Thomas Higdon Tippett

On May 8,2026 Thomas Higdon Tippett passed peacefully into eternal life and joined his loved ones in Heaven. Tom was born on Sept 30th, 1929, in Baltimore MD to Mary Dorothy (nee Higdon) and Frances Freeman Xavier Tippett. He was raised in Maryland with his brother Frank and sister Patricia (Pat) and spent his youth on the waters of Chesapeake Bay where his love of boating grew, that eventually led him to a career in the boating industry. He attended Mount St Joseph High School until his family moved to California his senior year of high school where he graduated from St Ignatius High School in 1947. Tom went on to attend UC Berkeley obtaining a BS in Industrial Management, graduating in 1951. Tom attended one year at Hasting School of Law before his attendance was terminated due to active duty in the US Naval Reserve.

Shortly thereafter, he fell in love with a beautiful woman, Kathleen M Lauer, and they were married in a small family ceremony in San Francisco before he returned to his duties in the Navy. Tom was stationed at the Naval Torpedo Center at Keyport, WA during the Korean War. He was an Officer serving as Paymaster initially, then as a Supply officer. After his term of service was over, they returned to the South Bay of California. Tom worked briefly for Window Sales, Inc before he went to work for Waste King disposal. After multiple moves, he decided the traveling sales life was not for a father of 3 young girls and a wife, and that was when his career in the boating industry was launched in Stockton. In 1962, Tom went to work for Stephen’s Marine as Vice-President and General Manager of the Merchandising Division. The family spent many wonderful hours at the Marina and weekends spent at the Stockton Water Ski Club where he taught his girls how to water ski. Tom lovingly restored an old wooden Century boat that had been sunk, taking it apart all the way down to the ribs and rebuilding it. In addition to his family, this boat was his pride and joy.

His business acumen and attention to every detail set him up for success and in 1976, he and Kathy launched Marine Accessories Company “MAC”. Every day he packed up his tan van with merchandise for the boating industry and his cooler lunch box then drove to all the marinas on the Delta to establish a thriving wholesale business. In 1987, they received an offer to sell the company, which they could not refuse, and they sailed off into retirement.

He did not get to share retirement with Kathy for long as she passed away in 1990. Over the course of the next few years, he traveled. His favorite trips were those on the sail boats in the Caribbean and New Zealand. He became an avid golfer and met Barbara Dunn who won over his heart and they married in 1993. Together they spent their time golfing and enjoying winters in Palm Desert when not traveling. They had many happy memories together and enjoyed time on Lake Lincoln on their patio boat. The summer boat parades brought him so much joy and he was able to drive his boat for the last time on Easter weekend 2026 at 96 years young.

Tom is survived by his wife Barbara Tippett, children Susan Gorospe and Judee Tippett Whyte(Steve), Karen Haverty (Brian) and Steve Dunn (Tricia). Son-in-law Frank Whittaker and Sister-in-law Jan Tippett. Grandchildren Sarah Mimilis (Nick), Alexander Whyte (Sabrina), James Gorospe (Kelly), Travis Whyte (Giselle), Spencer Whyte. Lauren, Matthew and Daniel Haverty, and Emily and Parker Dunn. He was blessed with 6 great grandchildren, Athena and Angelina Mimilis, Atley, Poppy and Goldie Whyte and Archie Haverty.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years Kathleen Tippett, daughter Carol Tippett Whittaker, parents Dorothy and Frank Tippett, siblings Frank Tippett and Patricia Murphy.

A joyful reunion was heard from heaven as Tom was reunited with his loved ones he had waited years to join. A celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined.

Over the last several years, it was only with our dedicated caregivers that Tom and Barbara

were able to continue to live the independent life they wanted. These ladies, who became family, made life so much better for all of us. We wish to extend our love and thanks to Elisa, Diana, Correen, Melissa M., Melissa B., Monique, and Shay.

We also wish to thank Hospice of San Joaquin who provided wonderful care during our time of need.

Tom requested memorials be made to the Kathleen M Tippett Endowment at the Children’s Home of Stockton-430 N Pilgrim St, Stockton, CA 95205