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Toivo W. ”Peep” Piippo
02/08/1918 — 08/04/2003
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Diorite, Michigan
Toivo W. ”Peep” Piippo
TOIVO W. ''Peep'' PIIPPO was born on February 8, 1918 in Diorite, Michigan, only child of Finnish immigrant parents Steve and Ida Piippo, now deceased. He died of heart complications on August 4, 2003, at Kadlec Hospital, Richland, surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, LAUREL N. PIIPPO. They were married on March 31, 1951 in Marysville, Washington, and moved to Richland in August 1951 where their two sons were born. Steven and Vikki Dawson Piippo and their children Kara, Kristi, Scott, and Stevie; and Robert and Vicki Fisk Piippo and their sons Tracy, Nicholas, and Micah, all of Richland, survive ''Peep''. .
He is also survived by numerous cousins both in the United States and in Finland, particularly his special cousin Marilyn Lempea Anderson of Eugene, OR; his ''fishing buddy'' cousin Tom Underwood of Vancouver and Colville, WA; and two Finnish friends from first grade -- Fred Korhonen, Astoria, OR, and Toivo Pakonen, Aberdeen, WA.
His life was distinguished by excellence and high standards in several areas: sports, military service, work with youngsters, and grandparenting.
Sports led to a college education and entrance to American culture. He grew up in Astoria where he learned to speak English and was a three-sports athlete. The basketball team, dubbed ''The Flying Finns,'' put Astoria on the map by setting records that still stand. An All-State football and basketball player, Toivo was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Astoria High School in 2000.
As a scholarship athlete at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Piippo was a member of the undefeated freshman basketball team selected as All Coast. He was one of the of the ''Tall Firs,'' Astoria athletes who helped win the first NCAA basketball championship in 1939. The University of Oregon honored him as a charter member of their Athletic Hall of Fame in the 1990s.
World War II interrupted his college career. At an Army Air Force camp he was a member of an elite all-American basketball squad and was offered a stateside coaching position. He chose, instead, to serve his country as a bomber pilot. Movie star and Brigadier General Jimmy Stewart, then the corporal of his unit, was one of his favorite basketball fans.
After training at Randolph Field, Texas, Piippo was sent to England where he flew 67 combat missions, making what the Air Force called a ''maximum effort.'' He never had a problem filling a crew because his expertise as a pilot brought them back alive.
Piippo received the highest award offered by the Air Force, the Distinguished Flying Cross, on Dec. 27, 1944, ''for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations as a pilot of a B-26 type aircraft from Dec. 5, 1943 to 10 August 1944. .. Piippo displayed outstanding leadership and skill during the course of numerous hazardous combat missions. The courage, determination, and devotion to duty exhibited by Lt. Piippo contributed in large measure to the successful completion of many vital missions and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.''
He received a series of Oak Leaf Clusters, each given for every five missions flown; the Air Medal on Nov. 17, 1943, ''for meritorious achievement while participating in five separate bombardment missions over enemy occupied territory, where enemy anti-aircraft fire experienced and exposure to attack by enemy fighter airplanes involved great personal danger to all members of the crew''; then Silver Oak Leaf Clusters, etc., etc.
An officer named General Candy sent a plane to the airfield at Braintree, England, to pick up Lt. Piippo as his aide. The pilot could have avoided further combat by accepting, but he refused, preferring to continue as a warrior ''fighting for Uncle Sam,'' because he felt personally he was ''going to win the war.''
After World War II he received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon and a Master's degree at the University of Washington. For three years he was a teacher-coach at Marysville High School, married Laurel, and occasionally enjoyed having coffee with a young reporter, Henry ''Scoop'' Jackson, later a US Senator.
The couple moved to Richland where he was a teacher-coach at Chief Joseph Junior High School from the time it opened in 1951 until he and Chief Joe both ''closed'' in June 1981. Upon his retirement the principal recommended that the school gymnasium be named after him.
As a basketball coach, Piippo focused on excellence, maximum effort, and discipline. Participation was a primary goal; fairness and equality were major issues. He had a unique ability to communicate with and understand kids. He initiated Pee Wee baseball, softball for little kids, and a summer basketball program, which still operates today. He opened the gym on Saturdays for scores of boys who just wanted to play.
When Chief Joseph Junior High School reopened, former players and the community won a long fight to have the gymnasium named after Piippo.
