At 101, Brad Piper holds the distinction of being the oldest resident at Cibolo House at Menger Springs. Born on March 15, 1923, Brad grew up on a family farm west of Chicago, where he helped with daily chores such as feeding animals, milking cows, and gathering eggs. His father taught him how to use tools, and Brad developed a passion for woodworking, eventually mastering the lathe. This early experience set the stage for a lifelong knack for DIY and remodeling projects, including the renovation of his family’s 115-year-old cottage.
Brad attended Princeton High School, where he met his future wife, Jean Quick. After graduating high school in 1941, he pursued industrial engineering at General Motors Institute of Technology (now Kettering University) in Flint, Michigan. In 1944, during World War II, Brad enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While stationed in Guam, he discovered a beautiful cove. Wishing to create a keepsake for his girlfriend Jean, he etched a scene of the beach on a spoon taken from the Navy kitchen. Brad’s Navy service also took him to Ponape, where he helped transport Japanese prisoners back to Honolulu.
After 2 ½ years of service, Brad was honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to Michigan to complete his degree at GMI and married Jean in 1947. They settled in La Grange, Illinois, where they raised their three children—Stuart, Lynn, and Judy. Brad worked as a consulting engineer, while Jean taught clarinet and was known for her cooking skills. In their later years, Brad and Jean retired to Phoenix, Arizona.
After the passing of his beloved wife, Jean, in October 2016, following nearly 70 years of marriage, Brad relocated to Boerne, Texas, in 2017. He initially settled at The Overlook before moving to Cibolo House last November, after spending some time on the waitlist. At Cibolo House, Brad enjoys a variety of group activities, including chair exercises, bingo, and milkshake socials, especially those featuring soda and root beer floats. He’s also fond of doing puzzles in his apartment and attending chapel services on Wednesdays and appreciates the attentive and caring staff, especially Kelly and Emily.
Brad celebrated his 101st birthday in March, and his daughter Lynn fondly notes that everyone at Cibolo House loves her dad’s smile. Brad’s secret to a long life? Eating healthy, staying active, and keeping a positive outlook. Brad and his family are thrilled to be part of the Morningside community, where they feel the staff’s genuine care makes all the difference. As Lynn puts it, “It’s the workers—the caring people—who make being at Morningside worthwhile; it’s not just a job for them.” With a love for family, craftsmanship, and a zest for life, Brad remains active and engaged, making the most of his time at Menger Springs.
