All,
Very nice words Jon so let Sanford and I fold in ... while we will all miss Trapper, let us celebrate him for the man he was! He chose his life and lived it well!! He was not caught up in the BS but loved a simple and humble life! I for one will always think of him with fondest memories and am relieved he is no longer in pain. While he may not be in this world with us, he is in another, meeting old friends and family long gone and missed! In fact, I am sure he stood beside us in Boatyard this morning for brunch, placing his hand on our shoulders and saying, have a drink for me but don't hurry to get here ... when you do, I will be here to greet you!
He IS well loved and will always be with us! That is what we MUST remember. Sanford and I do not grieve but celebrate the fact that we knew him and shared great times with him while he was on this side of God's race course!
He IS WELL LOVED by all of us!
Cheers to Trapper!
Love, Alex & Sanford

Alan Lippincott- Jon Hilbert

It's with great sadness and a heavy heart to hear that Alan (Trapper) Lippincott died this morning.

We lost a great friend & a wonderful person.

Trapper is no longer with us and I'm going to miss him terribly.EYC just won't seem the same anymore without Trap there watching his NASCARand talking about his Eagles.

We were so looking forward to watching the Ravens play the Eagles on November 23rd.We started talking trash when the schedule came out. He couldn't wait for the game.

Is he really gone or out sailing on a Starboat somewhere.

I know this where ever he is there is a Starboat close by.

We're going to miss you old friend and may you rest in peace.

Jon

Sept 21 again, and Note from Dottie and Marie

Happy was there at the end, soon to be followed by Michael. I will be in charge with the arrangements, and will keep eveyone appraised as time goes on. Eastport Yacht Club had a mellow event this evening to celebrateTrappers life. Something tells me this is not the last of these events.

To follow us a note from cousin Dotttie and Marie in NYC.

Love,

Paul

Dear Paul and Amy,
Marie and I just learned the news from your blog. It surely happened faster than I expected, but that might be a blessing. Liver cancer is unforgiving and he suffered enough. I just hope you were able to let him know that we were thinking of him. Even though we are far away... I still remember a lot of the Lippincotts over my lifetime. Family is family.
Please check with the VA regarding benefits. He is entitled to a vault to cover the casket (if you have that kind of funeral) also a plot for himself and his wife, a headstone (engraved .. no cost) and military ceremony. Ours was disappointing .. just folded flag and taps... but they told me most of the men were on Bagdad duty.
Also the family is entitled to a certificate signed by the President which was degreed by former President Kennedy. We got ours. (no cost)
We are so very sad but he has gone to a place where there are lots of Lippincotts to greet him... I know our parents will be there.
Please let us know any information regarding the funeral.
Cousin Dotty

Paul, as I read through the blog I saw what an awesome advocate you were on your brother's behalf when he was no longer able to speak for himself. You did a wonderful job. It is a difficult role- one of the hardest and most important in life. I'm sure Alan was proud of you. My deepest sympathy --and my love to you and your family.
Cousin Marie

A Sailor's Life...

A sailor's life these days has changed

not what it used to be

among those things now re-arranged

are the days we spend at sea

and so the structure of the craft 

and how we learn to sail

the Comet, Star and so the raft

is more by try and fail

so as we serve and strike for rate

we each look for a role

to help us find if our own fate 

is written on our soul

and a lucky few have shared a berth

with a true and solid mate

a sailor who has sailed the earth

and stood to every fate

whose example kept the nippers square

and whose thoughts improved my skill

but it was mostly joy that he did share

and I recall it still

you know Trapper, my ole mate

he truly is the best

and when I face my final fate

he'll help me pass the test

On Wharf Creek

20 September 2008

J.C. McCracken

Trap

The finish line.

As Barbara has dicsclosed, Trapper was gone at 9:20am Sunday morning. No words can describe the pain that is accociated with his passing...........He's ,my brother, what more can be said. His passing was humane and with comfort and dignity. His care has been unsurpassed by the folks here at the VA Medical center

Will keep everyone posed as things progress...

Love,

Paul

The Finish Line

Our dear friend, father, brother, uncle, cousin and sailing bud Trapper has crossed the finish line. He passed this morning at 0920. Happy was at his side and he was peaceful.

Paul, Amy, and Michael and would like to thank each and everyone for their support, their love, their prayers and especially for the friendship that they had with Trapper. He was a special man and he held each of you in a special place in his heart.

Sail on Friend.

Barbara

My brother

Sept 20th visit

As expectations were high based on the last couple of days, today was not that way. Trap was mostly sleeping , and when we, Amy, Kim , Happy (Traps ex), and I, did our normal things like scratching his beard, rubbing his chest, etc., he didn't respond favorably. Hopefully tomorrow will provide a happier mode. Happy is spending the night at the VA this evening.

