This was Kippy Van Court
Download this page in PDF formatMr. Albert Van Court, a tireless worker, a multi-Group Judge, friend of Dachshunds and the sport of purebred dogs, died suddenly on April 17, 1970 in New York City.
Mr. Van Court was active in Dachshunds sine 1938. In 1949, he judged the Dachshund Club of America specialty, held at Morris and Essex, and he judged the Smooth Variety at a later DCA show. He judged the Great Joint Dachshund Club show in London several years ago. Among the many planned judging engagements was to judge Windsor in England at a fututre date.
With his first wife, the late Miriam Van Court, he bred and exhibited top-winning Dachshunds and he continued to breed and show top-winners with the present Mrs. Van Court (Ramona).
He was born in Detroit and was a graduate of Princeton University. During World War I, he served overseas as a Field Artillery Captain. During the Second World War, Mr. Van Court served as Director from Southern California for Dogs for Defense.
Mr. Van Court had seved as Secretaryof the Kennel Club 0f Beverly Hills and as a member of the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club from March 1966 until this past March 1970. He was Chairman of the Dog Show Committee of the Westminster Kennel Club for 1969 and 1970.
Mr. Van Court is survived by his wife, Ramona, a son, Albert E. Jr. and a brother Potter.
Perhaps Mr. Tom Stevenson’s letter to the editor best describes Kippy Van Court’s contribution to all involved in pureebred dogs.
“So-hope that conveys my feeling that Kippy’s loss isn’t the end of an era, because there will always be decent people…possibly because decency is an essential ingredient that renews itself through lives such as Kippy’s…”
Tributes from some of Mr. Albert Van Court’s many friends follow in these pages.
From Miss Marjorie E. Siebern, Judge, Gardner, N.Y.: “I shall miss “Kippy”. When one knows a person for over thirty years, there’s a great void when he passes on.
He was a most gentle man; perhaps the gentlest I have ever known. I have never known him to ever utter a harsh word. Yet, he could certainly “drive home a point” with his own subtle humor.
He was endowed with great wisdom. If I ever had a question in mind, I would seek Kippy’s advice, which was always the best. He was a person to whom I owe a great deal.
Knowing himin the late thirties as a fellow exhibitor, I can say that he was truly a sport. Later, as a fellow Judge, his fairness and consideration exemplified his sportsmanship.
Kippy was a giant in stature, though not physically, in all other ways he was supreme.
I shall miss Kippy.”
From Norah and Hugh Randolph, breeders, San Francisco: “We were deeply sorry to to learn of the passing of Kippy Van Court. His name has been a part of the Breed as long as we can remember and was always associated with its finest qualities. The White Gables prefix is found in the pedigrees of many of our finest specimens today.
Kippy was a gentleman in every sense of the word; always courteous, courtly and considerate of his fellow man and kind in every way. In this day of dissent and disrespect for everything, the world can ill afford to lose this fine man.”
From Grace Hirschman,breeder/judge, and son, Bimbo , Los Angeles: We have lost a personal friend. He was always ready with a smile and word of good advice when it was needed. He is rembered by many as a gentleman, but, to us, he is also remembered as a gentle man.
From Major and Beatrice Godsol, all-breed judges, LaJolla, CA: “We had known Kippy Van Court for thirty-five years. He was a great person and a good friend. We have never heard Kippy say an unkind word about anyone. He was the dearest, kindest man we have known.
He was also a dedicated booster for the sport of dogs. We know all dog people and many others will miss him too. Certainly we will.
Kippy will live in the hearts of his friends forever.”
From Thelma Brown, judge, La Mesa, CA: “The Open Dog Smooth was entering the ring when word came that Kippy Van Court had died the previous day.There was a stunned silence; then one of the handlers spoke, ‘He was always a gentleman.’
Everyone gathered themselves together after a silent minute and the judging proceeded as it always must. Perhaps no more appropriate eulogy was paid than in those few words softly spoken in that Dachshund ring…he was always a gentleman, an asset to the dog game.”
