John “Kip” Cauffiel Skibicki was called to heaven on January 24, 2024. Kip was born to his mother, Renee Lickle, and father, Michael Skibicki, in 1991 and lived a life unparalleled by others. From the time he was born, Kip showed an affection for the world and those around him. At a young age, he took on, without question, the role of protector for those that were closest to him. And, as his sister and only sibling, he never let this position go, constantly looking out for my life in love, laughter, and the most warm hugs and kisses only I could be certain are unique to this human world.
As he grew in life, his love magnified and multiplied to those around him—family, friends, and those who ordinarily passed him by, no one was without his charismatic company. At the age of 12, Kip fulfilled a dream closest to him when he went to the Little League World Series and spent the greater part of his adolescence dedicating himself to baseball as he rotated between catcher and pitcher. Like his personality off the field, he was a force of nature and breathed passion, silliness, sincerity, and hard work into every team he played with.
While many found this chapter of his childhood to be his shining moment, his service and compassion proved otherwise through those who he touched in the years to come. He eventually moved on from baseball to become a world traveler and relentless connection-maker. It often felt surreal to surround oneself in the company of Kip, and no matter where he was in the world, he couldn’t help but infect others with his natural charm, wit, and kind-heartedness. He chose how to live his life to the fullest that, in turn, filled so many others’ hearts and dreams. His days were filled with promoting characters of all kinds, whether musically, artistically, spiritually, or otherwise.
Kip excelled in loving others above all else. He played varsity basketball and baseball as an eighth grader, was voted best hugger in high school, and never failed to leave a handprint on your heart when you one of the lucky ones to interact with him. Kip had a glimmer in his eye, always. And it made you feel special—not because he tried but because he didn’t know any other way to be himself with you. Kip gave true meaning to being wonderful and reflexively put others before himself.
We are eternally at a loss, and mourn in both sadness and peace, for a life that was taken far too early from this world. But, in classic Kip fashion, he also reminded us of the things that are most important in traveling through this delicate and tragic life— showing grace, forgiveness, infatuation, and indescribable care to each and every soul he met. We could go on and on about the accomplishments he achieved and surpassed, but even those checkpoints do not compare to the depths of souls he touched along the way. To his family in Delaware, friends at Pilot, Tatnall, Lynn University and beyond, his special mind was blessed to mingle, dance, flicker, and flare within every community in each micro and macro move that he made. Our angel, Kip, will never be forgotten. His infectious laughter never far from our hearts. And his open heart never not touching us in the ways he never knows he was capable of, in life after death. He demonstrated beauty in suffering and grace in developing into the man he became. And because of all this, he knew and acknowledged that “kippin ain’t easy”, but damned the world if he didn’t give every ounce of himself trying. To those that knew him for a second, a smile, or a lifetime, the memories he implanted permanently will never be erased. And no matter how many years this earth school afforded him, we are rest assured he is surely resting, visiting our loved ones, alive and already dead, and mostly, for now, ourselves — until we meet again. Everything and more. I love you my big brother. You are loved to this world and beyond all. We’re all so thankful to be touched by you.
Services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Clarence Fraim Boys & Girls Club, 669 S. Union Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19805.
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