Gerardus Kip

Gerardus Kip passed away from his earthly trials on September 13, 2011. He was born 22 June 1924 in Rotterdam, Holland to Antonius Pieter Kip and Clazina Bakkers. He had 7 sisters and 4 brothers. He was the youngest of 12. In 1950 he came to the USA. He lived with his brother Jan Kip and his wife, Corrie. He married Gail Rienkje Kramer on 26 March 1952 in the SLC LDS Temple. He worked for the SLC Cemetery for most of his working life, starting as a grave digger and worked his way up to head florist/foreman. He started everything from cuttings or seeds. He has won numerous awards for his flower displays in garden shows. He helped everybody, and everyone who knew him could count on him for a joke or a good laugh. He had a great love for his temple work. Besides growing flowers, his favorite enjoyments were fishing, soccer, painting and playing the organ. He served 3 stake missions. Was priesthood music chorister, with the latest calling advising people how to grow a garden. He is survived by his children, Leta (John) Frank of Portland, OR; Antonius (Cathy) Kip, SLC; Virginia Houston, Portland, OR; Raymond Kip, SLC; Tom Kip, SLC; Norm (Teri) Kip, SLC. He has 8 grandchildren: VaLois Strait, Matthew Kip, Holly (Chris) Shearer, Sean Houston, Nicolette Houston, Angie Morse, Daniel and Robert Kip. He has 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, along with brothers and sisters-in-law. He is pre-deceased by his wife and parents, brothers and sisters and two grandsons, Joshua Kip and Moroni Strait. The family wishes to express their sincere heartfelt thanks to Carla Kruger for the many hours of unconditional love and service she has done for Dad. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 17 at 11 am in the Riverside 29th Ward, 1100 W. 500 N., SLC. Friends may call on Friday from 6-8 pm at Russon Brothers SL Mortuary, 255 S. 200 E. and prior to services at the ward from 9:3010:30 am. Burial will follow at Salt Lake City Cemetery, 4th Ave & N Street. Online guest book available at www.russonmortuary.com