From William Kendrick, all-breed Judge, Devon, PA: “Our friendship with Kippy extends well back before World War II days when he was actively engaged with the first Mrs. Van Court, the charming Miriam, in breeding and exhibiting Dachshunds, good ones,too. Their line was immeasurably stregthened by a fortuitous purchase, and that was CH Eric v Stahlhaus, a red Smooth (and up to that time we doubt if there ever were a better one), from Mrs. Maude Daniels Smith. We placed Eric in the No.1 spot in a representative entry as a puppy before he went west. We never saw him again but we have always stated that he was the best Dachshund puppy ever to come before us. Eric did much for the advancement of Smooths on the West Coast. He was a veritable giant of a stud.
Kippy was as avid and keen a fancier in those far off days as any we have ever known. While Dachshunds were his first love, he liked the dog game per se. For that reason, a good one of any breed would gain Kippy’s admiration. It is not to be wondered that he developed into a talented highly respected multibreed judge.
When Kippy was an exhibitor, the win was by no means the most important aspect, for with him it was not my Dachshund , nor your Dachshund, but THE Dachshund.
Following Mrs Van Court ‘s death Kippy maintained his interest and it was ths interest that brought him in contact with Mrs. Lancaster Andrews, a top-flight Dachshund exhibitor in the east.. Their friendship led to marriage , an idyllic happy union. Their joint interest in the dog game and its many facets contributed to their happiness in no small way. That Ramona intends to carry on would so please Kippy.
Kippy pushed himself hard during the last year of his life following a critical illness. In addition to his multitudinous duties with two all-breed dog clubs and his duties as an AKC Director, his nearly weekly trips on judging jaunts may have exacted their toll. The point is, however, that he was doing what he loved best. God was good to him in that he was subjected to no long period of suffering.
The dog game is poorer by Kippy’s loss. It has lost a liaison man, a man who was always accessible to those of high and low degree. A man to whom one ould turn with the certainty that Kippy would hear one out. Kippy probably had more doggy friends throughout North America than anyone could ever claim. He will be sorely missed by so many. Ave atque vale. ”
From Thirza Hibner, breeder and judge, Los Altos Hills, CA: “Kippy Van Court was not only one of the reasons we have stayed in Dachshunds these many years, but the one person who has done the most to help us over the years. He and Ramona encouraged me to apply for my license and were most helpful in coaching me in ring procedures and protocol. Always the perfect gentleman, the perfect host, and a good friend, we shall miss him greatly.”
From Blanche Schoning, breeder, Aquebogue, NY: “Dogdom has lost one of its dearest and greatest.”
Arthur K.Y. Zane, all-breed judge and dear friend, Honolulu: “The late Mr Albert Van Court loved Hawaii, just as we Hawaiians had a warm aloha (welcome, respect, love) for him. He judged one of the first specialty shows for the Dachshund Club of Hawaii shorty after World War II and later judged several all-breed shows for the Hawaiian Kennel Club together with his wife, Ramona. They were scheduled to judge again in March 1971.
Two of the earliest Dachshund greats in island breed history, Superette von Marienlust and CH White Gables Oliver Twist, were sent to fanciers from his famous kennels. Each won a BIS and contributed much to a breeding program among local breeders that kept Dachshunds ahead of all other breeders for more than a decade.
Mr Van Court , Kippy to his many friends, was as gentle as the soft breeze. light rain, and the haunting melodies of old Hawaii, and he possessed the friendliness and hospitality typical of Islanders. Kippy was a gentleman, a sportsman and will be long reembered as one of dogdom’s great fanciers.
From Mary Nelson Stephenson, breeder judge, Lahaska PA : ” My memories of this gentle man cover a period of almost twenty years, He was without a peer as a gentleman, a sportsman and a friend. As a judge, he was considerate, patient, thorough and knowledgeable.
In our present highly competitive world, Albert E. Van Court was always a reminder to those of us who are similarly dedicated that the sport of exhibiting purebred dogs MUST remain a sport.”
