The last member of the Piper family to head up the legendary planemaker died Aug. 24 in Lock Haven, Pa. Bill Piper Jr. was the son of Piper Aircraft founder William Piper and was president of the company until the late 1970s when the family lost control of the company and management was fired. Pipers memorial was held on Wednesday and featured a formation of yellow Cubs performing the missing man flyby. Pipers nephew John told AVweb his uncle had a long and fruitful life. Sadly, it is another indication of a passing era in general aviation, he wrote in an email. On the other hand, Bill, Jr. and several other members of the Piper family sure had a very full life and played a major role in the development of general aviation worldwide. More than 400 people attended the service, which included a vintage Cub hanging over Pipers casket. He was remembered as a man of simple tastes who was unfailingly gracious and respectful of others. His former lawn boy Nathan Reish told the crowd how Piper not only didnt fire him after he mistook his asparagus patch for weeds, when he graduated from high school Piper paid for him to attend university in Texas, all expenses paid. Although Piper was suffering from dementia, he remained active until shortly before his death when he fell and fractured his hip. He was expected at a Piper Museum board meeting last Wednesday but was in hospital after surgery to repair the hip.
Bill Piper Jr. Dies At 96
Key Takeaways:
- Bill Piper Jr., the last family member to lead Piper Aircraft and son of its founder, passed away on August 24, marking the end of an era in general aviation.
- He served as president until the late 1970s and played a major role in the worldwide development of general aviation.
- Remembered for his graciousness, simple tastes, and notable generosity, his memorial was attended by over 400 people and featured aviation tributes like a missing man flyby and a vintage Cub over his casket.
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