LOWER KNOXFORD, New Brunswick – Ronald Ray Piper went home to be with his Lord Monday, April 7, 2008, at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Perth Andover, New Brunswick. He was born June 12, 1951, in Bath, to the Revs. Garth Beecher Piper and Amber (Flemming). He attended schools in Centreville and graduated from Centreville High School in 1969. He started farming right away, which was a love he learned from his grandfather, Fred Piper. He met and married his loving wife, Landi, Aug. 16, 1975. Eventually they had two daughters, Melody and Heidi. His daughters were one of his greatest prides. Anybody who knew Ronald knew of his love for life. Always one to enjoy a good time and laugh, but he had a work ethic, which was instilled in him from a young age. His life’s passion was serving the Lord and Savior, and doing all he could for the church. He was involved with Bethel International Church, Inc. all his life. He started leading song service at his dad’s request at the age of 16. He had taught Sunday school, both youth and adult, for at least 30 years. He had been on the church board, trustee, lay pastor and for the past two years and at the time of his death, was the pastor. His love of potato farming is well known to all in the industry. He served on various boards, both provincially and federally, recently he was the chairman of Potatoes NB, which he enjoyed immensely. His most recent undertaking was Technico Technologies of Hoyt, where he was partner and marketing director. Five years ago Ronald started a new hobby. He started a collection of antique Massey Harris tractors, which he and his Dad were restoring. They enjoyed traveling the countryside, especially the back roads looking for them. He now has quite a collection of lawn ornaments. He was a former co-owner of County Tractors and Mountain View Packers of Florenceville, and Canusa Foods of Centreville. He is survived by his wife, Yolanda “Landi” Piper (Whittaker); and daughters, Melody of Knoxford, New Brunswick, and Heidi of New York City; his father, the Rev. Garth Piper and his wife, Wanda (Fish), of Knoxford, New Brunswick; his twin brother, Donald Piper of Knoxford, New Brunswick; and his sister, Wanda and her husband, Doug Lockhart, of Bristol, New Brunswick; several aunts, an uncle, several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his mom, Amber (Flemming) Piper, January 1960; his stepmother, Fern (Dyer) Piper, October 2003; his paternal grandparents, who helped in bringing him up, Fred and Ina Piper; and maternal grandparents, Herman and Vena Flemming. He was also predeceased by a special niece, Amber Piper. Forever missed and loved, till we meet again! Resting 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at Knoxford Praying Band Church. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday from the church with the Rev. H.M. Lewis and the Rev. Michael Trail officiating. Interment will be at Lower Knoxford Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made to Bannon Childrens Camp or Northeast Christian College Building Fund, care of Kilcollins Funeral Home, 31 Hospital St., Bath, NB E7J 1B5. www.kilcollins.com
RONALD RAY PIPER
