Kip lived two blocks from me on Bryant Ave. and we hung out daily throught junior High and freshman year. We played "horse" shooting hoops in that crooked net in his driveway untile we couldn't see at night, made "Radio calls" on an old intercom system in his house, and watched sports with his family. I still remember seeing Peggy Flemming in the her olympic debut sitting on the living room floor at Kip's.
He had so much going for him. When I learned he was terminally sick I asked why not stop going to class and do what we now call bucket list items, but the answer was he wanted to have as normal a life as he could, and besides his friends were at COD. I think that was the first time I really thought about life being unfair. He was a good friend and a great guy, but our life paths just went different ways once at West. I was saddened to hear of his passing form my parents while I was at school that summer while down at SIU, but didn't hear in time to come back for the funeral. We had lost one of the good ones.
Kip lived a few houses down the road from me. We weren't close friends but got together ocassionally to ride bikes, play kick the can and catch lightning bugs. He was a terrific guy and fun to be around. Kippy was dealt a horrible hand. Yet he handled his diagnosis with strength and courage. I stopped over at his house a few days before leaving for college. Walking to his house, I recall being nervous, sad and guilty. What do I say to him? I was heading to college with my life ahead of me. When I walked into the room, Kip was in bed. He was alert with a smile on his face putting me at ease. Kippy talked a little bit about his condition and medications. Mostly, he was curious about my upcoming plans. Although he was in pain, he wanted to know about my housing situation, my new roommate, courses, etc. Unbelievable. Over the years I've thought about my visit with Kip that aftenoon. His upbeat attitude. His energy and spirit. His will to live. His sincere interest in others. His optimism in the eye of the storm.
There are two days I remember and reflect on every year, since 1970: October 24th and October 27th. Kip Dyson was one of my best childhood friends. He lived on Newton at the time. I was around the corner on Anthony Street. . The neighborhood kids: Elliotts, Gardners, and Dysons were around each other almost daily. I looked up to Kip, as he was 2 years older. Winding up at Glenbard West together for my first, his last, two years of H.S., I will never forget how kind he was to me as a freshman. Not avoiding me, and helping me navigate the big school. I never post things of this nature. I was drawn to the class of '70 web site recently. Not sure why. I saw a post from Laura Salsberry about Kip. I remember her, and was moved that she posted on October 24th. Should she see this, all my best to you. Many stories to share, but not enough space here. October 24th 1970, my older sister Patty was homecoming Queen at GW, the day of Kip's passing. Kip was buried October 27th, my 16th birthday. So those two days I always think of my friend and how nice it would have been to have known him a lot longer.
How great to hear from you! It is very heart-warming to know that Kip's memory lives on in the peolple who loved him. I recall the great friendship and love between the Elliotts & Dysons, you guys knew how to have fun! Thank you for reaching out and sharing your memories of a truly wonderful guy!
Laura, I remember Kip fondly. Junior or Senior year he was in my speech class. He was one of the nicest young men I have ever met. I never saw him lose his temper and he was kind to everyone. He would compliment classmates after their speeches in class knowing how nervous most of us were. When I heard how sick he was it tore me apart as I'm sure it did many people. My heart went out to you, Laura, because I knew how much you loved him. This is one memory of High School I will never forget. Nor will I ever forget Kip and what a good person and role model he was. Everyone who knew him certainly benefitted from having him in our lives. Thank you for reminding us of this wonderful person. Part of him will always live on in you and us for having known him. May God Bless you richly in 2022.
Dear Laura, I knew Kip since we were young kids. I lived on Anthony street. He lived around the corner on Newton. I remember we called him Kippy. His personality was filled with kindness, respect and with a great amount of thoughtfulness. I remember well, as if it was yesterday, that we sat together and shared a tearful conversation about Kip and his illness and his passing. Your love for each other was so evident. I'm glad he was in our lives. I'm glad you have been a part of my wonderful memories. Miss you and all our classmates. Al on the best in 2022 and always.
John Simanton
Laura, that's beautiful!
Byron Heidorn
Kip lived two blocks from me on Bryant Ave. and we hung out daily throught junior High and freshman year. We played "horse" shooting hoops in that crooked net in his driveway untile we couldn't see at night, made "Radio calls" on an old intercom system in his house, and watched sports with his family. I still remember seeing Peggy Flemming in the her olympic debut sitting on the living room floor at Kip's.
