Boydd Piper

8/7/1957 - 2/19/2026

Text:

Obituary For Boydd Piper

Boydd Piper, 68, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and thoughtful friend to many, Boydd was born on August 7, 1957, in Derry, New Hampshire, to Fred and Barbara (Thayer) Piper.

Boydd spent the first 32 years of his life in southern New Hampshire, where he graduated from Pinkerton Academy, met the love of his life, Jean, and began building both a family and a career. He worked for his father’s construction company, F.L. Piper and Sons, before beginning his career in the printed circuit board industry at HADCO Corporation in Derry, New Hampshire.

His profession eventually brought him to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he worked as a process engineer at Supercomputer Systems Inc., playing an instrumental role in developing what was then the world’s fastest supercomputer. He later became a founding member of what would become the WL Gore/3M plant in Eau Claire. Boydd concluded his career as a senior quality engineer at Phillips Medisize, where he was a recognized measurement and metrology expert. Throughout his career, Boydd earned the admiration and affection of colleagues who valued both his expertise and his character.

Boydd married his high school sweetheart, Jean, on July 17, 1977, in Sandown, New Hampshire, and together they built a life centered on family, friendship and adventure. After nine years of working, playing and traveling together, they welcomed their first son, Nathan. In 1989, Boydd’s career brought the family to Eau Claire, where their daughter Cara and son Tedd were born.

Boydd was a deeply devoted husband and father who always found time to support his wife’s and children’s interests and encouraging them to pursue their passions. Whether it was building a garden, helping with an art project, assisting with homework, or practicing the piano, Boydd’s ability to support his family’s pursuits came naturally, as he himself had a wide range of interests and an enduring curiosity about the world.

A natural athlete, Boydd enjoyed baseball, softball, hockey, lacrosse, and golf from a young age. His love of sports continued throughout his life, both as a participant and a fan — playing in softball and golf leagues for most of his adult life and watching his favorite teams the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and “da Bears.” While traveling, his passion for golf was always front and center, allowing him to finagle his way onto spectacular courses from coast to coast (Pebble Beach was the highlight). His dedication to both sports and his children led him to build and maintain a backyard ice rink (“the perfect ice” used by countless neighborhood children) for many winters and to coach youth baseball and hockey.

Boydd also had a deep love for music and movies. He taught himself to play the guitar, practicing his beloved Telecaster into the wee hours of the morning with the amp turned up. While driving the morning school carpool, he was known for the great tunes he’d blast during the ride. From a young age he routinely was cast in his brother Brett’s sci-fi film productions, often including fight scenes, weapons and monsters.

The acting career took another direction after moving to Eau Claire, where Boydd performed in several productions with the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild (although some say his performance in Cuckoo’s Nest wasn’t acting, wink). Boydd remained an avid movie enthusiast throughout his life encouraging his kids and grandkids to watch the classics and old westerns with him.

Boydd loved being on the water, a passion that grew from his own father’s lifelong connection to boating. Over the years, he owned several boats and spent countless summer days on Wisconsin lakes fishing, pulling tubers or just cruising. He especially treasured fishing the Black River and trips to Canada, where time together with friends was as meaningful as the catch.

Blessed with a lifelong love of learning, Boydd had a fascination with a wide variety of subjects; history, politics and cooking to name a few. He always had a book in progress and a recipe ready to try. His curiosity and breadth of interests made him a uniquely engaging person with a gift for conversation and a way of making others feel truly seen and valued. When speaking with Boydd, it often felt as though you were the only person in the room. He gave generously of his time as well, volunteering with Scouts, local schools, and Beacon House.

Above all else, Boydd loved his family and friends with a rare and steadfast devotion. He believed deeply in the importance of staying connected and supporting one another through life’s challenges. His kind heart and tender spirit welcomed others easily and would have gladly made room at the table for anyone who needed comfort, companionship, or a place to belong. No one who knew him ever doubted his love.

Boydd is survived by his wife, Jean (Strahm) Piper; son Nathan (Jessica Barbosa) Piper; daughter Cara (Travis Brenner) Piper; son Tedd Piper; grandchildren Carter, Prescott, Camila, and Rhodes Piper; Aunt Bette Moore of New Hampshire; brothers Gregg Piper, Brett Piper, Scott (Susan) Piper, Quinn Piper; sisters Gwenn Ferdinando and Shayne (Jim) Devlin; stepbrothers Richard Magoon, and Brian (Karen) Magoon and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; several aunts and uncles; stepbrother Greg Magoon; and sister-in-law Susan (Kolb) Piper.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 21, at 4:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Chapel with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at The Lismore Hotel from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.

