June 2 1973 - April 27 2026
Michael Yip was a generous philanthropist, a leading innovator, and a passionate advocate for the art of orchestral music in East Hampton. The Hamptons Festival of Music would not exist in any form today without the generosity and pioneering spirit of Michael, who sustained the Festival for Five Seasons, laying the groundwork for many years to come of world-class orchestral performance on the East End. Michael made his home in Springs with his loving and devoted husband conductor Michael Palmer.
He believed in the power of music to bring people together and made that possible for all of us.
If you would like to donate in Memory of Michael and keep his legacy alive in East Hampton for years to come, please click the button above.
Michael Yip, 52, passed away in the early hours of April 27, 2026, at Stony Brook Hospital in Stony Brook, New York, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer, with his loving husband at his side.
Born on June 2, 1973, in Calgary, Canada, Michael was the son of Barry Gum Hong Yip and the late Marian Soon Ming (Yee) Yip. He will be remembered for his strength, dignity, and the love he shared with his family and friends.
He is survived by his husband, Michael Palmer; David Palmer, and David’s wife, Michelle Sibley, of Lakeway, Texas; his father, Barry Gum Hong Yip, and his sister, Susie Yip, both of Calgary; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Patty and Robb Warriner, of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was predeceased by his mother, Marian Soon Ming (Yee) Yip.
Michael’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His life touched many, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
Michael and his husband co-founded The Hamptons Festival of Music, and the family suggests donations be made to the festival in Michael’s memory.