The Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame
Remembering Our Friend, Patricia Hipwood, 1948 – 2020
It is with great sadness that we share the tragic news that Patricia Hipwood passed away, losing her brave fight against pancreatic cancer.
On Sunday May 24th, she died peacefully at home in Florida with her husband Julian and her son Piers by her side. Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to them, her son Max and the entire family.
We have lost a dear friend and we will miss the times we spent with her here at the Museum, especially in the days leading up to the annual Hall of Fame dinner each year. It was an endeavour into which she had always thrown herself with full commitment and passion since 1993 when she and Julian were the General Chairmen of the event. She did it for just shy of 20 years – a petite but spirited bundle of energy, Patricia would spend weeks before the dinner rounding up items for the Silent Auction, arriving daily with armfuls of treasures and a good number of funny tales. She delighted in it and we had great fun, with Patricia always readily pitching in to do whatever she could to help.
In 1994 Patricia was also asked to serve on our Board of Directors, which she did until 2011. She did much to help drive the success of the Museum and its early fundraising events. After leaving the Board she remained dedicated to doing everything she could to lend a hand and continue to help the Museum to flourish.
Her husband Julian reflected, “She was beautiful, stylish, artistic and talented with a strong personality and great confidence. She had worked on a number of glossy magazines and was held in high regard as a fashion editor. But I will remember her, of course, as my loving wife. Words fail us to convey the complete sense of loss that we now feel. We will all miss her dreadfully.”
His words also come to my mind when I think of Patricia – beautiful, elegant, stylish, talented, dynamic, witty, funny, dedicated, real. There is so much more, but mostly, I remember we had some wonderful times. We were honored to know her, work with her and to call her a friend. We will miss her very, very much.
The family has asked me to let you know that no services have been planned at this uncertain time, however if something should be decided upon we will keep you advised. Condolences may be sent to the family, but they have asked that in lieu of flowers they would rather that donations be made in memory of Patricia to either the Museum of Polo or to the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. (Museum of Polo, 9011 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, FL 33467; ph: 561 969-3210; Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, 3100 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33409, ph: 561 686-3663).
Our Best to you all.