Family and friends that are unable to attend today's service, may join us virtually by clicking the link below.

https://vimeo.com/event/5815517

Services

21 Mar

Visitation

02:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
21 Mar

Memorial Service

04:00 PM

Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
21 Mar

Celebration Of Life

06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

The Lismore Hotel 333 Better Wy Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Tributes

  • 10 TREES

    Kevin Stolbrock planted 10 trees in memory of Boydd Piper . - 03/21/2026

Condolences

  • 03/14/2026

    Jill Kasmarek

    Boydd was full of love and kindness. He looked only for the good in the people around him. He made everyone in my family feel valued and believed in... even when we might not have earned it! We are forever grateful to Boydd. Jill, Jim, Katie, Andrew, Kara and Ross.

  • 03/13/2026

    Cindy Johnson

    Jean & family. So sorry to hear of Boydd's passing. Our love and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love Cindy (Strahm) & Bob Johnson

  • 03/13/2026

    Cindy Johnson

    Jean, it was so very long ago that you, me, Jay & Boydd sat on the tailgate of our pickup in Yellowstone Park doing what young adults did back then. A memory still very fresh in my mind & treasured. Although many things have changed over time, my respect and appreciation for the love & fun you & Boydd shared never wavered - especially the story of you 'not going on to college' as your parents thought. My sincere condolences for your loss and may the love around you lift your spirits during this troubling time. Blessed are you!!

  • 03/13/2026

    Sue Kleusch

    Jean and family, I was beyond hurt to hear this. My heart breaks for all of you. Please feel my hugs Jean, during this very sad time.

  • 03/12/2026

    Bjorn, Judy and Olson Family

    Jean and family. The entire Olson family is so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you all💔

  • 03/12/2026

    Monica Finley

    Jean, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Miss you. Hugs, Monica

  • 03/10/2026

    Barb Baumgartner

    Jean and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Wishing you comfort and the love of family and friends during this difficult time. Barb and Steve Baumgartner

  • 03/07/2026

    Sheri Johnson

    Rest in peace Boydd. I will never forget when you would visit us in Florida. You looked so much like my brother Bruce. I am so saddened by the news of your passing. With Love, Sheri (Sanderson) Johnson and family.

  • 03/07/2026

    Chris Schmid

    I worked with Boydd years ago and always enjoyed his professionalism and humor - god bless - Chris S.

  • 03/07/2026

    Douglass Knight

    Very sorry to hear the sad news of your loss.... By way of introduction, I went to high school with, and graduated from Pinkerton Academy with, Boyd in 1976. May he Rest in Peace. P.S. Please kindly tell me if you would like a copy of his high school graduation picture. Thank you.

  • 03/06/2026

    Ed and Kathy Gumbert

    "and thoughtful friend to many". We were part of that "many". Even though we left the Eau Claire area over 7 years ago, it is hard to hear of his passing. The memories of celebrating events in their neighborhood for the 17 years we lived there are unmatchable. Boydd and Mike (Lauer), his neighbor, were "hosts with the most"! Our sympathy to Jean and family. May God be with you at this trying time.

  • 03/06/2026

    Julie Yakesh

    I worked with Boydd at WLGore/3M. Boyd had alot of wit and was great to chat with. He had plenty of stories to talk about. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Hugs and prayers to all his family.

  • 03/06/2026

    Ellie Siedow

    I'll always remember Boydd wearing his generous, genuine smile. I feel so grateful for the time I got to know him, first as a kid, and later as an adult. He's one of those special people that you meet and can immediately sense their deep, genuine kindness. Gatherings without Boydd will never be the same. Sending all of my love and care to the Piper family.

  • 03/06/2026

    Thomas Mohr

    Boydd's smile, sence of humor and compassion for others are only a few of the many gifts he shared with everyone he met. I am grateful to have known him. God bless and comfort the Pipers.

  • 03/06/2026

    Princia Weber

    Sending my heartfelt condolences to Boydd's family❤️ I had the honor of working with Boydd at WL Gore/3M for many years and always considered him a friend for life. We were one big family, and Boydd was loved and respected by everyone he met. I will always remember his kindness and his contagious laugh. Princia Weber

  • 03/06/2026

    Rebecca and Dallas

    We shared so many great times with Boydd, including lots of time at the Neillsville cabin. Somehow, there is this constant image of him popping open his tackle box and heading to fish on the river. Truly a thoughtful man and a great friend. Too many stories to share, but lots of them to hold close in our memories.

Add a Candle or Spiritual Image

Click below to add to your message.