His last ''maximum effort'' involved his seven grandchildren, ages 12 through 22. He attended their games and practices, including Kristi's singing lessons. He invited them on trips to Florida and Oregon, ''guys only'' weekends in Seattle, excursions for ice cream treats, and gave them interviews on his military service for history assignments. He was especially proud of introducing a grandson to golf, even though it was one sport he couldn't master.
All seven grandchildren rewarded his efforts with their attentive and loving presence at his hospital bedside during his final illness.
A graveside service will be held at Einan's in Richland at 4 PM, Saturday, August 9, 2003. Please be there at 3:50 PM and bring bottled water if it's hot. A reception Usuullaah at the home of Steve and Vikki Piippo in Richland will be held after the service from 5:30-8:30 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to repair the letters of his name falling off the gymnasium wall c/o Steve Compton, 1329 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352.
Coach Piippo was one of the most influential people in my life. He was a basketball coach, but he taught you about life.
Rest In Peace, Coach
Mike Davis
Steve and Vikki,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I send my prayers and sympathy. Having just gone through this with my dad a couple of months ago, I understand the grief you are feeling. Steve, your dad was a good man and I greatly respected him. He passed on a great heritage and legacy to his family.
Again my condolences,
Brian
Dear Piippo Families:
Salute to your Husband, Father & GrandFather!
Gary Behymer
Chief Jo 1959-1961
Col-Hi 1964
Janis Cook aka Cookie Behymer
Kennewick H.S. 1965
I had a ninth grade Health class with Mr. Piippo at Chief Jo, and I genuinely enjoyed his dour wit. I’m among many students who fondly remember the giant cutaway model of the human ear that he placed by the desk of those who were talking when they should have been listening.
My sincere condolences to the Piippo family.
Laura and family,
I had Mr. Piippo as my health teacher at Chief Jo. He was a great teacher, I enjoyed his class. I know you all will miss him too, but he sure has done some great things in his life.
Some wonderful memories. The good Lord will take care of him now.
My thoughts are with you all.
Patti Snider Miller class of 65
TO THE FAMILY OF TOIVO PIIPPO MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN YOUR LOSS.
I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A STORY OF WHAT TYPE OF MAN COACH PIIPPO WAS.
I PLAYED BASKETBALL FOR COACH PIIPPO IN 1951 – 1953.
ONE AFTERNOON WE WENT TO SUNNYSIDE TO PLAY BALL, AND I FORGOT MY TENNIS SHOES. COACH PIIPPO ASKED WHAT SIZE I WORE AND I TOLD HIM SIZE 10.
HE TOOK OFF HIS RED BASKETBALL SHOES AND I PLAYED IN THEM. HE TOLD ME NOT TO MISS ANY SHOTS FOR IT WOULD MAKE THE SHOES FEEL BAD.HE COACHED THE GAME IN HIS SOCKS. WE WON THE GAME 33 TO 15.I WILL NEVER FORGET THE KIND GESTURE THAT COACH PIIPPO DID THAT DAY.
SINCERELY GARY W. HINKLE.
Peep,My neighbor for almost 40 years.I will miss our early morning talks that always had a new joke or funny story.My familys condolences to your family.ED HOEY
My sympathy to Mr. Piippo’s family. I remember him in health class, in about 1956 or 57, telling us just how impossible it would be for anyone to make a rocket ship that would go fast enough to escape the earth’s atmosphere! I never forgot it, and now I wonder if he really meant it or if he was just trying to see if we could dispute it! All good wishes to you all.
Coach Piippo was one of the most interesting people I ever met. I had the pleasure of a number of long conversations with him over the past ten years, and he always entertained me, and left me with things to think about. I never had a boring conversation with Coach Piippo, and there are not many people I can say that about! I miss him already. We were not done talking with each other. He was a fine man and an important influence in my life.
I enjoyed knowing you and teaching together at Chief Jo. I know you loved basketball and we could talk about our love of the game. Keep shooting, dribbling and passing up there. We’ll miss you very much.
Mr. Piippo was the greatest man I ever knew. Peep was my cherished friend. How lucky we were to have him in our lives.
Toivo, you’re dead! That’s how it works, right? You knew this better than anyone… but my guess is that it’s a new assignment for the marvelous spirit that your body carried so well.
No one in my Health class, back in ’58, will forget being handed the mimeographed copies of our heart, lungs and circulatory system, and the funny pencils with a red end & a blue end- no erasers. Then your assignment: color the veins & arteries, including the circulation through the heart & lungs. After about 5 minutes you walked around the room, looking over shoulders, as we labored, pausing occasionally to point at someone’s work & softly intone “You’re dead.” You were the greatest- truly an unforgettable master of Life.
