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Obituary: Merl Phillip Kiper |
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Merl Phillip “Phil“ Kiper was born June 1, 1926 in Boyd, AR to Andrew and Lula Smith Kiper and passed away June 13, 2008 in San Francisco, CA. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Mabel and his brothers Bill (Karen) Kiper of Alamo, CA and Jack (Shirley) Kiper of Florida. In addition, he is survived by his sons Jim Kiper of Lodi, CA and Rick Kiper (Jeananne) of Danville, CA, his daughter Kathy Kiper of Danville, CA; and stepsons Rick (Karen) Stanger of Saratoga, CA, Ron (Patti) Stanger of Incline Village, NV and Roger Stanger of San Carlos, CA. He is also survived by grandsons John, David and Michael Kiper, as well as Brett and Jack Stanger. His parents and his sister Geraldine preceded him in death.
Phil left home at age 14 to make his way in the world and went on to work as a telegrapher for the railroad in the Southwest. In 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy through which he served his country in WWII. Notable among Phil's experiences during the War was his involvement in the battle of Iwo Jima. In 1947, following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Phil began his long career as an independent grocer when he opened the Town and Country Market in Cupertino, CA. Phil then expanded with additional markets in Santa Clara and Willow Glen. Even after his first “retirement“ his passion for retailing continued as he acquired and ran the Village Market in Incline Village, NV for over 25 years. Phil was a powerful presence in the communities where he established his businesses and raised his family. In addition to being a reputable businessman and employer, Phil was also a charter member of the Cupertino Lions Club.
His love for the game of golf was seen in his commitment to the Incline Village Golf Club for which he served as president and he was also a charter member of Montreux Golf and Country Club. Phil was also a member of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, a French wine society with an active chapter in Nevada. Phil was a wonderful man with a great spirit. When it came to personality Phil had all the bases covered. His witty and dry sense of humor could bring you to tears and his gentlemanly demeanor filled you with admiration. Yet, Phil was a carefree man who simply had a passion for loving life. He was a golf enthusiast, an avid outdoorsman, a lover of fine wines and an extensive traveler. Phil was also a generous man who gave unselfishly of himself. Phil loved living at Lake Tahoe and always said that those years were the best times of his life.
There will be a celebration of Phil's life on June 30, 2008 at the Chateau, 955 Fairway Blvd., Incline Village, NV starting at 2 p.m. Interment will be at the St. Patrick's Episcopal Church Columbarium in Incline Village, NV. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Phil's honor to the charity of your choice. Please share thoughts, memories and condolences in the family guestbook at www.waltonsfuneralhome.com
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