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John Piper Obituary

John Joseph Piper A relentless soldier for the Catholic faith and a courageous seeker of goodness, truth, and beauty joined our Savior on Sunday, May 8th, 2011. He passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his chair that looked out on the beloved family farm in Roy, Washington. He is survived by his devoted children Bobby (Manny) Guerrero, Richard (Pam) Piper, Mary (Mario) Lopez, John (Karen) Piper, Matthew Piper, and Julie and numerous grandchildren. John was revered for the love of his faith, his generous counsel, and his light-hearted, giving spirit. He was respected as a life-long educator. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII and dedicated his life to his family. But John would have you know that the highlight of his life was the tender love he shared with his "sweet heart" of 59 years, Bernice. Together again, "It's all good." The service will be 10AM Monday, May 16, at Our Lady Queen Of Heaven Church, 14601 A Street South, Tacoma, WA. A Celebration of his life will be held immediately following in the Parish Hall. There will be a private family burial. Please sign the online guest book at www.dryermortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from May 11 to May 12, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Piper

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Susan Miller

May 15, 2011

John and Bernice Piper were the kind of people that you could always count on for a hug and loving words..... they were great family friends...
My heart is saddened by John's passing but I know Bernice was waiting for him with her arms open and a loving smile....
My love and sympathy to all the family.

May 15, 2011

John was one of a kind. Growing up with the Piper family was very special. We were always made to feel so welcome. He will be greatly missed.

Cathy Mondau Moody

debby walters

May 14, 2011

To my Aunt Josie St. Thomas and my cousins, Jane and Paula Piper:
I don't know that I ever met Uncle John, but knowing that he is Uncle George's brother says it all for me.
May you all have wonderful memories that will stay with you always.
Blessings to all and peace,
Debby Walters (Doris Ehnat-Walters' daughter)

Fritz Mondau

May 14, 2011

If John was in the room, you knew what was coming: hands on both cheeks, a kiss and the most sincere, "Good to see you!"
So many memories.....so much love.

Chris Mondau

May 13, 2011

How could one person make so many people feel so special and important?
I think I know...
John Piper genuinely loved us and truly believed that we are special.
He really was interested when he asked about our lives and hopes and dreams,
And he really did listen and think about our answers.
John is already missed,
But his spirit will live on through all of us whose lives he touched
As we touch the lives of others.

Bonnie Brookshire

May 12, 2011

Many family memories were spent on the farm with John and Bernice! We will remember their selfless acts of kindness! Bernice's chard with Uncle Dan's out of the bountiful garden and John's blessed prayers around the dinner table were incredible times to behold... They are now together to spend their lives as one again! Peace to all who feel lost without them... Gary, Bonnie, Nicole, Sara, and Sydnee Brookshire

Karen Kanar

May 12, 2011

I remember Mr. Piper when he was at Baker Jr. High as a teacher ...still have my 1959 Baker annual with his "smokin' pipe" signature. He was a great teacher; a warm and genuine person. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Sherry Hunt

May 12, 2011

I worked with John when he was a principal for Tacoma Public Schools. He was caring, kind, smart and a joy to be around. Always a smile....and always could be counted on! Thoughts and prayers for all his family and friends. Sherry Hunt

Bruce & Cindy Beardsley

May 12, 2011

We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. We boarded horses there for a few years and my husband helped out with his septic system a few times over the years. Although we hadn't seen him in a year or so, we sure thought of him and Bernice often. They were both such wonderful people. Our prayers are with his family & friends.

Merrie Asher

May 11, 2011

What he had, he shared .. when he spoke, you listened .. when he smiled, you smiled .. when he prayed, you believed.
Our thoughts are with you, Matt.

Tricia Piper

May 11, 2011

Grandpa was a kind and gentle father-in-law .. and his grandsons (John Joseph, Joshua Joseph and James Joseph) will carry fond and loving memories in their hearts of their childhood days on the farm .. Godspeed Grandpa ..

Kim Willmott

May 11, 2011

A one of a kind man who has left a wonderful legacy. He will be missed.

Janie Piper Carr

May 11, 2011

Uncle John came from an Old Tacoma Family. His Father & Mother John & Mary Piper, His Brother's & Sister's George, Eunice, Donald, Madeleine & Tom. May God Bless Them All.

May 11, 2011

Uncle John was from an Old Tacoma Family. His Father & Mother

Barbara Norris Kiang

May 11, 2011

Mr. Piper was my 6th grade teacher at Washington School (that year, 1952-53, was his first year of teaching, and 6th grade was located at Mason Jr. High.) He was an extremely important influence in my life; my weary parents were sometimes moved to chant "Mr. Piper says..." How many times I have thought of him through the years, and described to people the innovative things we did in school. He was a wonderfully effective teacher and leaves a great legacy. (By the way, I have one of his signatures with the picture of a pipe.)

May 11, 2011

Mr. Piper was my teacher at Baker Jr. High (in the late 50's) when Baker was new. He was such a positive, sincere teacher and had a huge impact on my life. We all used to get such a laugh out of his signature with the picture of a pipe. May God be with you all during this difficult time.
Linda Rice/Ritthaler

Michelle Lewis

May 11, 2011

One of the great ones. You will be very missed. Thank you for being an influence in my life. I always felt at home in your home. My love forever.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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