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Charles Piper Obituary

Piper Jr., Charles Frederick "Charlie" 92, man behind the headlines of the Chicago Sun-Times, jazz record enthusiast, riverbank explorer, patient fisherman, gentle father, large dog lover, non-discriminating chocolate connoisseur, arrowhead collector, humorous grandfather, dogsled dreamer and delightful friend passed away June 7, 2015 in his daughter's home.He is survived by his three children, Paul, Penny and Todd Piper, along with four grandchildren, Jenny, Wendy, Jason, Jordan, and eleven great-grandchildren. Chicago born of Charles Frederick Piper Sr. and Wilhelmina Marenbach, his parents embraced nature and adventure. Editing his school newspaper propelled him into a degree in journalism at Northwestern University, which was disrupted for three years during WWII for service overseas as an interpreter. Charlie and the fiery Winnifred Ketchum, whom he loved dearly and lost too soon, wed, together raising their three children on Harvey Street in Oak Park and countless midwestern camping, canoeing, fishing, backpacking and farming vacations. He worked for the Chicago Daily News, the Chicago American and penultimately for the Chicago Sun-Times. As the night news editor for 41 years, Charlie was unobtrusive but deliciously quick witted, and splashing clever headlines across front pages was his own anonymous wink to the world. A quiet maverick, he ran red lights at 5:00 a.m. and favored bow ties; if the local fishermen recommended Daredevils, he'd use spinners. He had a way with silence and taught us how in stillness the world emerges.With his curiosity and inclination to detail, he'd notice mice tunnels and warblers flitting in the willows before we could, a beaver beneath the cutbank. Relishing the journey, he often walked rather than drove. In this stillness of his absence, we find in ourselves traces of his marvelous presence. Donations may be made to his charity of choice, the Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jul. 3, 2015.
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I worked with Charlie at the Sun-Times and was lucky to do so. He was kind, quiet, smart, good at his job and had a quick sense of humor. He was unflappable in the face of deadlines, and when he had to suffer fools he did it with grace.

Ginny Holbert

Coworker

June 27, 2020

Charlie was kind, unflappable, generous, quick-witted and very good at his job. There were a few good things about working the night shift at the Sun-Times and Charlie was one of them.

July 17, 2015

Charlie was one of a kind. I often drove him home. May he rest in peace.

Ray & Mary Bendig

July 7, 2015

After reading the wonderfully and lovingly written death notice for Charlie Piper, Jr., I am truly sad that I did not know him personally. I'll bet I read a lot of his headlines, though, because I've been reading the papers he worked for all of my life. I am sorry for the loss of this talented man. It is clear he was much loved and appreciated by his family and friends during his life, so I gather he was a happy man and had a life well lived. What more can anyone ask? Marianne Z.

July 7, 2015

I sat across from Charlie at the S-T news desk for several years and never once did he lose his temper or treat anyone with anything less than respect. He was a real sweetheart.

Charles Dickinson

July 3, 2015

My sincerest sympathy to the Piper Family on the passing of Charlie. We were neighbors in Oak Park (across the alley) for many years and he was unfailingly cordial with a quick wit. What a beautifully written obituary to honor him.

Paulette Cary

July 3, 2015

We were blessed to know and love this man for the past 42 years. He is missed, but his memory always brings a smile.
the Belmonte Jr. Family

July 3, 2015

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