From Mrs Maynard Kane (Kitty)Drury, breeder,judge, Phelps, NY: “We miss you very much. Thank you for all the things you did for me: for being happy to see me at Dog Shows, for answering load of questions cheerfully, for inviting me to judge, for being a fine judge and kind when I showed under you, and, most of all, for just being Kippy whom so many people, especially me, admired and loved. ”
From Tom Ladd, friend, Cannes France: ” Mr Albert E. Van Court’s death is felt deeply by so many. We are most appreciative of his many achievements in the sport of dogs: however, there are many more capable of digressing on this than I. My tribute is to Kippy the gentleman whom it was my good fortune to know for the past thirty years, a man so considerate and kind.
We all feel grateful that Kippy’s demise was so peaeful and without suffering as befitted this great gentleman. My sympathy goes out to Mr Van Court’s widow, the charming and capable Ramona.”
From Robert V Lindsay, President of the Westminster KC, NYC, and husband of Nancy Lindsay who was a Basset and Bloodhound breeder and Hound Group Judge: ” Among the many talents of Kippy Van Court, I think the one that impressed me the most was his ability to handle any situation, no matter how sudden, in a calm, deliberate and sensible manner. To me this was due in large part that Kippy did his homework and was always well prepared, whether the subject at hand be a specific judging assignment or the running of a dog show.
Kippy was a loyal and devoted member of Westminster Kennel Club who served willingly and successfully in many ways, most importantly as Chairmn of the Dog Show Committee. He will be sorely missed as a member and as a personal friend.”
From Robert McCandless, Judge, Los Angeles: “I have had the pleasure of knowing this gentleman for 35 years and have always valued his friendship and his profound knowledge of the Dachshund. I can certify to his honesty and integrity in all of his actions in the Dog Game and in the business world. To proceed further in praise of him would only be trying to gild lily.”
From Nancy Onthank, breeder and judge, Greenwich, CT: ” It is very hard for me to put into words my feeling for Kippy. He was one of our best friends. I have known him for so many years. He was always a true friend. Our relationship wasn’t always in the dog world.We had many a laugh and many a cry together.
I talked to him on April 17th at noon. He was going to come down with Ramona to visit us in Bermuda. He said he couldn’t come because he was so busy.
I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. He was a fair and wonderful judge. He cannot be replaced.”
From Cliff and Grace Burian, breeder judges, St Louis: ” Cliff and I have known and loved Kippy for many, many years. He has always been a gentleman and had a certain unassuming charm that was felt by most everyone who knew him well.
Our hearts are very full at the loss of a dear friend and we will love him always.”
From Mary Jane Davis, dear friend, West Palm Beach, FL.: ” It’s hard to think of Kippy without his helping hand extended to aid in our problems, without his calm, capable approach to any situation, without the friendly sparkle to his eye. Still it is a privilege to have felt that hand, profited from his advice, and shared his friendship with dog lovers from coast to coast.
As long as we remember, Kippy will never really die. When we help a novice , work to put on a good dog show, aid someone in a breeding program, Kippy will be there! When we turn aside a critical remark with a soft answer,Kippy will be there! When we stand up for what we think is right in the sport of purebred dogs, Kippy will be there! His helping hand is still extended for all of us to grasp and elevate the sport he loved so well.”
From Kay Finch, Afghan breeder and multibreed judge, Corona del Mar, CA: “My earliest memories of Kippy Van Court were when he was showing his own Dachshunds. He was an avid breeder-exhibitor and always handled his own dogs. This delighted me and gave me and many others more confidence as owner-handlers of our own hounds in those days long ago.
Kippy was so willing to help others and he gave so much towards the wise and proper development of the dog game. He contributed unselfishly and tireessly to every angle of the sport of prebred dogs. He was kind and generous and his name is a legend and will be remembered by thousands. We miss him very much.”
