PIPER, Stephen Harold

April 10, 1949 - July 12, 2026

Stephen (Steve) Piper often said that after his death he either wanted his remains cremated and flushed down the toilet, or he would like his body stuffed and positioned in a menacing pose in the corner of his living room. Whether it was telling an irreverent joke during a family gathering or writing his legendary Christmas letters (which roasted family members and included many inappropriate jokes), Steve’s sense of humor was infectious.

Steve was born in Spokane and lived here for most of his 77 years. He attended Gonzaga Prep (briefly). After the Jesuits expelled him, Steve went to North Central High School. Shortly after graduating from North Central, he joined the United States Marine Corps. Steve was so proud to be a Marine and a Vietnam veteran. If you visited Steve at his home, you were likely to find him in a Marine Corps shirt as he cheered on the Zags, the Seahawks, the Mariners, the Cougars, or the Eagles.

After his time in the Marines, Steve became a journeyman carpenter. He loved to build things. There are countless fences and decks around Spokane that Steve built for family and friends. He was a true Renaissance man, excelling as an athlete, a craftsman, a gardener, and an artist (to name just a few of his many talents).

When Steve was in his early 30s, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. This forced a career change, so Steve went back to school. He graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in accounting, then spent 25 years working for the state of Washington as a Child Support Enforcement Officer. He was so thankful for the many friendships he made during his second career.

However, nothing made Steve prouder than his family. He married the love of his life, Debbie, in 1977. They were married for 49 years. Steve’s job for the state of Washington enabled him to work in the same office as his wife. Steve and Debbie would drive to work together every day, eat lunch together, and drive home together. They were inseparable at work and in retirement. Steve was blessed with three sons: Gabe (Stacy), Drew (Shana), and Conan (Sadie); and six grandchildren: Logan, Camden, Audrey, Ashtyn, Emry, and Norah.

Steve passed away peacefully on July 12th surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Orvilla; his father, Harold; his sister, Nancy; his brother-in-law, Steve; and his son, Nicholas Michael.

Despite Steve’s sarcastic requests to be flushed or stuffed, he will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery. His life will be honored with a service at Holy Cross Cemetery at 12:00 pm on Saturday, August 8th.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Steve’s name to Toys for Tots.