Robin Anderson!  Oh my goodness, it has been a LONG time my friend!  I'd love to catch up, you can email me at twowheelcrazy@hotmail.com  Thanks for your kind words about Dad.  Let's get in touch!

i am a long lost friend of mike and danny from high school. i knew their father to be really fun a nice man. someone i looked upto and respected very much. he really liked mex i remember. we lost contact when i moved to mex twenty years ago.i would really like to speak to mike and danny to give my sorrows. miss you guys hope u live long lives. robin anderson in mex

Johnny T we called him, our cousin, son of his dad, John Paul Lippis and our Aunt Marge.  John Paul was the brother of our mother, Marianna and our Aunt Clara.  
I am one of several of Johnny's cousins, many of us living in Colorado.  My memories of Johnny are many: his joyful sense of humor, his fun-loving personality, his intelligence.  While still in grade school he showed me a chemistry book that he was reading.  Later, when John graduated from 8th grade, he won a full 4 year academic scholarship to attend the Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City, Colorado, run by the Benedictine order.  That was not to be. Johnny T's father,(our Uncle Johnny) was diagnosed with end-stage Hodgkins Disease.  Uncle Johnny suffered and died not long after that, and his family moved to Gunnison, CO. 
A few years later, Johnny T and I were in contact by phone and letters.  He was very passionate about the tragedy of abortion.  He and I shared that passion as did many members of our family.  
Years passed, and I saw John and his new family.  Anne, Stacey, Danny, Matt and Michael would visit our family in Canon City.  More recently we have seen John in Colorado when he visited his Mom and Patti and all his Colorado family.  Johnny's sparkling personality never seemed to fade, as so many friends have commented here.  Johnny's fetching grin and his warm and caring personality, his humor,  always caring and always appreciating the care of family,  were his trademark.  The last time I saw Johnny this past year, John and I talked of another interest and love we both have shared, remembering and keeping always in our hearts those loved ones, grandparents, parents, family, via photos.  Since John has taken another path, I am all the more inspired to carry on with John's vision of a family history record.  
We all love you, John. You always were and always will be a light for us all, an inspiration to seize life and live it to the fullest.

It is with a heavy heart that I found out John passed away.   I met him 13 years ago when I returned to the area from the Tacoma area and needed to find someone who new how to work on SAABs.  He knew SAABs in and out! John always had just the thing to fix my car.  Sometimes, it was something easy. Other times, he would spend many hours problem solving how to fix my car so I wouldn't break down out in the middle of no where.   He had a caring heart and always had my best interest at heart.  I enjoyed his sense of humor, generosity, our insightful conversations about various things in the world, and sense of humor.   You will be missed!!  My deepest sympathies and prayers to your family!!!

John was a very caring person.  He always made me feel like a friend instead of a customer.  I knew my daughter's Saab was in good hands.  I will miss him very much.  I am so sorry for your loss.  Paulette Webley Grand Coulee, WA

I met John about six years ago, when I, a young woman brought her 2002 Saab in to have the cruise control fixed.  Other dealerships were quoting $2000 repair costs, John fixed it for free- a slight pedal issue.  From that point on, I only took my cars to him.  His honesty, integrity and great heart was something you don't find very often.  He will be greatly missed by me and my Saab, Angela (Spokane, WA)

I knew John only through Dan, his son and my friend, by description and stories, but he was legend in that regard and obviously a person very influential on many lives and full of life himself.  Please accept my condolences to all family and friends.

I had the priviledge of knowing John Lippis these past years.  John had such a passion for life.  I found his excitement and joy for life contagious.  John exemplified what a life of integrity, caring, kindness, and humility looked like.  John impacted my life while here and will continue to be an influence in my life.  I feel the loss of a friend. My sincerest condolences to the family in your loss.

We want to express our sincere sympathy and send prayers to the Lippis Family for the loss of your dear son, brother, father, uncle......and prayers for John in heaven.

We extend our sincere sympathy to the Lippis Family at this time of deep loss. Prayers for you that have lost your dear son, brother, father, uncle. . . and we pray for John in heaven.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lippis family.

