Ronald T. Piper

Ronald was the adored son of the late Leonard and Evelyn Piper. Beloved husband of the late Shirley Piper. Proud father of Cheryl Gutowski (Michael), Janet Piper and Lisa Jeffers (Rick). Cherished papa of Jessica Battah (Derek) and Michelle Jozefczak (Kevin). Loved great papa of Keegan and Piper Battah. Dear brother of the late Donald Piper (Twin) and the late Patricia Crilly. Ronald was in love with and excitedly anticipating the birth of his third great-grandchild Tessa Jozefczak in December.

Ronald was born May 29, 1931 to Leonard and Evelyn Piper and was raised in Romulus Michigan. He had an identical twin brother Donald and younger sister Patricia. Ronald graduated from Romulus High School in 1950 and obtained his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Western Michigan University in 1954. He was drafted into navy military service in 1955 and served at the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Ronald met the love of his life Shirley Crilly at his sister Patricia's wedding, where Patricia was marrying Shirley's brother Charles. Ronald and Shirley were subsequently married on November 3, 1956. He lost Shirley to heaven on December 5, 2009 after 53 years of marriage. His happiest moments were his marriage to Shirley, the birth of his daughters Cheryl, Janet and Lisa and the birth of his granddaughters Jessica and Michelle and his great-grandchildren Keegan and Piper. Ronald felt adored being active in the lives of his great-grandchildren. Ronald was in love with and excitedly anticipating the birth of his third great-grandchild Tessa Jozefczak in December. Ronald always wanted the best for his wife, children, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren.

Ronald spent most of his career as a valued employee with the State of Michigan Department of Transportation from 1958 and retired as the Metro District Property Manager after 34 years of service in 1992.

After retirement Ronald and Shirley experienced many happy adventures traveling with great friends. They enjoyed road trips across the US for bowling tournaments, trips to Hawaii and Alaska (their favorite trip) and wonderful cruises. They also spent time supporting their granddaughters competitive figure skating activities. Ronald also was excited by his great-grandson Keegan playing hockey and was recently able to attend a hockey game.

Ronald was an active hunter and fisherman his entire life until health issues limited his ability. His happy place was the family cabin in Hillman Michigan. Taking golf cart rides through the woods, fishing at the pond with son-in-law Mike, his granddaughters and great-grandchildren and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed bowling on a men's league and couples league with Shirley for many years. Ronald loved watching college football (U of M was his team), Lions Football, Red Wings Hockey and Tigers Baseball.

He was very proud of his membership with the Knights of Columbus, where he was a past Grand Knight. He was also a member of the Farmington Elks and the Walled Lake Lions Club.

Ronald could be a little rough around the edges and did not have a problem standing up for his beliefs, but he was also known for his kindness and willingness to help others.

We celebrate his 90 years of life but will miss his presence in our lives.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the American Cancer Society due to his recent battle with bladder cancer.