Love,
Paul

Sept 19th visit,

Amy and I went down later in the day today and found Mike Z and many of the Eastport Yacht Club clan. As yesterday, Trap was more responsive and clearly more talkative than earlier in the week. He is on a lower but more often dose of pain meds which I believe keeps him awake more, and more cognitive. This would be a good time for any who have been waiting to visit, to come. Trap does recognize his people, and clearly appears to appreciate it. Things change daily, so who knows what tomorrow brings, but now is a good a time as ever to say hi. The unfortunate reality is, his condition has developed to the point that he may not have a tremendous amount of time left, I'm afraid. A difficult thing to say, REAL DIFFICULT, but his family and friends should know.

Love,

Paul

Sept 18th visit.

When I arrived, Michael Z and cousin Ron were present. Then Bob Flower showed up followed by my girls, Jodi and Kim. Trap was mostly sleeping but felt, recognized and acknowledged the presence of his guests when he was awake. He seemed a bit weaker than yesterday. Mike Z was there until midnight last night and arrived a 9:30 this morning, and is still there at this writing, 10:00 pm. Mike and Trap, not to mention Barb V, are best of friends. I truely believe (I probably said this before, but I'm not going back to check), Trap has more visitors than anyone at the VA hospital, and I'm sure he appreciates it.

Love,

Paul

September 17th visit,

Upon my arrival today I met with cousin Richard Lip, and we had an exellent meeting for quite a while. I woke Trap up and told him his mouth was in better condition because of the rehydration and aloe cream, but I was not going to kiss him there. I think I heard him say "kiss my ass" ! Not 100% sure but, I think that is what he said, we had quite a laugh about that. He is mostly sleeping, seems relatively comfortable, and is still garnering awsome care from his providers.

That's it for now,

Love, Paul

Sept 15 & 16th visits.

To all friends and famliy,

Sorry for the lack of info lately as I was home sick for days and was not able to visit Trap, didn't want to give them more to do then they already have now. During that time, and mostly the last few days, he has taken a turn for the worse. Things don't look as promising as in the recent past. The VA is continuing to battle his mounting complications, and they are mounting at a rapid pace. This hospital has a phenominal duty and ethic to help and attend to their veterans. We are fortunate to have their services available to Trap.

Will keep everyone informed as time progresses.

Love,

Paul

Good Email and Pics from Charles and Tracie

Trap,

I want you to know how much you have meant to me over the years. When you first took us under your wing and packed us in the Vega and took us to the Riverton Yacht Club; when you tirelessly traveled from Oxford to Palmyra and back countless times in the Rabbit; when you showed us how to drop kick the football at Grand-Stan's; when you showed us that you could sink a floating bumblebee with a BB Gun from 15 feet (in one shot); you always showed us that power came from someplace other than your biceps; when you gave us a greater appreciation for the water and for sailing; when you shared the Cinnabar and the Star; when you showed us how to eat the solt shelled clams at Pier Street; when you showed us that a 9.9 HP on old Woody could make a true 2 knots into a stiff current and that the true joy was going for the ride not getting there; when you showed us how much food was stored within a chicken bone (ugh, never did get over that one); when you found the humor in sinking the Parmelee at the dock.... I may have grown up but I have never forgotten the acceptance, generosity and love that you showed Mike and me. In a time and situation when kids need love, Bulla, we were blessed to have crossed paths with you. When I am steaming towards the yellowfin tuna at the Canyon, when I am putting a eye splice or bowline made fast around a cleat, you will forever be on my mind and in my prayers. Thank you Trapper. I love you,

Charles

Wed Sept 10th,

I wasn't going in again today, however his oncology doc called in the morning with some great news. His Liver tumour has decreased by two thirds, one third of the size then when the treatments were started! That's un fffffff believeable! His case is more hopeful now, however he needs to get nutrition and fluids, he's very dehydrated, and not always lucid. So I blasted back to the VA to tell him personally instead of a doc telling him . I think he got the message. Visitors must understand that his is very drawn, doesn't say much, but is on the mend, I believe. Next week a feeding tube for nutrition.

Love,

Paul

Tuesday, Sept 9th,

Trap didn't seem as with it today. I think his refusal to eat much is having an effect on him. He is scheduled to get a feeding tube, but not until next week.. I am going to try by whatever means to speed that time peroid up. This is not a cure all, but it should give a head start on nurishment after his shunt installation.

