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P. Pipes Obituary
Lancaster, PA - Paul Bruce Pipes, a devoted father, husband, and grandfather, as well as accomplished physicist, and educator passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, he was the son of Paul Bruce Pipes Sr. and Opal Pipes.
Bruce's passion for science led him to earn a bachelor's degree in physics from Rice University in 1963, followed by a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from Stanford University in 1970. As a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, he contributed significantly to the field of physics, inspiring both colleagues and students alike.
His career took him across the globe, beginning with a postdoctoral fellowship at the prestigious Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory in the Netherlands. He then served as a research instructor at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge before joining Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire in 1972. Over his 24 years at Dartmouth, he taught physics, winning the Distinguished Teaching award in 1985, served as associate dean for science and dean of graduate studies, and later became associate provost for academic affairs in 1990 and acting provost in 1993. His dedication to research also led him to work as a visiting scientist at the National Bureau of Standards from 1977 to 1980. He was a proud member of the American Physical Society and Sigma Xi, organizations that reflected his commitment to scientific discovery and excellence.
Later in life, Bruce moved to Lancaster, where he served as provost at Franklin and Marshall College for a decade before retiring. In retirement, he found joy in his lifelong passion for astronomy and astrophotography, connecting with and creating a community of fellow astrophiles who made regular road trips to their shared telescopes in Florida, finding camaraderie in capturing the beauty of the night skies.
Everyone who knew Bruce remembers his sharp intellect, kind heart, and keen sense of humor. He found joy in everyday moments and made sure those around him shared in the joke. He will be remembered for his unpretentious kindness, approaching everyone he met with curiosity and a generous spirit.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Beverly Pipes, his children, Leonard Pipes, his wife Rita Pipes and Tineka Lebrun and her husband JB Lebrun, five grandchildren, his sister Ann and her husband Art Wikoff. To send a condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for P. Pipes
6 Entries
Jim Newman '78
May 18, 2025
Professor Bruce Pipes was an amazing professor and mentor to so many of us at Dartmouth College and I think he was especially impactful for the Class of 1978. For me personally, he helped me learn how to do research as part of my senior thesis. He suggested Rice University for graduate school, as I hoped to get to NASA someday, and that was such an important part of my journey to JSC. When I became an Acting Provost myself, I reached out to him for advice and he was always happy to connect and communicate. Bruce, as he insisted we call him, was an amazing human being. With deep respect and condolences to his family.
Douglas Wildes
March 16, 2025
Bruce was a wonderful teacher, advisor, and mentor. He created a tight community of friends in the 1st-year AP physics classes that he taught at Dartmouth and inspired many of us to pursue degrees and careers in physics and related fields. He stayed connected as we dispersed - including coming to our 15th reunion to share stories and hand back our final exam papers! That last question, a blank page with two words at the top: "Discuss resonance." Bruce was an exceptional person. I have many fond memories and think of him often.
Jim Slinkman
March 16, 2025
I am so saddened to learn that Bruce has passed away. Bruce was a valued mentor and friend during my graduate career at Dartmouth. He was always cheerful, kind and enlightening. He always had time to discuss physics or "life" with me. My fond memories of Bruce live on.
Geoff Crew
March 15, 2025
I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. Bruce was a truly exceptional teacher and human being, and he pushed many of us to where we are today. I have thought of him often, and shall continue to do so forever.
Anne Barschall
March 15, 2025
My favorite professor at Dartmouth. He was always there to help me if I didn't understand something. When we had a freshman AP class with him, he made it personal by organizing parties for us.
When I took Quantum Mechanics with him, he helped us see the philosophical issues raised by the topic. Some of those philosophical issues had a profound impact on my later spiritual life.
We kept in touch after I graduated. A wonderful warm, brilliant human. I feel so lucky to have known him and had him as my professor.
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