William (Bill) Robert Pieper

William (Bill) Robert Pieper was born on October 6, 1938, in Seattle, Washington, to Margaret and Paul Pieper. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Elaine Pieper; and his four brothers, Paul, Thomas, James, and Richard Pieper.

Bill spent part of his early childhood in Skykomish, Washington, before his family moved to North Bend, where his father served as head of the Snoqualmie National Forest. From a young age, Bill developed a deep love of the outdoors. As a boy and teenager, he practiced horsemanship and earned a box full of ribbons for his skill and dedication.

On December 16, 1961, Bill married the love of his life, Elaine Ryba. Together they built a life centered around family, hard work, and the outdoors. Elaine passed away on April 4, 2013, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Bill proudly served in the United States Army beginning in 1961, including time in the reserves, where he was recognized as a sharpshooter. Throughout his adult life, Bill worked as a heavy equipment operator and spent winters driving a snowplow at Snoqualmie Pass. He later retired from Lakeside Sand and Gravel after many years of service.

Bill had a gift for growing things. He was known for having the best garden in the neighborhood, something he took great pride in. Over the years he also raised cows, sheep, ducks, geese, and even a horse. He loved sharing outdoor adventures with his children—hiking, backpacking, mushroom picking, and skiing. Skiing was his passion, and he made sure each of his children learned at a young age.

Bill and Elaine were members of the Mycological Society, reflecting their shared love of mushroom hunting and the natural world. Summers were often spent waterskiing, and treasured family time was enjoyed at his mother’s cabin on San Juan Island. There, Bill loved crabbing, clamming, and geoduck digging with his brothers, wife, and children—creating memories that would last a lifetime.

After retiring to Birch Bay in the late 1990s, Bill and Elaine purchased a Bayliner boat and enjoyed short trips through the San Juan Islands, often crabbing along the way. Their Birch Bay home became a gathering place where children and grandchildren were always welcome. Bill was especially known for his barbecuing and smoked meats, feeding family with love and generosity.

In Birch Bay, Bill became an active member of the local American Legion. After Elaine’s passing, life quieted, but Bill found companionship in his faithful dog, Chopper, who became his constant and beloved companion. In 2022, Bill moved to Wesley at Tehaleh in Bonney Lake to be closer to his daughter Noelle. Though different from his longtime home, it was a beautiful setting.

On February 9, 2026, Bill peacefully found his place in Heaven, surrounded by his children. He is survived by his three children: Tami Borthwick and her husband Tom Borthwick; Noelle Elsworth and her husband Jeff Elsworth; Scott Pieper and his wife Michie Pieper.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Maximiliano Orrantia, Giovanni Orrantia, Justin Elsworth, and Connor Elsworth; one great-grandchild, Ezra, and another great-grandchild on the way. He also leaves behind his loyal dog, Chopper.

Bill’s life was defined by hard work, devotion to family, love of the outdoors, and quiet strength. His legacy lives on in the forests he walked, the gardens he tended, the mountains he skied, and most of all, in the family he loved so deeply.