HIPKISS, STEPHEN MICHAEL Stephen Michael Hipkiss, of Ypsilanti Township, passed away on July 23, 2012 at the age of 44. Stephen was born in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Karen Kalk and the late William J. Hipkiss, Sr. Stephen graduated from the University of Michigan in 1990, receiving a Bachelor's degree in General Studies. He took great pride in his professional career at the University of Michigan, serving as a member of the University Library staff for the past 18 years. Long interested in issues of safety, security, and police accountability, Stephen served as an elected member of the UM Department of Public Safety Oversight...
HIPKISS, STEPHEN MICHAEL
Stephen Michael Hipkiss, of Ypsilanti Township, passed away on July 23, 2012 at the age of 44. Stephen was born in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Karen Kalk and the late William J. Hipkiss, Sr. Stephen graduated from the University of Michigan in 1990, receiving a Bachelor's degree in General Studies. He took great pride in his professional career at the University of Michigan, serving as a member of the University Library staff for the past 18 years. Long interested in issues of safety, security, and police accountability, Stephen served as an elected member of the UM Department of Public Safety Oversight Committee and as an appointed member to the UM Campus Safety and Security Advisory Committee. Stephen had an amazing intellect and a passion for history, often regaling his friends and family with historical facts on subjects such as the great battles of World War II and the intricacies of Soviet military history. Stephen took delight in social gaming, employing creativity and wit to slay dragons, topple kingdoms, and outfox the opposition. He had a great capacity for finding humor in the day-to-day aspects of life, and a perspective born of a unique insight on the wider world around him. In all things, he was gentle, irreverent, sweet-natured, funny, and a beloved friend and companion. Stephen is survived by his mother Karen Kalk; his partner of 16 years, Patricia Hodges; his siblings William (Julie) Green, Andrew (Heather) Hipkiss, David (RobertaLyn) Piszczek, Kevin (Leesa) Piszczek, and Robin Piszczek; several nieces, nephews, and step-siblings; his three precious cats Cheddar, Doodles, and Roo; and a community of life-long friends, affectionately known as the Geeks. A celebration of Stephen's life will be held on August 12, at 2:00 P.M. at the residence and his ashes will be scattered over his beloved Lake Michigan later this summer. Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Michigan Police Benevolent Association (P. O. Box 3502, Ann Arbor, MI 48106) and the Humane Society of Huron Valley (www.hshv.org). To leave a condolence please visit www.muehligannarbor.com