Margaret, Patti and Shelli, we love you and we are here for you.

You will be missed. Met John when we bought our SAAB.  He took great care of us over the years, it was always a great pleasure to visit and talk to him.  The last time we has the car in two weeks ago he took it out for a spin.  When he came back he had a smile in his face and said that's the best ride I had in a convertible, top down shifting through the gears just like butter. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family and friends.  God Bless
Bob & Koreena Stowell
St. Maries, Idaho

I met John as many have...keeping my 99 9-5 on the road. He was recommended to me by his friend Ron Hamel. Like many on this guest book have written, I actually looked forward to bringing in my Saab so that I could learn more and simply have the chance to talk. The first time I met John I knew immediately that this was a very special man. He always made time to spend even when I knew he was busy. I would call him with Saab questions and he never failed to provide clear, intelligent answers...with a touch of humor. I am so saddened by death. In reading the guest book entries I feel like I now know better his love of life, his generosity and kindness. That smile is electrifying. RIP John, my prayers are with you. Paul Carpentier Moses Lake

My dear friend John.I got your message last weekend at the track.You seem to know just when I need your words of the wisdom.You have always been a power full,yet forgiving,peaceful soul.I remember what you said to me about life!live large and go for it every day.thank you for your friend ship. I guess you knew it wasn't as easy as your race bike,as a fellow mechanic just want to  say out loud,I love you man.I will miss you greatly.Life goes by too fast.I should have tech you one more time.......

My condolences to the Lippis  family.  I used to deliver parts to his shop.  A very sweet man.  So sorry to hear of his passing.  God speed John.

I really enjoyed getting to know John.  He was a very competent mechanic and my Volvos really appreciated all his skill and care.  I appreciated his humor, intelligence, and humanity and regret that I stopped buying Swedish cars so I wouldn't have an excuse to visit him anymore.  He will certainly be missed and will remain in my thoughts.

I met John about 20 years ago when I bought a dental practice in North Spokane and John was an existing patient. I told him I had always liked the Saab 900 coupe, and in 1996 he found me a great one and I still have it to this day. John and I became good friends over the years. We had similar interests, and we appreciated each others professional skills. I eventually met the whole Lippis family through my dental practice and the Saab shop. I really came to appreciate John as a father,a friend, and a true lover of life and beauty in the world.His emails would be tips on health, great photographs, or astute political commentary, and I always looked forward to them. 
   I will dearly miss my friend, as I am sure everyone who knew him will.
                      Mike Aslin

John was a true light in all of our lives. He was just not an acquaintance to us, but a friend. His love of family, love of job and doing it well, and his love of Life and living it well. I think we all were in awe of all he did. His ready smile made us all feel welcome. My heart hurts for my loss and his families loss but for the world. His flame will burn in all of us. And we will miss his e-mails, that made us think and ponder many things. We will all miss you John.

Dear Family and friends of John,
I had one date with John on July 28th. It started out to be coffee and ended up as dinner. We spent about 3 hours sharing about our lives. He was so kind that when I told him I was driving to the coast with my Lexus with
over 200,000 miles on it he said do yourself a favor and rent a car. So I did and it gave me peace of mind like he said. Right after I got home I heard about the plane crash on the news. I love flying too and was so sadden by the love of a wonderful person. You will find my business card in his wallet. I treasure the time we spent reviewing our lives and want you to know that he certainly loved his family and friends and Brad.
God bless you all. Lavoine Schellenberg

Dear Lippis Family,

I am so sorry for your loss.  For the last decade, John's passionate love for all things Saab encouraged me to fall for them, too—of course—but more I treasure our conversations about riding bikes and raising kids.  He was a gentle, sweet person, a man open to all and focused on enjoying his life.  I wish you peace in this difficult time.  Scott Orme

Thanks to John I have been able to keep my 1988 Saab "beater" on the road.  He will be sorely missed because of his talent and his character.  
Bob Westmoreland

John was our Saab mechanic for 20 years and we enjoyed every visit to his shop to pick up our car. Our three sons grew up driving safe, well-maintained older Saabs. I always appreciated the advice and wisdom John shared about raising sons. He was a great man and will be missed.