From Mrs Beatrice P. Smith, Christiansted, St Croix, Virgin Islands: “There was something special about Kippy Van Court. A sort of aura that only a few possess. I saw him but seldom, was never in his home nor he in mine. Yet I shall miss him. Deeply.
He was a gentle person-reponsive, alert, efficient-yet warm and kindly. You felt good when you met him, no matter how brief or how casual the encounter. You might a hundred others under similar circumstances and promptly forget them.
With Kippy, it was different. You never needed to tell him your name. . He remembered. He remembered little things about you. Instead of the meaningless “How’ve you been? Good to see you!” Kippy remembered that recently (in Californa, New York, Puerto Rico or some other far-flung place) he had talked with an old friend of yours or had seen a descendant of a dog you had shown years back. Little things. Personal. Small talk? Well, maybe. But indicative of his genuine interest, not in himself and his own affairs, but in you, as an individual.
Kippy who now is gone is mourned by his faily, his daily intimates, his close friends. He also is mourned by people like me whose paths crossed his only on the periphery of his life and mine. With his death, for me another small light went out. As one grows older, more and more lights are extinguished, and except for new friends and new interests, this world becomes an unberably lonely place. Kippy’s life-pattern, so full, so useful up to the very end, has set a worthy example for those of us who are left.”
From William W. Brainard, Jr., judge, Marshall, VA: ” Albert Van Court left ‘the Dog Show Game’ better than he found it. His sophisticated comprehension, his informed opinion, his well-weighed judgment and his unassuming devotion to all that is BEST in Dog Shows were an asset of impeccable value. He gave of himself with understanding and with vigor and vitality.
Kippy knew the strength of this sport. Determined to maintain high levels of competition, he emphasized the essential characteristics of fair play. He improved the climate. He helped to make sure that the future of dog showing would be worthy of its past.
With it all, his ability, his accomplishments, Kippy was a credit to dogdom , a gentleman of distinction.”
From Barton Emanuel, breeder-judge and close friend, Salisbury Rhodesia: ” Albert E. Van Court- a great, unofficial statesman. Some years ago, Kippy Van Court came to England to judge at The Great Joint Dachshund Clubs’ Championship Show. At that tie not any American Judges came to England-especially for assignments with Specialty Clubs. There was a little apprehension before his arrival. Some people felt an American judge would view Dachshunds in a different light. His superb judging, efficient ring management and great knowledge won him the highest praise. He was a fine ambassador in the Dog World, and his talks with English breeders at that time were beneficial in an Anglo-American appreciation of the Dachshund, giving breeders an understanding of trends on either side of the Atlantic. He also generously gave of his time in writing articles especially designedfor foreign Dachshund clubs.
I last saw Kippy in 1969. Even after long absences, there was no gap across the years. In Los Angeles I introduced Kippy to a Rhodesian who had been in government service.This Rhodesian remarked to me: ‘America is lucky to have men like Mr Van Court. Their broad concept would do much to clear up international misunderstandings.’ And that was Kippy-a fine Dog Ambassador, but above and beyond that a man who represented the best in America to those abroad.”
From George Spradling, breeder and judge, Wichita KS: “Kippy Van Court was the most universally-liked and respscted Dachshund fancier I have ever known. Our friendship extended and deepened through a period of thirty years. His unfailing courtesy was unique in the dog fancy. He was a gentleman at all times and under all circumstances, a just, kindly sensitive man who was not embittered by unjust criticism and jealousy, inspired by misology.
Kippy’s devotion to dogs and his untiring labors for dog clubs stand as a monument to a splendid man.”
From Lousie Magary, judge, NYC: “Kippy was the most sensitive and considerate man I ever met. He contributed tremendously to the Dachshund fancy for over thirty years, and his contribution to the great shows in financial help and hard work were phenomenal and often hidden.”
From Jeannette W. Cross, Hound Judge, Cos Cob CT : ” First acquaintance with Kippy Van Court began in the late 1930’s when Kippy came to the the New york area to show the beautiful smooth red male, CH Cid Jr. of Lakelands, at some East Coast shows. The impression he made was that of a kind, wise, charming man, always a gentleman. There was never a reason to change that opinion; in facr it strengthened , and over the years Kippy became a dear and close friend.
