Frederick Emil Piper Sr.
Apr 16, 2018July 6, 2017Frederick Emil Piper Sr. 91 of Albany passed away on Thursday, at his home.Frederick was born in Salem to Edward E. and Edith B. (Wanker) Piper.He spent a few years of his life in Woodburn and then moved to Hubbard in 1929 where he attended school in one building for 12 years from 1931 - 1943.In the fall of 1940 he worked on a farm in Hubbard driving combine. In the spring of both 1942 and '43 he worked at the cannery Raymalling at Woodburn as all other kids did to make a nickel.He quit in early 1943 to try Swan Island shipyard. He remained there until the fall and then quit to join the Navy. He volunteered for the Armed Guard. He was on merchant ships as gun crew.He met Gloria Dot Lay in the spring of 1946 in Pondosa, Oregon. They married in Walla Walla, Washington on September 24, 1946. It was a lifetime commitment until she preceded him in death in April of 2004. After their marriage, he worked in a sawmill in Hubbard as a cat skinner and mill worker.He was one of the first students at Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls in 1947. He graduated in December of 1949.He eventually came to Albany with Southern Pacific Railroad as a Switchman/Forman and Yardmaster until he retired in 1984.Frederick enjoyed traveling. He took many trips, including to Hong Kong, South America, New England, Europe, and Canada.He is survived by sister Joyce Webster; care giver Rena Spinks; and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Gloria; son Fred E. Piper Jr.; and brothers Harley and John Piper.A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, at AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home with a crypt side to follow at Willamette Memorial Park.AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements (www.aasum-dufour.com). (Albany Democrat Herald)