I thought of many wonderful things to write about John as a person and as a businessman,  but it all came down to one thing.  When someone dies,they leave a vacant spot in the lives of others.  The way they lived their life and related with the people around them affects the size of that spot. John will leave a large empty spot in my live and i am sure, also, in the lives of everyone that knew him  God Bless

My cousin, "Johnny T" loved anything with an engine like his dad, my Uncle Johnny.  I remember when his dad got out of the service and moved Johnny T, Will, Patty and Aunt MArge to Hobbs, NM for his dad to work at the Ford Dealer, and my dad went down to Uncle Johnny and bought a brand new 55 Ford there so Uncle Johnny could work on it.  Then,our "Poppy" (Granpa) build a huge shop for Johnny T's dad, Uncle Johnny and family, as a incentive to get the whole Italian family back to Canon City, CO.  Just a last week, before Johnny T died, I drove by that shop at 1817 Elm Avenue and thought of Johnny T there at age 16, working on his first motorcycle with his brother,  Will and cousin Sammmy, just after his dad died at such a young age of Cancer, but thinking specifically of Johnny T, who I have not seen in years.  Sam, I know how much you will deeply miss our cousin, Johnny T.  God surely blessed Johnny T to be the blessing that he was to all his beautiful family and to all that knew him - this as he was surely blessed to have done exactly what (one of the things) he was most passionate about - working for a more excellent engine while he really enjoyed making a positive impact for a more excellent performance of the lives around that engine he worked on.  May God now and for eternity keep him in the peace that is beyond our understanding.  May his positive life, lived outloud, be an encouragement and strength for his family and all of us that will remember him for the rest of our days.  Come home, Will (call us 800-793-4510).  We all miss you this much and more...

When I moved to Spokane out of high school with the gifted Saab my father gave me I was nervous. The car started having problems and I turned to John who had been working on it when my father purchased it. He made me feel more welcome in this town than anybody I met. He truly cared about the car and genuinely about my safety on the road. His concern was comforting and pure. I can still remember him insisting I borrow the VHS of Fried Green Tomatoes. I actually looked forward to my car being worked on. Always inquiring as to my career when I called and inspiring my younger brother. This man's sincerity fueled my life in Spokane. This dreadful loss has shocked me and left my brain numb with sadness. My truest and deepest condolence to his family, as a gem in this world has been lost in the sand. I thank you John Lippis for being a warm, sincere, and caring man. You will be infinitely missed.

When I was just a little kid I was always glad to see John. john and will would show up at our door they would stay the night. As I got older I went into the seabees and I spent a lot of time in california my weekends were spent in santa barbara with john,very good times I would do anything for him I miss him so much my cusin Johnny T

Per my brothers message, our family met John long ago in Santa Barbara. I worked for John part time in Santa Barbara, gardening and painting his house and doing odd jobs, one of my first flights in an airplane was at the Santa Ynez airport in a bi-plane he used to rent there, known as a Great Lakes. John made sure my safety harness was just loose enough that when he did a barrel roll I came out of my seat an inch or two, enough to scare the hell out of me! He then proceeded to try and get me sick with other various stunts, luckily being young I had a cast iron stomach! However, on the next flight my dad did not fare the same. John was a real prankster. He also had an infectious smile that I will always remember, all you had to do was mention the word "motorcycle, airplane, motor" and you would get that smile. My heart goes out to his family and close friends, he was one of the good ones!

I am truly sorry to hear about John.  Him and I were good friends and we had some great times. He will be missed dearly.

As my brother, said in his message we met John long ago in Santa Barbara, one of my 1st flights was with John at the Santa Ynez airport in a Great Lakes Biplane John made sure my harness was just loose enough, that when he did a barrel roll, I came out of my seat just enough to scare the hell out of  me, he was a prankster! he also had that infectious smile, all you had to do was say the word motorcycle, plane or engine, & you would get that response. All my best to his family. he will be missed!

