pieces.

Michael passed away April 28th 2014. He was in process of moving to New Zealand where his youngest son had settled. His second oldest son, Motho was busy helping him get ready for the move. In the end, he had six years beyond his wildest expectations and most of those years were pain free and relatively active. He wrote a book, and continued traveling for pleasure. He was always involved in the well being of his children and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his four sons; Motaki, Motho, Thapelo, and Leungo; seven grandchildren; his former wives Lesego Lippe and Beth Bellamy; his brother Stuart, and sister Laurie.
We will all miss Michael enormously. His liveliness, his humor, his continuing interest in the world served to make him a sought out friend, father, and brother

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October 15, 2017

Coworker

Cathy Stevulak

I volunteered with Michael at Partnership for Transparency Fund and greatly admired his dedication to this project and to the initiatives of civil society to improve governance, increase transparency and reduce corruption in developing countries. Though we worked together virtually, I sensed his passion for what is just, and admired that he would put in every ounce of effort he could muster toward progress, even in most challenging times. Beyond this work, he encouraged me as I became a filmmaker to tell stories of women in Bangladesh, encouragement that is important to this day. I realize now that, shortly before his passing, Michael reached out to guide my friend with pancreatic cancer, advice that moved him toward an active life. Michael's legacy lives on with the many lives he touched. We continue to remember him. Best wishes to you, Michael's family.

August 1, 2014

Claudina Hernandez

Michael was a great patient at our office and very friendly who I really enjoyed speaking with. I will miss him dearly but now he is in a better place and will be missed by alot of people. :( R.I.P

July 31, 2014

Anne Dronnier

Belatedly posting a few words to express again my heartfelt condolences to Michael's family. I just finished re-reading his book (… A Patient and His Doctor Balance Hope & Truth) and again, I was inspired by Michael's words of wisdom in Chapter 11, where he shares advice and thoughts that we can all learn from. I sent his book to two different people, and both friends told me how enlightening and reassuring it had been for them to read it. They were thankful. As many have written in this Guest Book, Michael leaves behind an indelible legacy.

June 19, 2014

Martina Odonkor

I met Michael when we worked together on a USAID evaluation team in 2006 in Ghana. Michael was a wonderful colleague and friend. He was supportive and compassionate, wonderful to talk to and a true friend. I will never forget him. Condolences to all his family.

June 19, 2014

Jennifer Worrell

Michael was a colleague at USAID who became a dear friend for over 20 years. I loved his openess to see and understand people as they are and to not judge those who were different. I am happy that I had the opportunity to spend some time with him last year when he visited Annecy in France. He was a true friend who will remain in my heart forever. Rest in Peace my friend.

Jennifer Worrell ( United Nations, Switzerland)

June 4, 2014

Craig MacGillivray

I have a very vivid and positive memory of my interactions with Michael .... a strong image of a humble, wise, and yet larger than life, father..... an active father was the man I got to know a little - and will always be richer for the experience. I am sorry I did not get to know you better Michael, but thanks for what you shared with, and imparted to, me. Love to all in the family.

June 3, 2014

Maureen Magole

Abuti Michael you were part of our family for so long that you will be missed. However your being absent does not mean you will be forgotten. SHAA has moved beyond your original idea of housing the urban poor, it has now reached all corners of Botswana, your ideas have grown and continue to have an impact on people's lives as well as your generosity.
MmaDollar

June 3, 2014

Mmaskepe Sejoe

Abuti Michael I know you fought the cancer long and hard, most importantly you made sure that your experiences will make the journey easier for anybody else battling pancreatic cancer. You will continue to be remembered.
Mmaskepe

May 28, 2014

Colette & Jim Atwatet

Lesego,
May the fond memories of happier times and favorite places help to ease the pain of an untimely loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

May 27, 2014

It was a great honor to work with Mike as a USAID colleague. His commitment to a just world will be missed. George Deikun, Geneva, Switzerland

Posted by

May 23, 2014

Michael gave me strength and hope as I also faced the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Michael gave me encouragement every time we had our chemotherapy treatments at Johns Hopkins. Miss you, Michael!! GW

May 22, 2014

i lost part of me 52 years part ed blankstein i will plant a tree in israel in his name

May 21, 2014

Faith Lippe

Hi my name is Faith(Motaki's oldest daughter), and I want to thank everyone for their kind words during this time. I also want to let my extended family know that you are all in our prayers. I did not get to spend as much time as I wanted with my grandpa but when I did it was like time never passed. He was like my best friend and I truly will miss him. I love you grandpa.

May 20, 2014

Lee Roussel

Our warm sympathies to all of Mike's family for your loss. Mike was a very special colleague and showed great courage in face of his illness.

May 20, 2014

Patricia Rojas

Lesego I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

May 17, 2014

Mike will be sorely missed and remembered by his family and many friends. He was a truly a fine and caring soul whom I admired greatly even though we were usually separated by continents. Bill Gelman

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