Jack Lypps: rancher turned spiritual poet

Jack Lypps was not a natural born poet. In fact, he inherited a ranching gene from his father, so creating flowing verses was the last thing on his mind.

Raised in Placentia, CA, a young Lypps could be found scampering amid his father’s 20-acre orange grove. “I liked running through the mud,” he admits.

Though he played often, he also made sure to help his father out with grove duties. Lypps would pitch in with ongoing weed patrol and irrigation responsibilities.

As far back as he could remember, Lypps always wanted to be a rancher. And in his adulthood, he became a bona fide rancher. His first orange grove was on Katella Avenue in the city of Orange. His next grove was located in Lindsay, CA, where he cultivated 30 acres of navel oranges.

While in high school in 1941, Lypps motored through Fallbrook and liked the community. It made a lasting impression.

“Fallbrook was so beautiful,” he said. “I knew someday I’d be back.”

In 1966, Lypps made Fallbrook his official residence and purchased a 30-acre avocado ranch in the Pala Mesa area.

Being a rancher is laborious work and free time can be limited. Nonetheless, Lypps decided to go away on a Charismatic Retreat some 30 years ago. On this retreat, he became spiritually touched.

“From then on, I’ve been serving the Lord instead of serving myself,” he said.

Lypps started to visit convalescent facilities in Fallbrook, encouraging the sick. Subsequently, he became a Eucharistic minister, which complimented his visits to individuals in need.

“I take communion to [those unable to leave their residences] at home on Sundays,” said Lypps.

When Lypps visited the convalescent homes, he met numerous lonely people, he said. One lady, he recalled, said she was so lonely that she wanted to end her life. Lypps was overwhelmed with emotion and spiritually drawn to write a poem about her.

O Lord, there is no one as lonely as I.

No one to talk to.

No one to share with,

No one to remember special days of the year.

O Lord, there is no one as lonely as I.

Please send me someone just to hold my hand,

To say a kind word, even a smile of hello would do.

O Lord, there is no one more lonely than I.

Lypps’ inspiration to write poetry is a blend of his religious belief and helping those in need. His personal and emotional connection with each written work is evident. He also believes that his writing talent is a gift from the Lord.

Lypps aspires to convey a spiritual connection in his poetry, paired with a mission to let people know that there is always hope. Many people have been touched by Lypps’ heartfelt words.

Lending a helping hand to people in need is crucial for this special man and he says forgiveness with love is another of his philosophical cornerstones.

“A happy man is a man with an open heart and a helping hand for his fellow man.”

–Jack Lypps