Australian Football Association of North America

AFANA issued the following statement from Rob de Santos, Chairman, earlier today:

"Many of you will know one of the charter members of AFANA, indeed a co-founder, Richard Lipp.  To most of us, the "KCSwan" or "Swannie".  I learned this morning from his wife Linda, that he passed away suddenly yesterday.  Richard was 45 years old. 

"It's impossible for me to tell you how much Richard meant to AFANA and AFANA and the Sydney Swans meant to him.  AFANA wasn't my idea, it was his and Wade Hinkle's back in 1995.  I was recruited by them and convinced that this concept had a future.  I was very skeptical but they were persuasive.  Eventually, I signed on and agreed to lead the new organization.  We would not exist today were it not for Richard. 

"Over the years, he continued to support us and contribute to the organization.  He was a regular on our old BBS system and helped organize the annual Grand Final party in the Kansas City area.  One of my great pleasures last year was meeting him and his family in January, 2006, at the events surrounding the AFL exhibition in Los Angeles.  The Swans were there and everyone knew he would be, too. 

"The family has indicated that visitation will be Tuesday, March 6, 2007, from 6-8 PM at Amos-South, 10113 Lenexa Drive, and the funeral will be 10:00 AM Wednesday at Lenexa United Methodist Church, 9138 Caenen Lake Road in Lenexa, Kansas.

"If any of our members in that part of the US can be present on Tuesday or Wednesday, please advise AFANA.  If anyone knows where to reach Wade Hinkle, please let us know that, also. 

"On behalf of AFANA and Australian football in the USA and Canada, let me extend our deepest sympathies to his wife and children.  Our prayers are with you in your time of grief. "

Link to obituary.

KCSwan

Submitted by Lisa Albergo on Mon, 2007-03-05 21:25.

I often chatted with Richard via email and sometimes instant messages when we were both listening to games on the internet. One of my fondest memories was during the 2005 semi-final between Geelong and Sydney. We were chatting in the AFANA chat room during the game and hoping the Swans could come back from their late game deficit. They were still trailing by several goals as the final term got underway and Richard had to depart briefly to take his children to school. He returned just in time to hear Nick Davis' heroics in dying seconds and could not believe his ears as I told him what he thought had happened had indeed happened - the Swans winning a thriller - Lisa Albergo, AFANA

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Condolences from the Sydney Swans

Submitted by admincms on Mon, 2007-03-05 09:17.

Richard Lipp "Swannie"

We were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Richard - loyal and valued member of the Red & White family who will be sadly missed.

From all of us at the Sydney Swans, we extend our deepest sympathy to Richard's wife Linda and children. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

Myles Baron-Hay, Chief Executive of the Sydney Swans

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R W Lipp

Submitted by Bob on Sat, 2007-03-03 23:01.

I fondly remember our many debates on the old BBS … often spirited, but always affable.  Even though I never met the ‘Swan Man’ in person, I considered him my friend.  Happily he was able to see his beloved Swans rise to the top of the AFL.

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