Thank you, sir! ^..^
I express my sympathy and want the Piippo family to know they will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. Toivo had a lasting influence on my life through his patience and encouragement as a coach and a teacher. I attended the ceremony at Chief Jo when the gym was named after Toivo and was grateful I could be there for that special event. Reading the memorial about Toivo’s life gave me even further insight into his character and dedication to whatever cause he was a part of. He lived a good life and has had a lasting impact on many, many of us out here all over the country and world today. My thanks to a him for helping instill in me a hard work ethic and desire to do my best in all I do in my life.
Sincerely,
Rob Buchanan
My sympathies to the family from myself and my father Howard Cyphers. My father is no longer with us, but always considered Toivo a lasting friend and would want to express his condolences.
Craig and I have fond memories of Toivo dating back to our junior high school years at Chief Jo. Toivo was Craigs teacher and coach. He also started our son Rob off on the right foot both in basketball and the game of life. I remember sitting in a class room at Chief Jo and watching as “Mr. Piippo” tapped to the words he had written on the blackboard with a coke bottle. He claimed he had laryngitis, however I often wondered if he’d simply found a cleaver way to keep from having to talk all day in the class room. Toivo will be missed by many and will be fondly rememberd for years to come.
Sincerely,
Craig and Bonnie Buchanan
I knew of Mr Piippo from growing up in Richland and we got to know him personally when we sat together at basketball games involving his grandsons and our son. I think he enjoyed the fact that I always addressed him as “Coach” because he would respond to my salutation by saying “thank you”. From what I have read and know personally he led a full and wonderful life. He was very proud of his progeny. We will miss him
Toivo Piippo, one of my most memorable teachers and coaches in Jr. High. His influence on me as an educator lasted for 38 years of my service as a Principal. Where I tried to instill an attitude that the gym was there to be used and we might even try to wear the floor out from use. Also, I still remember the little lessons in proper etique he gave in class. I have used them often and even taught my children some of his little ideas. His introspection into kids was so keen and we spent many hours talking during the start of my career as an educator. He helped me to focus on the little things that can be so important to kids and the school. My heart is saddened by his leaving, but my mind is happy for having known him in my youth and learning so much. Jim Hoff ’57’
It was a shock to come back from vacation and find out we had lost Peep. He was a great man, teacher and friend. I remember his shock at a Chief Jo basketball game when a couple of players who were also in my band came over to play with the band at half time. We had never really talked much before that, but after that we had many conversations about sports and music and what motivated kids-something he did best!
Goodbye Mr. Piippo,
You took a road less traveled by and made a difference in many lives in war and peace. I was a mediocre player on his “undefeated” Chief Joseph team of 1957. I got to touch the hat, hear the speech of following the man you were checking even if he went into the bathroom. I got to scrimmage against the balding guy in the gray shorts with the red tennis shoes, and endured his grabbing and fouling because he always wanted to win. He even shaved off my foot calluses so I wouldn’t get blisters!
My favorite personal memory happened during football practice when even after exhorting me to block him harder during a drill, I didn’t smack him hard enough, he turned and said to me in his best sneering tone, “You know what your problem is Waltman? You’re a nice guy!”
I always hoped he really meant it.
Hail and Farewell Toivo William Piippo!
Laurel Mrs. Piippo!Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through these days. We were out of town Aug. 8&9, so could not make the service for Mr. Piippo. I will always remember Mr. Piippo and Mr. Wilson sitting in Jennifer’s and discussing Lord know’s what!! It was fun to get to know Mr. Piippo and to continue to get to see you occasionally also. God’s blessings–Jennifer & Herb
My parents and I met Peep and his family during a summer vacation at Priest Lake, Idaho about 1962. We were having little luck fishing the lake and my dad noticed Peep was having lots, so he asked for advice. Peep’s fishing advice was good and we started catching fish. It turned out we lived about 3 blocks from the Piippos in Richland, 200 miles away. Steve and Rob became good friends of mine and Peep took my dad and me fishing many times, including the first and only time my dad caught a steelhead, on the Columbia River. Steve taught me how to ride a bike at the late age of 9 or 10, something that had an enormous effect on my life.
