- Born on: May 3, 1931
- Departed on: May 3, 2017
- Resided in: Decatur, IA
Shannon Carl Whipp
Am so very sorry. I just looked this up after hearing from Larry Larson. My most sincere condolences to the Whipp families! Such good memories of softball, a surprise junior high birthday party, and such good times with Meg... God bless you all.
In my childhood years of growing up, the Whipps and the Oterhouts, were next door neighbors about an 1/8th of a mile down the gravel road from each other on RR1 (as it was called back then), Kelley, IA. Many, many, many memories with Meg and her other brothers - whether it be watching baby lambs being born, playing in the barns, late nite talks jumping on the ground level trampoline, staying overnite, or just general having fun as kids in the late 60's-early 70's. When I was at their house, I always felt welcome and was just another one of all the kids there. Jerry and I want to extend our sympathy to all members of the Whipp family.
You are one amazing person Dr. Shannon. I wish our short times together could have been different. From that first smile and handshake I knew I had met a "once in a life time" person. The great creator has not placed to many like you on this earth. I thank my God many times for your son Boon who brought us together before you filled out that final change of address. You have touched many many lives I am sure. Thank you for that chance for that final cup of coffee with you. Your memory will live on forever in those lives you have touched. Richard Williams A disabled Viet Nam Vet
I am so sorry that my family can't be there to help celebrate Uncle Shannon's life. We did enjoy his visit to Poulsbo WA several years ago. He spent quite a time with my husband, John, chatting about cutting wood, researching and various childhood adventures. I have sent a donation to the Arbor Day Foundation. Mom ( Shannon's sister Linda) is very sad that she can't make the trip and we both are sending all the family a big hug.
My condolences to all of Shannon’s family near and far. This note is long overdue and I am sorry I missed his memorial celebration. The bottom line for me with Shannon is a conversation we had many, many years ago. At a crossroads in my personal and professional life and debating which way to go, I took the opportunity to see what he thought. Shannon was the Head of Physiology at the NADC at that time, and just said “I think you should apply for the VMO position at the lab. I think it would be good for you and good for the lab.” Having sat on a few hiring panels myself over the years, I expect there may have been a good word or two thrown in when discussing my qualifications for that job as well. I don’t know if my time NADC was good for the lab, but it was good for me. It opened-up a world of first-class scientists and wonderful people and colleagues who by example and direction pretty much set my career in motion. The point here is that you never know what a positive statement can do for somebody. I am sure he may have missed the mark at other times with people, as we all do, but that conversation made a difference to me. Thanks Shannon.
Dr. Whipp was my supervisor and respected colleague at the National Animal Disease Center for several years until I retired in 1991. He was a brilliant scientist with a keen mind; a demanding but fair-minded boss. I benefited from his advice frequently, and will greatly miss his friendship. My sincere condolences to his family.
Next winter, while sitting in front of my fireplace enjoying the beauty and warmth of the fire, I'll be thinking of you. I thank you Shannon for making sure I had wood to burn for so many years. You made sure to cut it just right so this old woman could handle and that was much appreciated. I enjoyed our friendship and you'll be missed. Brenda Fulton
Dear Shannon: On the occasion of your birthday, I want to take this opportunity to say “Thank You.” Twelve years ago, you gave me a book called Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew. Less than a chapter into it, I was hooked! Later, you gave me a small variety of tried-and-true vegetable gardening reference books, and my nose is firmly planted in one practically year-round. Thank you for giving me those books and for helping me embrace my inner garden-nerd. When David and I were married, you gave us a Mantis tiller, the perfect fit for our garden boxes. We use that tiller every spring and fall (well, David runs the tiller . . . I supervise). Thank you for giving us that tiller. It is an invaluable tool. On two separate occasions, you built, delivered and left assembled in our driveway a garden box of notched logs. Even more graciously, you came to our rescue when we couldn’t figure out how to put the box back together once we relocated it to our garden. As you know, we replaced all of the boxes a couple of years ago, but a piece of one of those “Whipp Originals” remains as a perch for a stone rabbit who watches over my strawberry bed. Thank you for building and giving us those original boxes. And yes, I know, there’s more to life than gardening. There’s pitch! And the never ending quest for the whole enchilada. You and David are quite the team! Thank you for every game, even though the Boys beat the Girls more often than I’ll ever admit. Speaking of that pitch partner of yours, you’ve been like a dad to my David over the years, especially since he lost his own in 2007. Thank you for being such a good friend to him. Lastly, thank you, Shannon, for being such a good friend to me. You’re the only one I know who has looked at my tomato charts without then questioning whether I might have a little too much time on my hands. Every fall, you’re the first to ask whether I’ve planted any garlic yet. And, you never failed to have a “yuppie” beer in your fridge with my name on it. Twice a year, rain or shine, it’s been an honor to serve as unofficial photographer at your Breakfasts in the Timber and witness such strong friendships that have endured time and distance. Much love, my friend, on the occasion of your birthday! Stephanie Daughton
Where do I begin to say how much I cared for Shannon? We met at the National Animal Disease Center when I was very depressed about the job I had and when visiting with Annette Bates, my dear friend, his secretary and the one who kept him from saying or doing the wrong thing (when she could get him to listen that is), he overheard something and called me in to his office to encourage me and get me back on the straight and narrow path to being a good, and successful employee. I can not say how much his caring personality touched my heart. I am forever grateful and we developed a very special bond and relationship over the years that I am so very grateful for. My heart is full of grief yet I am full of joy that Shannon is up in heaven feeling great again. I know Annette is up there having to tell him where to go and when to be there or he'd probably miss a special appointment and you sure don't want to do that up there!! God Bless his memory and my deepest sympathies to all of the families, past and present. I pray you are able to rejoice in the knowledge that he was greeted by so many that went before him who cared so much for him, and I hope when he sees me coming, he'll put the tea kettle on and we can sit and have another special visit! (and hope he remembers a tea bag this time cause I got to many of his breakfasts with hot water and no tea or sometimes a tea bag and no kettle!) That's my buddy! :)
To Shannon's family, sincere condolences. Unfortunately, our Mothers, who were sisters, were separated upon the death of their Mother, Alice (Saunders) Simmons, and, could not grow up together. Although we were unable to connect, physically, I feel a special bond with my cousins Les, and, Shannon, because their picture, with mother Margaret was always hanging in my Mother, Myra's bedroom. So very sorry for your loss, and, for mine, as I never had the opportunity to know Shannon. I am sure he will be missed, and, will live on, in his contributions to science, and, animal health care.