It has been an honor to have had this man in my life.  His enthusiasm, determination and warmth of heart will be greatly missed but not forgotten or lost.  John will continue to live in my heart.

John was one of the greatest men I had the privelage to know. He always had a big smile on his face, and an encouraging word on his lips. I looked to him as sort of a father figure, and he made me feel so incredible when he would tell me he was proud of me.

John kept 8 Saabs running for me but more than that how many people can say they looked forward to going in to get their cars worked on. He loved racing motorcycles with his sons and flying his plane. He lived a full life with kindness grace and integrity. Our condolences to his family and Brad.

We called him Johnny T when we were growing up since his dad and our uncle was Johnny.  He was always kind and insightful.  What a loss to all of his family and friends.  Good bye, cousin.  We love you.  I am so sorry not be be able to be there with all the family today.

I met John about six years ago, when I, a young woman brought her 2002 Saab in to have the cruise control fixed.  Other dealerships were quoting $2000 repair costs, John fixed it for free- a slight pedal issue.  From that point on, I only took my cars to him.  His honesty, integrity and great heart was something you don't find very often.  He will be greatly missed by me and my Saab

I just saw John last Wednesday. He was taking care of a customer from Evergreen, Colorado. That reminded John of one of his favorite songs by Roy Orbison titled Evergreen.  He thought it dated him and when I went and read the lyrics, it showed me what we all  know of him...a big heart and a unconditional loving person.  He would just light up when talking about his flying.  I was glad to be on his email list to read of his adventures. 
We are one of those Saab Families that John took care of. We have had 5 900s between my daughter and son and I. I loved the way he took care of and mentored my children.  Watching John and Brad work together was incredible. It would be nice to have a "parade of saabs" with all the people he provided saabcare for.
May God grant your family, and all of us, comfort and peace through this very sad time and great loss.

John was a wonderful friend, I will miss him and treasure fond memories.

Mike, Heather, Nate and Jake Lippis-
 Wa are so sorry to hear of your loss.  Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,

We will all miss Johnny so much.  He was an awesome cousin and a great friend.  Everyone always seemed happier when he was around.  We will always love him dearly and cherish all the memories.  Carolyn and Bob Greene and Family.

Mike, Heather, Nate and Jake Lippis-We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. 
LOVE,

My love, prayers and deepest sympathies to Patti, Shelli and the entire family.

John was right at the top of the list of the most ethical businessmen I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with. My old Saab appreciated his meticulous care, and I spent several hours with John over the years talking cars, motorcycles and our love of airplanes and flying. He is missed, but will always be remembered.

John was an inspiration to me throughout my high school years and going into college.  I wouldn't be who I am today without his influence and guidance.

Matt,We are so deeply saddened by your Dad's untimely death.Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to you and your family.May God comfort and console all of you in this time of sorrow.

My condolences to the family!
I had the pleasure knowing John as a customer at State Bank where I work. He was the nicest and most polite person I know. He had this angelic face and smile when he talked. John had shared some of his flying experiences with me and I could see how much he loved to fly. He will be greatly missed by all of us here at State Bank Northwest.     Maro Leute

Prayers of strength to the Lippis Family and all of Johns friends and loved ones. Encouragement to honor him in his passing with a living will to truly cherish every breath and opportunity and not waste a moment that we are blessed to be on this earth! Sending many many hugs and loving thoughts for peace and comfort as you mourn. Xoxoxo

I am so very sad to learn of John's passing.  

He was a long time great close friend of my father, and our family since the late 1960's.  

They met while flying U-controlled model airplanes at a baseball field, in Santa Barbara, CA.  It was a fun, common hobby for both my father and John, that helped cultivate their long standing friendship. 

This I believe, was likely the catalyst for John, a few years later acquiring his pilots license.  He was a true adventurer.

Just recently, after several years, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with John.  Like my father before me, a mutual love for flying and aviation as a whole became our bond.  

I shared with him some of my experiences as a commercial pilot, and he delighted in telling me then, his most recent flying adventures in Washington, and Idaho, and how he had missed being able to fly over the past years.  He was having so much fun he said, that he was planning to make a trip out west for a visit.  

