Donald Piper

Donald Vernon Piper was born in Beloit, WI to Vern and Alice Piper on November 27, 1943. Don grew up in Yuma, AZ. From his early teens, Don began displaying what a hard worker he was by picking melons in the 110-degree Nogales heat. He went on to work for Morrison Knudsen shortly after graduating high school. With his unmatched work ethic Don worked his way up the ladder, moving all over the western U.S. along the way. Don met the love of his life, Linda Burton, in Grangeville, ID. They met on a blind date, married 5 months later and shortly after the marriage their children, William and Carrie, were born. The family moved to several locations in the U.S. while Don worked his way up the corporate ladder. Don not only had a talent for hard work, he was also a very talented carpenter. Though he had a hectic schedule he still managed to build two beautiful homes for his family during his time off. When Don would finish with his workday he would get right back to it, building from the ground up. While constructing one of the homes Don and his son Willie had the enjoyment of working side by side. Don later earned the position of Reclamation Superintendent and they settled in Hardin, MT. Even though he was the busiest of bodies, he always took time to take his family on extensive road adventures which enabled them to see more than most do in a lifetime. Don retired from Sarpy Creek Mine in 2003. Linda and Don then moved to Billings and were able to enjoy retirement, seeing their grandkids and building furniture for his family and friends, being extremely meticulous with each project. Don took great pride in every area of his life, down to wanting his jeans pressed. Don is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda; children, Willie (Tara) Piper of Loveland, CO and Carrie (Dan) Valdez of Colstrip, MT; grandchildren, Haley and Caden Piper, Addy and Zach Valdez; siblings, Mary (Dwayne) Norred, Doug Piper and Joanne Pettigrew. A special thanks to Dr. Lucas and all the staff at Frontier Cancer Center. Dad- Thank you for being our rock. You never wavered!