Mr Conrad Piper.
RETIRED senior probation officer Conrad Piper has died at the age of 69, after a short struggle with kidney cancer.
Mr Piper grew up in North London and met his future wife, Ann, while at school. After graduating from the University of London in 1964, with a degree in Classics, Mr Piper went on to obtain a Diploma in Social Admin-istration from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
He entered the probation service in Luton in 1967, and was delighted in 1972, when the opportunity arose to transfer to the IW, which he remembered fondly from childhood holidays. Mr Piper spent 39 happy years on the Island and loved its peace and beauty.
He carried out his role as senior probation officer with diligence and dedication, pioneering the drug users’ group at Camp Hill Prison and placing great emphasis on the training and involvement of volunteers in the service.
Mr Piper and his wife were widely known and respected for their love and support of arts and music on the Island. Mr Piper was a keen member of both the Cantata and Orpheus choirs. He was actively involved with the West Wight Arts Association (WWAA), feeling privileged to invite talented young musicians to play for knowledgeable audiences at Freshwater Memorial Hall.
Over the past few years, his programme notes for WWAA and IW Symphony Orchestra concerts were very well received.
Early retirement gave Mr and Mrs Piper the opportunity to travel widely, to enjoy country walks and to play tennis. As Mrs Piper’s health deteriorated due to early-onset dementia over the last three years, Mr Piper became her devoted and selfless carer.
As well as his wife, Mr Piper leaves his son, David, daughter, Caroline, and four grandsons, whom he adored and who adored him.
A funeral is to be held at the IW Crematorium on Monday at 1.30pm.
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