If asked one word to describe Westfield City Council Vice President John Dippel, most would talk about his devotion to his city, fellow residents, family and employees. A better word might be impact, because when discussing Dippel it is clear the difference he’s made in people’s lives.
“He was a thoughtful, caring, family-man who will always be remembered as a legacy,” Westfield resident Carrie Cason said.
Dippel died Sept. 21 at IU North Hospital. He lost his battle to cancer at the age of 73. A U.S. Army veteran and a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Dippel was instrumental in Westfield becoming a city in 2008. He was a member of the Financial Committee and the Westfield Sport Commission, which helped with the planning and implementation of Grand Park.
“John Dippel’s dedication and contributions to his beloved city of Westfield will be challenging to chronicle,” Mayor Andy Cook said. “John leaves behind a legacy in Westfield that can’t be replaced.”
Cook began his political career with Dippel in 2006.
“John had his own way of counseling all of us in his rather loud, gruff manner. We’re all going to miss him,” he said. “Nobody could make me angrier than John. He’d blatantly tell me in no shy words when I was off track.”
Cook also credits Dippel for his decision to run for mayor.
“He was very influential in convincing me to run for mayor. He gave me a handwritten piece of notebook paper with pros and cons and said ‘here’s why you should run,’” Cook said. “Nobody could make me angrier than John. He’d blatantly tell me in no shy words when I was off track.”
Cason worked with Dippel on the annual Mayor’s Yellow Tie Ball Committee and in her former role as communications director for the city.
“John Dippel was a wonderful man and I feel honored to have had the chance to know him. I not only worked with him closely for many years, but he was also a neighbor,” she said. “I could always go to John when I needed feedback or direction and he would always give me his honest opinion, whether I liked it or not. He definitely said exactly what was on his mind and that was much appreciated.”
Cason said Dippel worked hard each day to ensure the happenings in Westfield were of great benefit to the residents.
“He had a pride for his community that radiated from his words and actions and it was contagious to those around him,” she said. “His sense of humor and clever wit, among many other wonderful qualities, made him enjoyable to know on so many levels. He had the ability to bring perspective and laughter to the ugliest of situations, which is why he was such a great mentor and friend to many.
Tom Smith met Dippel when running for the city council in 2007 and became close friends.
“John was my mentor, fellow golfing sufferer, poker buddy who won huge less than a month ago, and a man who always made it clear that he loved us all,” he said. “As president of the council, I sat next to John at meetings, where he alternately muttered reminders and advice, or made some wisecrack about someone in the room, always entertaining and surprising me. No one worked harder as a councilor; he lived it every day.”
Smith no one knew more details or understood the political landscape regarding any given issue better than Dippel.
“Anyone who pays attention will understand that a gaping hole in Westfield’s infrastructure has been left,” he said.
Dippel, who was re-elected in 2011, had about two years left on his council term. Cook said a Republican caucus will be held so precinct committeemen in District 4 can vote on a new council member to replace Dippel. The caucus has not been scheduled but is expected to occur in the next week.
