Kip F. Waldo, age 68, of Venice Beach, California, (formerly of Fremont) passed away on Thursday, November 4th, 2021, following a short illness. He was born May 26, 1953, in Fremont to Forrest and Mary (Shoecraft) Waldo. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1971. Following graduation, Kip attended Michigan State University to study theatre & dramatic arts. He then went on to the University of Denver to continue his acting & theatre studies from 1976-1977 and played Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof as a member of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
He moved to California in 1977 to pursue his acting career. He appeared on a few games shows, took a variety of odd jobs, and followed his dreams of acting. Kip had small, but standout rolls in: Die Hard (1988), Brewster’s Millions (1985), Streets of Fire (1984), Hard Bodies (1984), Night Patrol (1984), and Sole Survivor (1984). The Fremont community may remember him from high school and Stage Door Players performances.
He was an avid Michigan State fan and followed their teams from the West Coast. A long-time member of 247sports.com’s Spartan Tailgate, he is remembered as a “classy and clever” poster. He attended as many games as possible over the years, including MSU’s winning 1988 Rose Bowl game. It is only fitting that he was able to watch the recent MSU victory over the Wolverines.
Kip was a master storyteller. He was witty and entertaining. He loved to talk movies, politics, and sports-especially football and wrestling. His family and friends remember him as such a character on screen and in life. Kip truly had a big personality and will be remembered as one of a kind. He will be missed dearly, and will live on through the memories of family, friends, and MSU Alumni.
He is survived by his brothers, Tim Waldo of Fremont, MI; Bart (Linda) Waldo; nephew, Ryan (Carlie) Waldo and family all of Sierra Vista, AZ; sister-in-law, Shelli Waldo of Fremont; nieces, Carrie (David) Crosley of Fremont, MI; Courtney Waldo of Sparta, MI, great nephews; Brayden & Garrisen Crosley; cousins: Marilyn McKune, Tom Shoecraft, Paula Shoecraft, and Kelli (Steve) Pijaszek and family; special friends, Barbara, Denise, Bill & Diane. He was preceded in death by his parents; Forrest & Mary, Aunts and Uncles; Dorcas & Gilbert “Mort” Mortland, Ross & Virginia Shoecraft, and Hester Shoecraft.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakes 23 in Fremont, on Saturday, March 26th, 2022, from 5-8 p.m. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. If possible, please RSVP to Carrie at 231-519-1079.
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