Raymond P. Tipp

Raymond P. Tipp practiced law in Missoula, Montana for over 60 years, and was the founding member of our firm. Ray was born and raised in Froid, Montana, a small town at the eastern edge of the state. After graduating from high school, Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force where he honorably served during the Korean War.

After earning some college credits during his military service, Ray finished his undergraduate education at the University of Montana, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Ray matriculated at Hastings School of Law at the University of California in San Francisco, California, before returning to the University of Montana School of Law where he graduated in 1959.

Ray was the founding member of Tipp Coburn Lockwood, PC. Ray began his legal career, and our firm, shortly after graduating from the University of Montana School of Law. Through the several formulations of our firm over the past 60 years, Ray remained the one constant.

In addition to being a lawyer, he was an entrepreneur and inventor (Ray held over 16 U.S. Patents, as well as other intellectual properties). 

Ray represented individuals in a variety of legal areas, including Wills & Estates, Real Estate, Contracts, and Family Law. Ray also represented small businesses in many capacities, including Business Formation – Corporations, Limited Liability Companies and/or Partnerships. Additionally, Ray proudly served as the Secretary for the Missoula Irrigation District.

Ray was licensed to practice in all courts of the State of Montana, and had been admitted to practice before the Federal Court of Claims, the United States Supreme Court and Tribal Courts. He had also been permitted appearances in courts located in North Dakota, Minnesota, Oregon, Idaho, Washington and California.

Ray was survived by his wife, Eleanor, three children, as well as three step-children. Two of his children and one of his step-children have followed Ray’s footsteps into the practice of law. Ray was a member of Sigma Chi, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and the Masons. He was also very proud to be a Shriner. Ray had been an airplane pilot, and enjoyed playing the accordion.

While he is gone, he certainly is not forgotten. All of us at the firm are indebted to Ray, and our proud to carry on the firm that he established more than 60 years ago.