He had so much going for him. When I learned he was terminally sick I asked why not stop going to class and do what we now call bucket list items, but the answer was he wanted to have as normal a life as he could, and besides his friends were at COD. I think that was the first time I really thought about life being unfair. He was a good friend and a great guy, but our life paths just went different ways once at West. I was saddened to hear of his passing form my parents while I was at school that summer while down at SIU, but didn't hear in time to come back for the funeral. We had lost one of the good ones.
He has been and will continue to be missed.
James "Jim" Wunderlich
Kip lived a few houses down the road from me. We weren't close friends but got together ocassionally to ride bikes, play kick the can and catch lightning bugs. He was a terrific guy and fun to be around. Kippy was dealt a horrible hand. Yet he handled his diagnosis with strength and courage. I stopped over at his house a few days before leaving for college. Walking to his house, I recall being nervous, sad and guilty. What do I say to him? I was heading to college with my life ahead of me. When I walked into the room, Kip was in bed. He was alert with a smile on his face putting me at ease. Kippy talked a little bit about his condition and medications. Mostly, he was curious about my upcoming plans. Although he was in pain, he wanted to know about my housing situation, my new roommate, courses, etc. Unbelievable. Over the years I've thought about my visit with Kip that aftenoon. His upbeat attitude. His energy and spirit. His will to live. His sincere interest in others. His optimism in the eye of the storm.
Laura Salsbery
Still love you!Scott Zapel
From Doug Elliott, GW Class of '72:
There are two days I remember and reflect on every year, since 1970: October 24th and October 27th. Kip Dyson was one of my best childhood friends. He lived on Newton at the time. I was around the corner on Anthony Street. . The neighborhood kids: Elliotts, Gardners, and Dysons were around each other almost daily. I looked up to Kip, as he was 2 years older. Winding up at Glenbard West together for my first, his last, two years of H.S., I will never forget how kind he was to me as a freshman. Not avoiding me, and helping me navigate the big school. I never post things of this nature. I was drawn to the class of '70 web site recently. Not sure why. I saw a post from Laura Salsberry about Kip. I remember her, and was moved that she posted on October 24th. Should she see this, all my best to you. Many stories to share, but not enough space here. October 24th 1970, my older sister Patty was homecoming Queen at GW, the day of Kip's passing. Kip was buried October 27th, my 16th birthday. So those two days I always think of my friend and how nice it would have been to have known him a lot longer.
Laura Salsbery
Dear Doug,
How great to hear from you! It is very heart-warming to know that Kip's memory lives on in the peolple who loved him. I recall the great friendship and love between the Elliotts & Dysons, you guys knew how to have fun! Thank you for reaching out and sharing your memories of a truly wonderful guy!
I hope that your family is doing well,
Laura Salsbery
Marsha Virene (Matthews)
Laura, I remember Kip fondly. Junior or Senior year he was in my speech class. He was one of the nicest young men I have ever met. I never saw him lose his temper and he was kind to everyone. He would compliment classmates after their speeches in class knowing how nervous most of us were. When I heard how sick he was it tore me apart as I'm sure it did many people. My heart went out to you, Laura, because I knew how much you loved him. This is one memory of High School I will never forget. Nor will I ever forget Kip and what a good person and role model he was. Everyone who knew him certainly benefitted from having him in our lives. Thank you for reminding us of this wonderful person. Part of him will always live on in you and us for having known him. May God Bless you richly in 2022.
Laura Salsbery
Thanks Marsha, your kind words are very much appreciated. Hopefully we'll catch up at the next reunion!Anthony Capps
Dear Laura, I knew Kip since we were young kids. I lived on Anthony street. He lived around the corner on Newton. I remember we called him Kippy. His personality was filled with kindness, respect and with a great amount of thoughtfulness. I remember well, as if it was yesterday, that we sat together and shared a tearful conversation about Kip and his illness and his passing. Your love for each other was so evident. I'm glad he was in our lives. I'm glad you have been a part of my wonderful memories. Miss you and all our classmates. Al on the best in 2022 and always.
Laura Salsbery
Thank you sweetie, I sure hope you will be able to come to the next reunion! Best of everything good for you in 2022. Hugs,