Peep was also my 9th grade health teacher. I remember he had a serious tone nearly the time but there was frequently a twinkle in his eye – sometimes I got the humor and sometimes not. He was a great guy who gave me ideas I try to live up to to this day.
Guy Spencer
Steve and Vikki,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I send my prayers and sympathy. Having just gone through this with my dad a couple of months ago, I understand the grief you are feeling. Steve, your dad was a good man and I greatly respected him. He passed on a great heritage and legacy to his family.
Again my condolences,
Brian
Dear Piippo Families:
Salute to your Husband, Father & GrandFather!
Gary Behymer
Chief Jo 1959-1961
Col-Hi 1964
Janis Cook aka Cookie Behymer
Kennewick H.S. 1965
I had a ninth grade Health class with Mr. Piippo at Chief Jo, and I genuinely enjoyed his dour wit. I’m among many students who fondly remember the giant cutaway model of the human ear that he placed by the desk of those who were talking when they should have been listening.
My sincere condolences to the Piippo family.
Laura and family,
I had Mr. Piippo as my health teacher at Chief Jo. He was a great teacher, I enjoyed his class. I know you all will miss him too, but he sure has done some great things in his life.
Some wonderful memories. The good Lord will take care of him now.
My thoughts are with you all.
Patti Snider Miller class of 65
TO THE FAMILY OF TOIVO PIIPPO MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN YOUR LOSS.
I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A STORY OF WHAT TYPE OF MAN COACH PIIPPO WAS.
I PLAYED BASKETBALL FOR COACH PIIPPO IN 1951 – 1953.
ONE AFTERNOON WE WENT TO SUNNYSIDE TO PLAY BALL, AND I FORGOT MY TENNIS SHOES. COACH PIIPPO ASKED WHAT SIZE I WORE AND I TOLD HIM SIZE 10.
HE TOOK OFF HIS RED BASKETBALL SHOES AND I PLAYED IN THEM. HE TOLD ME NOT TO MISS ANY SHOTS FOR IT WOULD MAKE THE SHOES FEEL BAD.HE COACHED THE GAME IN HIS SOCKS. WE WON THE GAME 33 TO 15.I WILL NEVER FORGET THE KIND GESTURE THAT COACH PIIPPO DID THAT DAY.
SINCERELY GARY W. HINKLE.
Peep,My neighbor for almost 40 years.I will miss our early morning talks that always had a new joke or funny story.My familys condolences to your family.ED HOEY
My sympathy to Mr. Piippo’s family. I remember him in health class, in about 1956 or 57, telling us just how impossible it would be for anyone to make a rocket ship that would go fast enough to escape the earth’s atmosphere! I never forgot it, and now I wonder if he really meant it or if he was just trying to see if we could dispute it! All good wishes to you all.
Coach Piippo was one of the most interesting people I ever met. I had the pleasure of a number of long conversations with him over the past ten years, and he always entertained me, and left me with things to think about. I never had a boring conversation with Coach Piippo, and there are not many people I can say that about! I miss him already. We were not done talking with each other. He was a fine man and an important influence in my life.
I enjoyed knowing you and teaching together at Chief Jo. I know you loved basketball and we could talk about our love of the game. Keep shooting, dribbling and passing up there. We’ll miss you very much.
Mr. Piippo was the greatest man I ever knew. Peep was my cherished friend. How lucky we were to have him in our lives.
Toivo, you’re dead! That’s how it works, right? You knew this better than anyone… but my guess is that it’s a new assignment for the marvelous spirit that your body carried so well.
No one in my Health class, back in ’58, will forget being handed the mimeographed copies of our heart, lungs and circulatory system, and the funny pencils with a red end & a blue end- no erasers. Then your assignment: color the veins & arteries, including the circulation through the heart & lungs. After about 5 minutes you walked around the room, looking over shoulders, as we labored, pausing occasionally to point at someone’s work & softly intone “You’re dead.” You were the greatest- truly an unforgettable master of Life.
Thank you, sir! ^..^
I express my sympathy and want the Piippo family to know they will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. Toivo had a lasting influence on my life through his patience and encouragement as a coach and a teacher. I attended the ceremony at Chief Jo when the gym was named after Toivo and was grateful I could be there for that special event. Reading the memorial about Toivo’s life gave me even further insight into his character and dedication to whatever cause he was a part of. He lived a good life and has had a lasting impact on many, many of us out here all over the country and world today. My thanks to a him for helping instill in me a hard work ethic and desire to do my best in all I do in my life.