Love,
Paul

Sunday, Sept. 7th.

Trap was awake most all of my visit today, which tells me he is recovering from the op. He actually let me feed him one lousy (1) cube of his fruit cup. Wow. He also asked for some of my iced tea I brought as a break from the water. Anyhow, he was improved which makes me happier. I am lobbying for a feeding tube if this no-food-intake persists, he must get some nutrition or the oncologist will not resume the chemo which is critical to his survival. The oncologist is on my side here and on Monday I will speak the liver doc, Dr. White to help this process along also. So - - - step 1 shunt . done, step 2 nutrition by whatever means, step 3 resume chemo, step 4 physical therapy, step 5, jumping jacks.

I think he may be ready for visits now, although he didn't say so.

Until later,

Love, Paul

Trapper and the Flat Belly Diet ;-)

Sept 5th update.

Trap is back in his nice room on 2 - D in the main hospital. He had the sweetest nurse today, extremely helpful. His stomach is as flat as ever, and there is less labour in his breathing and his color looked more normal. Trap didn't have but a few words to say, slept most of the time I was there, still pretty weak from the op. He has to push on an installed pump in his gut 10+ times per day to keep it from filling up. It is an actual manual pump imbedded under his skin in his gut cavity. Again, this recycles his fluids back in his bloodstream where it came from and saves his proteins. I believe he will soon be moved back to his room at the extended care residence facility, again great care and attention. I spoke to the liver doc today who installed the shunt, and he is pleased how the procedure went.

Now what he needs to do is EAT and/or DRINK HIS ENSURE. He needs the strength to battle this horrible disease, and to take the chemo regimen.

I asked if he would like visits, and he said not yet. However, no one can control what his friends want to do! By the way, his cell phone is not with him, and will be when he is moved from the surgical ward back to the living facility.

Love,

Paul

Surgery Update

Sept 3-5,

3rd - - As Barb said, today Trap was moved to 2-D the surgical wing for his prepping for the shunt. This is by far the brightest and cheeriest room he has yet to have, although he probably wont' be there but only a few days. He has an air mattress which moves softly and keeps his blood moving and prevents bed sores. His phone is off as mentioned earlier as he is pretty weak and sleepy.

4th - - He left for surgery prep at 7:30 and had is shunt installed successfully thereafter. He was then moved to the recovery room to revive and stabilize him, and has now been moved into the ICU. All standard procedure for post op I am told. Trap will remain groggy until later this evening, but should be fairly cognizant tomorrow, and hopefully back into his room. We'll see what shape he is in tomorrow regarding visitation and will report back ASAP. But right now he just needs rest.

5th -- Surgery went well, he was in recovery all afternoon. I will visit today and hopefully he will be back in his room.

This shunt will hopefully make Trap regain his desire to eat and drink, with all that fluid in his gut gone for good (recycled in his blood stream) and make him strong like Bull.

Prayers please.

Love,

Paul

Important Procedure today!

Trapper is scheduled to have the shunt installed today. Yesterday he was moved to the hospital and prepped for the surgery. Keep your fingers crossed and the prayers coming!

Barbara

~~~_/)~_/)_/)~~

Visit from Merf

Went to see Trapper today... Monday 1 Sept, Labor Day. Arrived about noon and found him dozing but in discomfort. Brought him a copy of Spinsheet, and Chesapeake Bay. Also thought he would enjoy the latest MAD with Alfred E O'Bama on the cover holding a banner "Yes We Can't!" Only MAD! Got a chuckle from him on that.

All said, he was pretty uncomfortable. A nurse came by with more pills but left to return later. Said she was constantly pestering him. Cant validate one way or the other but we chatted later and I am sure she is sincere and very caring.

So ITrap and I chatted for a bit.... mostly me. His main comment was "This is tough, man...tough". Surely is and tough to watch this great guy have to endure it. `

He was really tired and wanted to try to sleep so I left... passing on all the regards, hopes and love of the EYC folks and others.

merf

Sept 30 visit,

For those who are calling, don't be alarmed. At present Trap has his phone off most of the time, as he is going through one of his tough times. He fell again trying to get to the head on Saturday evening. He's too damned stubborn or proud to ask for assistance to do so. We called for x rays while Amy & I were there Sunday as Trap said his hip was very sore. They thankfully turned out negative. His shunt should be installed mid this week which should make him much more comfortable. He can't really hold anything down due to the pressure on his stomach due to is gut cavity being bloated to the max with fluid. His blood work looks good and his chemo is being increased. Lets just hope they get that shunt in ASAP, as brother Trap is miserable right now.

Thanks for all you prayers and concern,

Paul