Mr. David Preston "Kip" Koontz, of Frederick, a former member of the city's Board of Aldermen, died unexpectedly Sunday April 8, 2012, at his home. He was 48 and is survived by his devoted spouse of 19 years, JD Hulse. Born June 11, 1963, in Hagerstown, MD, he was the son of the late Harry E. and Karen Ann Stouffer Koontz. He was a 1981 graduate of South Hagerstown High and received his bachelor's degree from Western Maryland College in Westminster. He was a history buff who shared his tremendous love of local history, especially of Washington and Frederick counties. He was particularly fond of visiting Washington, DC. Known - and now remembered - for his sense of humor and his enthusiasm, "Kip" leaves many friends among gay-rights groups, those in the local artistic community and in politics, both friend and foe alike. A past president of the Frederick Kiwanis Club, he was active with the local chapter of The American Red Cross, the Maryland Ensemble Theater, Frederick's Community Action Agency and the Weinberg Center for the Arts. His passion for politics, engendered while still a high school student, culminated with his election to the Board of Alderman. Never one to hold back his opinions, he found his colleagues willing to listen, though they often came down on opposite sides of issues. One of his earliest forays onto the political stage was his association with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Central Maryland. He withstood "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" as the group's spokesman for several years, never ashamed of his lifestyle. As an alderman from 2005-2009, he advocated for the Frederick City Police, the arts district downtown, affordable housing, and the adoption of an adequate public facilities ordinance. He also served as liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission. Many in the community have noted his adherence to his principles, seldom wavering, but always working to affect change from the inside. "Kip" also wrote for several years for www.TheTentacle.com, often composing parodies of the local political scene through the mechanism of Broadway plays. He was the first recipient of that website's award - The Don Quixote Statue - given annually to the columnist who tilted at the most windmills during the year. In addition to JD Hulse, "Kip" is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Harry E. "Skip" Koontz II, and wife Cathy. He is also survived by his loving greyhounds, Lili and Brogan. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved greyhounds, Fitzgerald and Amelia. His love of greyhounds was the main reason for his active involvement in the rescue of these retired racing dogs. A celebration of "Kip's" life will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Evangelical Lutheran Church, 31 East Church Street, Frederick. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Robert Driver-Bishop. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in "Kip's" name to www.greytdogs.org or to www.barackobama.com. Arrangements are being handled by Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, Frederick. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com.
