Owner of Garner Total Energy and Sunlit Pottery 

In 2025, Chip started a handmade pottery business after a 49-year break from creating technology. After he received his Master of Science in Engineering from UCLA in 1985, Chip worked full-time at TRW as an aerospace manager.

On the side, he also worked as a sailplane instrument designer. Chip had developed some compelling new instrument technologies found in most competitive cockpits. Beyond competitive soaring, Chip was a member of the Albuquerque Soaring Club and held a seat on the SSA Board of Directors.

Chip got the soaring bug early and soloed at age sixteen at Hemet in California.

Since then, he has put on over 3500 gliding hours, competed in over 35 national contests, and frequently placed in the top three. Chip’s recent wins include the 1999 Standard Class, 2001 Open Class, and 2005 and 2006 Standard Class. Attracted to competitive soaring for the competitive outlet it provides and the intense mental challenge, Chip has represented the U.S. On three previous world teams.
Chip will be missed by all those who are lucky enough to know him. As a scientist and an outstanding artist, he'd be dancing in the galaxy, watching over us with a smile.