Michael A. "Mick" Piper-Smyer

I just read about Mick's passing today in Bucknell Magazine and was sad to hear the news. Mick was a fundamentally decent human and a terrific colleague. He left the world a better place.

Dear Pat, My deepest sympathy as you step into life without Mick. I had heard earlier of his death but did not want to believe it. I surely hope that his warmth and kindness stay with you. He was a very important part of my life and career, for which I will always be grateful. profound condolences Peggy

Mick's legacy shines brightly through the lives he touched and the seeds of possibility he planted. His welcoming persona and understanding nature are qualities that will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. In addition to the Encore Public Voices/OpEd Project Fellowship, I had an opportunity to work with him on a Growing Greener webinar for the Encore Boston Network. He was a true champion. His legacy of positivity and inspiration will carry forward...

I had the pleasure of working with Mick for many years. He, along with myself and Dan Lago founded the Medicine, Health, and Aging Project in the mid-eighties at Penn State. Until his departure to Boston in 1994, he was an active member of the research team and contributed greatly to our research related to prescription drug use and misuse among the elderly. I will remember him fondly as an accomplished Gerontologist-scientist and colleague.

So sorry to hear this. Mr. Piper Smyer and his family was such a huge part of my childhood. His son Brendan was truly my best friend for many years. Going to the Piper Smyer house to converse meant you had to be ready intellectually to be challenged. And I actually loved that as a young kid, to be ready to backup my opinions. That type of thinking is a major reason for what I deem as a successful career today and a successful family I've helped raise with my wife. RIP Mr. Piper Smyer and...

An open, honest guy who loved his family, respected others and was comfortable in his own skin. His smile was contagious, and the world is now a little darker place.