I lI learned yesterday of the death of Dot Piper, writes I Dugald Campbell.
The obituary from the Piper Facebook page is below. Having known Dot and David for more than 30 years along with Simon and Tim, I think that it would be nice for Dot's passing to be mentioned in narrowboatworld.
My wife and I had a David Piper trad stern for over 12 years before buying a Linssen to cruise on the continent. Sadly my wife died in 2021 but I am still managing to cruise with the help of my sister-in-law as crew.
We too had our boat build by Simon Piper and is still going strong and met Dot during the experience some 25 years ago and most sad to learn of her loss—Editor.
Dot Piper 11th July 1946—26th November 2025.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our beloved Dot passed away peacefully at Leighton Hospital on 26th November 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born in Disley, Dot met the love of her life, David Piper, and together they began an extraordinary adventure that would shape so many lives. From their early days working the horse-drawn boat *Iona* on the Shropshire Union Canal in 1965, to building one of the country’s most respected narrowboat companies, Dot was the unstoppable force behind it all. After years with Shropshire Union Boats, she and David established David Piper Boats at Red Bull Basin, where Dot ran the office, the moorings, and the heart of the business with warmth, grit, and boundless energy, while raising their three wonderful sons, Andrew, Simon, and Tim.
Dot was fierce in her love, tireless in her work, and strong beyond measure, right to her final breath. She lived a life of purpose, passion, and pride, and she leaves behind not just a thriving family business that bears her fingerprints on every detail, but a legacy of love that will never fade.
David, Andrew, Simon, Tim, and the whole family are wrapped in the deepest sorrow, yet forever proud to have called her wife, mum, grandmother, and friend.
Dot was a very private person so the celebration of her life will be a very simple family affair, For now, we simply ask that you hold your loved ones a little closer and, if you’re lucky enough to be on the cut, raise a quiet toast to the remarkable woman who helped make our canals the special place they are.
Rest peacefully, Dot. You did it your way, and you did it beautifully.
