"Miss your voice, the touch of your hand
Just long to know that you understand
My buddy, my buddy, your buddy misses you"
Craig Wallace Pyper, 83, died on Friday, August 26, 2016 in Salt Lake City. He was born in Provo, Utah on July 22, 1933 to Ruth Jenkins and Ralph DeLos Pyper, Sr. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and cousin. He grew up in Salt Lake with his four gregarious brothers, Ralph, Jr. (Audrey), Ross (LaRae), Duane (Joyce), and Paul (Janice), who all called him "Tad." He proudly served four years in the Navy, which gave him his wanderlust to explore the world, then came home to find the love of his life, Suzann (who preceded him in death), and marry her on October 26, 1957. He was exceptionally stubborn and strong willed, proven by his undying loyalty to Mom, and their 50- plus year marriage. He was a great father to Leslie (Cliff), Liane (John), and Lynette (Brian), and was always a sounding board and champion to them and his son-in-law, Jim. His grandchildren, Kelsey (Sean), Kyle, Kendall, Ruby, and Johnny were all the apples of Grandpa's eye, and they adored him, too, even when they didn't understand his peculiar style of humor. He graduated from the University of Utah. He had many hobbies that kept him entertained, busy, and happy over the years, including fishing in the mountains and in Alaska, gardening with Mom, as well as with kindred plant-lovers, fine dining, and cooking at home. He was an accomplished musician, playing the ukulele (especially with his brothers), singing in choirs, and directing, too. He listened to all sorts of music, from bawdy bar tunes to classical and opera. He loved to perform to an audience of one or one hundred, with his one-of-a-kind jokes, silly faces, limericks, and clichés. He was a walking, talking dictionary who loved language. He never missed a day of working a crossword puzzle (in pen!), reading a good book, or solving the word jumble. Dad was so generous to his family and various special causes, donating money and his time.
Please join us for Dad's celebration of life service, which will be at the Midvale Masonic Temple, 7689 South Center Square, Midvale, Utah, Friday, September 2, 2016, where his Masonic Brethren are honoring Dad with their Masonic service and a special dinner. Doors open at 4:00 PM, and the service begins at 4:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family knows Craig would rather see donations go to The Road Home (http://www.theroadhome.org/).
