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EDWARD PIPER Obituary
Ed is survived by his loving children, Donna Piper, Michael Piper (Yuko), and Claire Piper; his siblings, Gary Piper (Kaye), Jacqueline Piper, Barbara Massoud (Michael) and David Lubey (Rosemarie); and his cherished grandchildren Alyssa Kues, Jeii Piper and Julia Piper. He also remained close with his nieces and nephews, who brought him great joy throughout his life. He is remembered with warmth by his former wife and mother of his children, Diane Cady.
A graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in landscape architecture, Ed spent his entire career working for the City of Salinas before retiring to the Sierra Nevada foothills. There, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming the steward of a truly special place. He transformed three acres of rugged, overgrown land - once overtaken by poison oak - into the breathtaking property known as Claire's Claim. Designed with care, intention, and creativity, the land now features meandering paths, natural beauty, and gathering spaces that have brought countless people together for music, laughter, and connection.
Claire's Claim was crafted just as he envisioned, with only a few dreams left unfinished. He hoped the property would one day become even more accessible to the broader community - a place where others could experience the peace, creativity, and joy he found there.
Ed was an integral part of the Columbia community and beloved by many. He was known for his generosity, kind spirit, and the unforgettable concerts he hosted under the stars at his cherished home.
His legacy of kindness and connection lives on in all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Claire's Claim. All who knew and loved Ed are welcome to join in honoring his memory. In keeping with Ed's spirit, it will be a potluck gathering - please bring a dish to share; the wine, as always, will be provided.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for EDWARD PIPER
Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD PIPER
8 Entries
Meg Benjamin
September 8, 2025
I'm so saddened to hear of Ed's passing. He was a very important part of my life in my later teenage years and early 20's. My sincerest sympathies to Donna, Michael, Claire, Diane and family!
Richard Haratani
September 4, 2025
Ed was a great supporter of the Columbia State Historic Park volunteer and docent community and has forever enhanced the cherished historic corridor leading into CSHP with Claires´ Claim... rest in love Ed.
Mary Campbell
September 4, 2025
I first met Ed at the farmers market booth for my local plant nursery in Sonora. Now, many years, many planting plans, many consultations, and many visits to his beautiful property later, he was my friend and an inspiration to me and to all who knew him. His dedication to making a wonderful place to share with the community is unparalleled. Truly, a special person that is loved and will be missed by so many.
Dave and Rosemarie Lubey
September 4, 2025
We are so thankful for all the beautiful memoriesWe send our love and prayers to each of you
Dave and Roe
Rick and Sue Armstrong
September 3, 2025
We met Ed after seeing him at various music venues in both Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. After striking up a conversation with him, he invited us to Claire's Claim for one of his potlucks. We were unprepared for what greeted us when we arrived. Entering the property was like an adult version of Disneyland! Every detail from fountains to entertainment areas had been envisioned by Ed and brought to life. It was pure magic! And Ed couldn't have been more gracious in greeting and visiting with his guests. We soon became part of his crew. We helped with setups, prep, whatever he needed for his events. We truly felt blessed to be a part of Ed's vision, his gift to the community, the joyful get-togethers, the coming together of his beloved family and friends. Ed was a kind, loving, generous man. He is greatly missed but the memories he created with all that knew him created will live on.
Tom Van Dyke
September 3, 2025
Ed was a great friend and neighbor to my family when I was growing up in Salinas. We remained friends with him and his family ever since, each of us probably a bit closer to one or the other, but the Piper family was and remains very dear to my own. Ed was a mentor to me from early on and I always respected his opinions and especially his outlook on life. I'm very sad I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to him but we did stay in touch almost to the end of his days. I think of him often and remember him as a great friend and a great man who loved his family, his community and his country. He wore that on his sleeve and was a very rightfully proud man for all that he achieved in service to his ideals.
Kelly Leage
September 3, 2025
What a great man, an honorable role model for all. I met Ed when he offered the use of Claire´s Claim as the location for our Columbia docents appreciation party. We had a lovely time, delicious food, and beautiful music. Ed was the epitome of generous; I learned so much from him.
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