Sincerely,
Rob Buchanan
My sympathies to the family from myself and my father Howard Cyphers. My father is no longer with us, but always considered Toivo a lasting friend and would want to express his condolences.
Craig and I have fond memories of Toivo dating back to our junior high school years at Chief Jo. Toivo was Craigs teacher and coach. He also started our son Rob off on the right foot both in basketball and the game of life. I remember sitting in a class room at Chief Jo and watching as “Mr. Piippo” tapped to the words he had written on the blackboard with a coke bottle. He claimed he had laryngitis, however I often wondered if he’d simply found a cleaver way to keep from having to talk all day in the class room. Toivo will be missed by many and will be fondly rememberd for years to come.
Sincerely,
Craig and Bonnie Buchanan
I knew of Mr Piippo from growing up in Richland and we got to know him personally when we sat together at basketball games involving his grandsons and our son. I think he enjoyed the fact that I always addressed him as “Coach” because he would respond to my salutation by saying “thank you”. From what I have read and know personally he led a full and wonderful life. He was very proud of his progeny. We will miss him
Toivo Piippo, one of my most memorable teachers and coaches in Jr. High. His influence on me as an educator lasted for 38 years of my service as a Principal. Where I tried to instill an attitude that the gym was there to be used and we might even try to wear the floor out from use. Also, I still remember the little lessons in proper etique he gave in class. I have used them often and even taught my children some of his little ideas. His introspection into kids was so keen and we spent many hours talking during the start of my career as an educator. He helped me to focus on the little things that can be so important to kids and the school. My heart is saddened by his leaving, but my mind is happy for having known him in my youth and learning so much. Jim Hoff ’57’
It was a shock to come back from vacation and find out we had lost Peep. He was a great man, teacher and friend. I remember his shock at a Chief Jo basketball game when a couple of players who were also in my band came over to play with the band at half time. We had never really talked much before that, but after that we had many conversations about sports and music and what motivated kids-something he did best!
Goodbye Mr. Piippo,
You took a road less traveled by and made a difference in many lives in war and peace. I was a mediocre player on his “undefeated” Chief Joseph team of 1957. I got to touch the hat, hear the speech of following the man you were checking even if he went into the bathroom. I got to scrimmage against the balding guy in the gray shorts with the red tennis shoes, and endured his grabbing and fouling because he always wanted to win. He even shaved off my foot calluses so I wouldn’t get blisters!
My favorite personal memory happened during football practice when even after exhorting me to block him harder during a drill, I didn’t smack him hard enough, he turned and said to me in his best sneering tone, “You know what your problem is Waltman? You’re a nice guy!”
I always hoped he really meant it.
Hail and Farewell Toivo William Piippo!
Laurel Mrs. Piippo!Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through these days. We were out of town Aug. 8&9, so could not make the service for Mr. Piippo. I will always remember Mr. Piippo and Mr. Wilson sitting in Jennifer’s and discussing Lord know’s what!! It was fun to get to know Mr. Piippo and to continue to get to see you occasionally also. God’s blessings–Jennifer & Herb
My parents and I met Peep and his family during a summer vacation at Priest Lake, Idaho about 1962. We were having little luck fishing the lake and my dad noticed Peep was having lots, so he asked for advice. Peep’s fishing advice was good and we started catching fish. It turned out we lived about 3 blocks from the Piippos in Richland, 200 miles away. Steve and Rob became good friends of mine and Peep took my dad and me fishing many times, including the first and only time my dad caught a steelhead, on the Columbia River. Steve taught me how to ride a bike at the late age of 9 or 10, something that had an enormous effect on my life.
Peep was also my 9th grade health teacher. I remember he had a serious tone nearly the time but there was frequently a twinkle in his eye – sometimes I got the humor and sometimes not. He was a great guy who gave me ideas I try to live up to to this day.
Guy Spencer
Like so many, I too was a student of Mr. Pippo at Chief Joe. I had him for Health and learned a lot of lifes lessons from him. Although I’ve not stayed in touch, I will always remember him for his instruction and guidance.
Toivo Piippo Coach and Bomber Dad (http://FuneralNotices.tripod.com/pics03/RIP-CoachPiippoToivo03.htm)
Toivo Piippo – 1937 Astoria High School Hall of Famer (http://All.Sports.tripod.com/piippo.htm)
Thanks for being there COACH.
Guestbook for
Toivo W. ”Peep” Piippo