#39 of 40

I first met Terry Lipman on a cruise. I had heard about this vibrant man for a few years from my co-worker, Donna Lipman. Donna and I were the two recently graduated coaches, hired by Debbie Ford to further her training program to advance Integrative Coaching. Donna and I would share stories of our husbands and I knew I would love Terry long before I met him.
I am uncertain as to what hat he was wearing when I first saw him, but I know he was wearing a hat. He wore hats often and I especially remember his red cowboy hat. I am a sucker for accents and Terry had the best Australian accent going. Terry grew up in England and took a ship to Australia when he was in his 20's. He was able to book passage by providing the music on the ship. He played trumpet and piano. One of the many ways Lipman contributed was through his music. His piano still sits in the Austin living room I was lucky enough to relax in, and when I visit I can still hear him playing. Oh, I can still hear him laughing.
Laughter was another way Terry contributed. He knew no strangers and he was fond of telling stories that the unsuspecting would believe were the truth, only to get to the last sentence and know the delight of being tricked by Terry Lipman. According to Terry, all discoveries occurred in Australia and anything worth inventing was from the Land Down Under.
Terry was a man who gave back. A good friend of John Denver's, Terry, along with Donna, were involved in the flagship Windstar Foundation in Aspen, and Terry sat on the board of the foundation in Austin, Texas. After Denver died, Terry went on to raise money and awareness for Windstar to assure it, along with John's global concerns, would not die. Shortly before the tragic accident that took John Denver's life, Denver told Terry his dream to create a film that would showcase John's many passions to save the world. Oceans, hunger, peace, space and the environment were among John's specific causes. He would speak about the urgency of saving our world, saving the children when he would perform, but Denver knew he could reach the multitudes of people he sought through film. His message would be more available and easier to access all over the world. John Denver asked if Terry would be willing to help him. Terry had experience in film production and readily agreed to become a part of the Denver vision. A few days later, John Denver died as he was flying an experimental plane. Terry believed the film would never be made.
Quite a few years later, Betty Sue Flowers challenged the Australian to create the film, "Who better to do this, than you?" she asked. Terry then connected with JoLynn Long who had been working on a film about Denver. Terry produced a short that introduced "What One Man Can Do." Ironically or spiritually, Terry passed away soon after this short was completed. JoLynn continues and has recently completed a moving short and/or trailer using much of what Terry had begun to gather. John Denver's dream lives on. Terry Lipman's dream lives on.
Terry Lipman died suddenly and without warning on June 2, 2009. He lived his life as fully as any man is able. His son, Sam Lipman, is a gifted musician who makes his home in Austin. His daughter, Nanci, a young woman who Skyped with her dad every single morning, lives in Terry's beloved Australia. Of course, Donna, his wife of 18 years, is still in Austin, contributing through her songs, her heart, her coaching and her own passions.
Terry was involved and connected to the Austin community through his work with Challenge Day (www.challengeday.org), Landmark Forums (www.landmarkeducation.com), music and film.
Terry Lipman made a huge difference in my life. He was one of the most curious people I have ever met. He wanted to know what I thought, what I did, and why I did and thought as I did. He would sing as he prepared morning tea and put a plate of strawberries on the table. His amazement and appreciation of the warmth of the tea and the vivid colors of the berries was shared with any person lucky enough to take part in his a.m. rituals. Life was amazing, people were to be figured out, and food was to be relished. Laughter was to be expanded, arms were meant to be shared, and stairs were there to be run up. Life was to be lived fully and without censor or apology. Terry taught me to live in the details. I miss this man of supreme contribution. It is because of him that What One Man Can Do (the movement) was born.
Driving in the car in January of this year, I heard Terry say, Australian accent and all, "What we need, lovey, is a workshop." Peter and I had already planned on presenting a relationship workshop in Ireland in March. The topic was changed, and What One Man Can Do born. Thank you, Terry. Thank you for noticing how very important life and the lives of the people living life are. Thank you.
Action Taken: He lived the moments and knew that life was for living and giving.