Dachshunds have lost a loyal advocate who loved and understood them. Kippy’s friends have lost even more and will find it hard to accept a dog world without Kippy as a vital and beloved participant.”
From A. Peter Knoop. multibreed judge, NYC : “The untimely death of Kippy Van Court has left a void that will take much time to heal.
To me he represented everything that was genuine, thoughtful and gentlemanly in a world that seems to have forgotten these qualities. His in-depth knowledge of dogs, his superb control of a ring while judging and his complete fairness in his decisions were just a few of the things for which I admired mhi him so much.
He cannot be replaced, but hopefully all the good qualities which he represented will be a mark to attain for those who carry on.”
From Jerry and Elaine Rigden, Professional Handlers, Wadsworth, OH : ” The dictionary states, ‘Gentleman- a polite, gracious and considerate man with high standards of propriety and correct behavior.’ This must be said of Mr Albert E ‘Kippy’ Van court-this and much more.
Kippy was alway a gentleman first and a dog-show judge second: an at all times he treated those who exhibited before him as ‘ladies’ and ‘gentlemen’. His manner was almost courtly but always sincere and with a good sense of humor added. He made all feel he was a real person and not just a man with a purple badge passing judgment.
We can tell of many experiences with Kippy, both in and out of the ring. Always calm and steadfast, nothing seemed to ruffle him. At dinner one evening we casually invited them to our wedding the next day. He countered with the same casualness that he thought they could fit the occasion into their schedule. One show when our Longhaired Dachshund (sans great coat) had been placed BV and an exhibitor of a greatly coated dog was bemoaning the loss at the bench. Kip was asked if he would buy “A” for $75 or “B” for $100, which would he take. He answered “A” . I’d save $25 and besides, he’s already won!’ A trip through Florida where he became caught up in ‘hander superstitions’ and apologized at the fifth show for still wearing the same jacket and tie, because he didn’t want to break the luck. We won Group FIVE that night and he added , ‘At least I have been able to change my socks!!’.
Though the Dachshund fancy tends to claim him as their own through White Gables fame and Mrs Van Court’s many winning Dachshunds , he was a true student of all purebred dogs and all phases of the sport. He always appreciated a good one of any breed- a well run show or just a freiendly chat with exhibitors and handlers.winners and losers. The tremendous effoer he out forth to make Westminster Kennel Club the ‘Show of Shows’ and the Kennel Club of Beverly Hills, the ‘West Coast ‘ was fantastic and it will be a long time before either club can (if ever) find another to put in the many, many hours of plain HARD WORK that was just a normal part of the life of Kippy Van Court.
We’ll miss Kippy. Like us, he loved the joys and sorrows , the gripes and anguish, the barking and applause -all the many facets that make up our own special dog-showing world.”
From Helene Case, breeder- judge, Louisville, KY :” A good many years ago when my husband and I were the rankest of amateurs in the Dachshund world, we exhibited under Albert ‘Kippy’ Van Court at the Chicago International. Even we, at that time, could tell that his manner was one of extreme courtesy and that he had been a Dachshund breeder for some time and that ‘WhiteGables’ was a well recognized and honored name.
There can be no doubt that Kippy was a sincere and devoted friend of the breed to which we became dedicated. I’m sure he was equally fair to all of the numerous additional breeds he judged. He also had the knack of making exhibitors feel at ease in the ring, no matter who they were or what they were showing, and to my way of thinking this as important as going over the dogs. It is easy to discourag a beginner, and I can’t believe he ever did this.
If I were asked to sum up Kippy Van Court in a few words, I would say that he was one of the most truly and naturally courteous people I have ever known- a real gentil homme – and that he never changed in this respect over the years. What a very nice way to be remembered.”
