The Life of Don Tipps
Tipps Family History
Don Tipps spent 35 years in various roles in Birdville ISD. He started as an art teacher at Richland Junior High, then transferred to serve as an art teacher at Richland High School. He ended his career as Guidance Counselor at Richland High School from 1971 to 1994.
Continuing his community involvement, Mr. Tipps joined the NRH Park & Recreation Board in 1980 when Richfield, Northfield, Norich, and Fossil Creek were the only four parks in the entire city. After eight years as a board member, Don was elected chairman, maintaining this position for the next ten years. As a member of the Park & Recreation Board, Don Tipps supported the development of the half-cent sales tax to fund the park system. This helped establish many well-known parks and facilities including: NRH20 Family Waterpark, Richland Tennis Center, Green Valley Community Park, and Walker's Creek Park. While Mr. Tipps served as chairman, NRH park space tripled in size.
In 1998, he decided to retire from the Park & Recreation Board and take a few years off before offering his expertise and services as a member of the NRH Library Board, which he served for 17 years.
Tipps Canine Hollow Dog Park
In honor of his family's community involvement and Don's many years of service and contributions to the City of North Richland Hills, this dog park was named Tipps Canine Hollow in 2006.
About the Park
Tipps Canine Hollow opened in 2006 and was named in honor of Don and Doris Tipps, retired educators and community volunteers. The off-leash dog park includes a 2-acre fenced-in area for large dogs and a 1-acre fenced-in area for small dogs. There are plenty of shady spaces and benches throughout the park, along with water fountains and plastic bag stations for picking up after your pet. A whimsical bronze sculpture of a dog and three children sits at the entrance to the park and evokes memories of simple childhood pleasures. “Kids in a Tree,” by G. Pat Foley originally stood at North Hills Mall and was donated to the city.
Oral History with Don Tipps About Early Memories
An interview with Don Tipps on December 7, 2021. Mr. Tipps, a teacher and artist, NRH Library Board Member for 17 years, and 60-year resident of NRH, discusses growing up, the Pearl Harbor bombing, early memories, and thoughts about living in North Richland Hills.
Oral History with Don Tipps About the Korean War
In May 1951, Mr. Tipps joined the Marines, and on January 8, 1952, he was stationed in Korea for one year during the war. Mr. Tipps served for three years and later used his GI Bill benefits to attend college.
Oral History with Don Tipps About Teaching
Mr. Tipps talks about the joys of teaching art class.
Don Tipps Obituary
On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Donald F. Tipps, was greeted by His Lord in Heaven where Doris, the love of his life, waited with open arms.
Visitation: 11 a.m to 12 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024, at North Pointe Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 147 E. Hurst Blvd, Hurst, Texas, 76053.
Funeral: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024, North Pointe Baptist Church Sanctuary.
Interment: Immediately following the funeral service at Mount Olivet Cemetery. All who would like to attend and are able are welcomed. The interment will be held with Military Honors.