Michael J Pipis

Michael was extremely loving and proud of his two children Andrew Michael Pipis of Longmont, and Jessica Cleveland, and her husband Kenneth, of Hollis, New Hampshire. He is also survived by his loving partner Bonnie Kelley of Longmont; mother of his children Kathryn Pipis of Longmont; two sisters Connie Janus of Monroe, Michigan, and Mary Christine Albers of Macomb, Michigan; his brother Patrick Pipis and his wife Kathy of Roseville, California; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Michael earned a degree in History from the University of Michigan, where he was an avid Wolverines fan. He then graduated law school from the University of Toledo. Soon after graduating he moved to Colorado with Kathryn Pipis where they started a family, and built a law practice that eventually became a part of Pipis Marsh Law.

He spent his last few years traveling and enjoying life with his loving partner Bonnie Kelley. They loved to hike and travel and root against each other’s college football teams. Bonnie stayed by his side when Michael became ill, and tirelessly cared for him until the time of his death.

Michael was an avid outdoorsman, spending countless hours in nature, hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, kayaking, camping, and skiing, to name a few of his favorite activities. He even took a trip with friends to climb in the Himalayas, where he summited Mount Kala Patthar, standing at 18,514 feet. As many of his friends and family will attest, he was able to find adventure wherever he went, becoming a master at outdoor skills such as sinking kayaks, getting lost, and retrieving his camping tent from mountain lakes; all while exclaiming, “Are we having fun yet?” Michael could have fun and find laughter in any situation he found himself in.

Michael was a wonderful father, spending every minute he could with his children. He very patiently taught them to love and respect the beauty of the outdoors. He took his children on many character building adventures, teaching them that walking in the cold rain was always somehow fun, and the best thing after a rough day in the woods is laughter and the company of close friends and family.

Besides spending time in the outdoors, Michael was very involved in the community as a member of the local Rotary club, serving as its President at the time of his death. He was also a member and past President of the Colorado Mountain Club, leading many club hikes. He served on the board of directors for the TLC Learning Center, The Inn Between, and Hover Manor of Longmont. Michael was also very active in all aspects of St. Stephen’s Church in Longmont.

Michael was grand in his dreams and simple in his wants. He was a fiercely loving father and a tireless provider that too often put everyone else’s needs before his own. He wandered joyously through the mountains and valleys of this world combating hate with love and sadness with laughter. He was a teddy bear when you needed a hug and a grizzly when you needed protection. He courageously aspired to a quiet mind and open heart. Above all things Michael was a dear, dear man and will be sorely missed by all. Go Blue!

Memorial contributions can be made to: Longmont Twin Peaks Rotary, P.O. Box 713, Longmont, CO 80502; St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1303 S. Bross St., Longmont, CO 80501; or Hover Community, Inc., 1308 Charles Dr., Longmont, CO 80503.