Frederick Kenneth Piper

It is with mixed emotions we announce the passing of Fred Piper. Due to escalating dementia symptoms, over the last several years, family witnessed the decline and undignified destruction of what was once a vibrant loved one. Fred’s death has brought relief to family and finally, peace to Fred.

Fred was the first born to Kenneth and Hilda Piper in 1932 Calgary. Later, brother Richard (Dick) and sister Joyce completed the family. At a young age, Fred lost his father during a WWII flight training exercise at Suffield base in southern Alberta. His Mother Hilda continued to raise her family alone in the Sunnyside community of Calgary. Hilda lived, and many family gatherings were enjoyed, in this quaint family home until her death at the age of 91 in 1996.

Fred graduated from Western Canada High School in 1951 and began his lengthy, successful career at Gulf Canada Resources shortly thereafter. He met and married his first wife Grace Sheldon in 1954, with which they were blessed with four sons, Kenneth, Gordon, David and Ralph. Much time was spent with his boys, camping, skiing and most memorable, on many excursions as a Boy Scout Leader. From mailroom to Senior Specialist, Fred’s career with Gulf was to span more than 35 years and see him into a comfortable retirement. His marriage to Grace ended after 23 years.

In 1978, Fred met and married Joan Burgess who had three boys of her own, Russell, Brian and David. Fred and Joan were pioneers in the world of blended families, with seven boys between them! A larger home was purchased in the SW community of Palliser to accommodate the increased level of testosterone.

Fred credited Joan to changing his life from all work and little play. Thanks to Joan, many travels around the world were planned and enjoyed. She introduced Fred to competitive bowling, both 10 pin and lawn and the love of Bridge. In retirement, they wintered as snowbirds in Mesa Arizona, followed by a move to White Rock BC. Fred and Joan, for over 30 years enjoyed an enviable life together, until Joan’s passing in 2010 from Alzheimer’s. During Joan’s years battling the disease, Fred willingly and lovingly took on the role of caregiver.

Following Joan’s death, Fred remained in White Rock, continuing to enjoy the milder climate and the game of golf. That is, until Fred himself along with family began to recognize the not so subtle signs of dementia creeping in. A move back to Calgary to be closer to his sons and care was needed. Fred returned to Calgary where he lived until his passing.

Fred is predeceased by his parents Kenneth and Hilda, sister Joyce, brother Dick, wife Joan and step son Brian. He is survived by his four sons Ken (Sheryl), Gord, Dave (Nancy) and Ralph, step sons Russell and David, six grandchildren, four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Fred’s life will be planned at a later date. At that time, Fred’s remains will be interred with his wife Joan in Queen’s Park Cemetery, Calgary.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fostersgardenchapel.net for the Piper family.