From Mrs Augustus Riggs IV, exhibitor, judge, Woodbine MD : “When Kippy died the dog world lost its best ambassador and one of its greatest judges. He was a fine man with tremendous personal charm.”
From William Trainor, Preident of Professional Handlers Association, Oxford, MA : “When Kippy left the dog world, a vast vacuum was created that may go unfilled for many years. He was truly an ambasadorof good will wherever he went. His unhurried way in the show ringrestored calm to many a nervous exhibitor. His hand of friendshipwas ever extended and a willingness to help one and all ever present.
Our sympathy goes out to Ramona.”
From Millie Houchin, judge, Hendersonville,NC : “Having known Kippy Van Court since the Thirties, it was with much sadness I learned of his passing.
He was a perfectionist, giving much of himself. Thr White Gables breeding did a great deal for our breed.
He will be greatly missed by his many friends.”
From Maxwell Riddle, all-breed judge, Cleveland, OH : “I first met Albert Van Court in 1939 on my first judging trip to California. I remember it well. I wasn’t judging any of his dogs and we had lunch together. It was a picnic lunch with Donia Cline, Kippy and his wife, my wife and me. The show was Ventura.
A day or so later, we visited his kennels. I admired a lovely Whippet bitch which he had. He later sent her to me. She was a Group winner for me.
During all the years I knew him, we were friends. I will never think of him in any other way than as a great gentleman. I thought him a good judge and an excellent show chairman. I knew his problems with Westminster, and I suffered with him over them.
It is hard to say ‘goodbye’ to so fine a gentleman.”
From Tom Stevenson, judge, Carmel Valley, CA : ” Kippy liked dogs, any dogs; yet he waa cconnoisseur of dogs. He was in turn a breeder, an exhibitor, a judge and an administrator. His involvement was strong and war. Each part he played in the dog game was well played. He leaves as his legacy a sport that is better for having known him-that will enrich the lives of others as it did his own.”
From Lee Murray, all-breed judge, Fort Worth, TX : “The death of Mr Albert ‘Kippy’ Van Court was a great loss to the dog fancy. As a breeder, exhibitor and judge, in all of his endeavors, he was the epitome of the perfect gentleman. This gentle man will be greatly missed by all.”
From Mrs Ralph Lovering, breeder-judge, Alexandria, VA : “The dog world has lost a true friend and a great gentleman.”
From Lina Basquette, Professional Handler, Chalfont, PA : ” I have a built-in phobia against funeral orations and posthumous eulogie. This dated back to my childhood and the hypocrisies that surrounded my beloved father’s funeral which I attended at the age of nine. Yet, when I was asked to comment in print upon the passing of that distinguished Gentleman ( I insist on the capital ‘G’) Mr Albert E Van Court, my heart swelled in gratitude when Sanford Roberts requested that words of mine be included in these pages.
Although most of Mr Van Court’s friends calld him Kippy, somehow I never could do it. He was always Mr Van Court to me. Not because I was in awe of him or felt remote from his vast circle of friends, but there was just something in my background and early training that made me hesitant in using a nickname toward a gentleman of his particular importance in our fancy. Mr Van Court was one of those very special human beings who rightfully commanded great respect and admiration from all of us who can appreciate good breeding, superb manners and an uncommon gentility. His devotion to purebred dogs (and especially Dachshunds) was a delight to behold at all times. In every phase of the dog game, Mr Van Court displayed a sincere dedication and astuteness.
I will miss his bright quick step, his frequent flashess of subtle humor and above all his charming gentleness in approaching our beloved dogs. Although as a handler and exhibitor I seldom won a top award from him, I adored this gentlemanaand enjoyed thoroughly the challenges of showing dogs under him. Most of us wil never forget him. His passing has left an aching void in our world that will never be completely healed. To have had the privilege of knowing himbis a memory I shall always cherish.
END
This article was put together by Sanford Roberts after the passing of this great man, Albert Van Court, who really made a difference in Dachshunds and the whole dog game.
This was published in The American Dachshund in August of 1970.