Ronald Piper

February 24, 1919 – July 26, 2014

Ronald “Ron” Piper was born in Butte, Montana, February 24, 1919, where he developed his love of wild rivers, quiet meadows and nature's beauty. On July 26, 2014, Ron passed away, at the age of 95, in Rancho Cordova. He attended Manteca High School and went on to the University of Oregon. He served in World War II as part of the U.S. Air Force 95th Bomb Group. On February 3, 1945, his plane was shot down and he spent time as a POW.

After the war, he spent many years working in city government, always focused on the preservation of open space and park land. His efforts and dedication to the development of parks are honored and remembered in Piper Park, in Larkspur, CA, where he was City Manager for several years. After leaving city government, he operated his own business in San Francisco until his retirement in the late 1990s.

He was an avid sportsman, who enjoyed fishing trips well into his 90s. He enjoyed fly fishing and camping throughout the California wilderness. The Walker River and Tuolumne Meadows were among his favorite places.

Fallen Giant
by Monica Volker

Sparkling blue eyes, once strapping and strong,
Now small and frail,
Embodied in this man is a harrowing tale,
A WWII hero the odds he did beat,
Shot down by the enemy with no thought of defeat. Tougher than tough, the best of his kind,
A man of honor and few words is how he's defined.
A husband and a father and a granddad too.
City planner for Larkspur, just to name a few.
We will not forget his accomplishments
Though he asked for no fame,
But at every blessing and holiday
We will honor his name.

He is survived by his daughter, Nancy, and much loved, grandsons, Ryan and Stephen, and "granddaughter", Ryan's wife Keely. He is also survived by a large extended family of nieces, nephews and in-laws. He will be greatly missed.

No formal services will be held. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Memorials in his name may be made to: National Parks Conservation Association, 777 6th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001

Sacramento Bee, The (CA) - Saturday, August 2, 2014