His passion for flying, or whatever challenge he seemed to take on, he always did so with such great enthusiasm.

John will truly be missed by my father and all of us in our family.

Tedd Cruz

To the family of one of my very best friends and fellow business owner/operator, my deepest sympathy. I will pray for you to get through this season of grief as comfortably as possible. John is in a better place and I'm sure he is probably already trying to figure out how to make his angel wings more efficient. If there were more people in this world like John, we all would be blessed with a better present and a brighter future. I will truly miss you, John.
                                                             Ron Hamel (Spokane Auto Care)

I met John through common business transactions well before all this electronic stuff took over and made developing true relationships much more challenging. That did not stop John. He was one of the few that could communciate his passion through the emails he sent. Covering a broad range of subjects you never knew what to expect next. I was not able to visit often but when I did I always left inspired. His enthusiam for life was contageous. We will miss his wit and charm but much of that will live on through the lives he touched along the way.

I am so saddened to hear this news Dear Lippis family as you know John and I have been friends for many, many years.  I can not believe what I just read in the email, I followed his wonderful stories of his adventures flying, with the story and pictures he truly made me feel I was flying along with him.
When John bought my house on Decatur I was so happy to have someone in it that cared about it like I did, it meant a lot to me, as John knew how I had taken care of it and what it meant to me, He had always said San (that's what he called me) if you ever want to sell let me know..
As I sit here writing this, I can not believe he is gone, He loved his family and will be missed. I considered John to be one of my best friends and will miss him. He passed doing something he loved, but I was so worried about him taking on this new adventure.  Love you John.
My sympathy goes out to each and everyone of you.  Sandy Justice

JOHN WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME WHENEVER I AM DRIVNG MY 04 95 WAGON, ONE OF SEVERAL SAABS OF MINE HE HAS CARED FOR.  HE WAS A SPECIAL KIND OF PERSON WITH A HUGE AMOUNT OF INTEGRITY THAT IS RARE. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ME AND MY '9-5

We are so sad to hear about John. It was always a highlight to see him. He was very caring & always interested in what had been happening in our lives. Our thoughts go out to his Family & Friends. John, one day we will meet again and we will see that wonderful smile. Until then you will truely be missed. With heart felt Love, Dave & Patty Kinyon

To the Lippis family and Swedish Motorcars staff - I was saddened to hear of John's sudden passing. Like others, I was a customer, but when I brought my car in and talked with John, I felt that my needs wre cared for the best way possible and that I truly had "a friend in the business." You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

He was a wonderful role model and grandfather figure to Trent and Trianna.  He gave them so much of his heart and time.  There will never be another like him. Our hearts are broken for your family and ours as well.  The Widicks

John was a saving angel to me 13 years ago when I was a new widow with an older Saab that needed some expert tender care. He always came through to solve the issues with that car and reassured me everything would be okay. The car made it through all three grandkids. I shall never forget John's kindness. May memories of him comfort you and may God's love gently hold you one and all. You are in my prayers, Carol Luster and the Dave Hughes Family of Saab drivers.

Finding Swedish Motors to give TLC to my aging Saab was a blessing.  Getting to know John was a Godsend.  I will miss his warm smile and our many conversations.  My deepest condolences to the family and to his colleagues.

Danny and Matt, I am so sorry for your loss. I know I don't have to tell you... He was a wonderful man. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

We are deeply sadden by John's passing.  John has been our mechanic for the past 20 years and the soul reason we now have 5 Saabs....he just kept them all running.  But more importantly, John was our friend, always showing generosity and kindness.  We admired his adventurous spirit and he died doing what he loved.....driving a machine...... John, we will truly miss you.  Our prayers and thoughts go out to the family.  God Bless.    The Otteson Family

Thanks for being such a wonderful, warm hearted friend John... I will miss my little visits up to the shop on my visits home... Keep your loving arms around all of us that miss and love you... RIP until we meet again... <3

OBITUARY

John Thomas Lippis

January 25, 1946 – August 18, 2013

Thornhill Valley Chapel

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