Ralph L. Pipes, M.D.

    Pipes, Ralph L., M.D., 93, May 21, 2012.
    Dr. Pipes passed away on May 21, 2012. He was born in New Limerick on November 20, 1918 to Charles and Mary Ruth Taylor Pipes. In 1936, he graduated from Ricker Classical Institute Preparatory School, where he was the recipient of the Balfour Key for outstanding student of his graduating class. He was class valedictorian and gave the valedictory address at his graduation ceremony.
    In 1940, he graduated from the University of Maine with an AB in Zoology. He was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and President of the fraternity from 1939-1940.
    During WWII, he was commissioned 2nd Lt. in the Marine Corps. After serving his country, he attended the University of Pennsylvania medical school. He was a member of the Phi Chi Medical fraternity and a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in medicine. He completed his residency in general surgery at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.
    In 1948, he opened a medical practice in Belle Glade, Florida. He was chief of staff at Memorial Hospital for several years and a member of the Palm Beach County Medical Society. After practicing surgery for ten years, he terminated his practice and entered residency in Radiology at the University of Miami, School of Medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital; he became certified by the Board of Radiology in 1960. In subsequent years, he became a member of the American College of Radiology, Florida Radiological Society, Radiological Society of North America, Greater Miami Radiological Society, Dade County Medical Society, and Florida Medical Society.
    He practiced Radiology at Hialeah Hospital in Miami until retirement in 1983. He was Chief of the Department of Radiology until his retirement and Chief of Staff at Hialeah in 1964. He also served on the Executive committee for several years.
    Ralph was a Master Mason, Belle Glade Lodge #273, life member and 32nd degree Mason at Lake Worth Consistory. He was a Shriner at Mahi Temple in Miami, Fl. Ralph was a member of the Elks Lodge in Ormond Beach, Fl., Halifax River Yacht Club and a past member of Coral Reef Yacht Club, Coconut Grove, Fl. He was an avid sailor, spending many years sailing in the Bahamas, particularly the Exumas.
    Ralph had a long-time interest in geneology and was a direct decendent of William Brewster, the Elder on the Mayflower.
    He is survived by his wife, Marian Morford Pipes, and his wonderful daughter, Anne Pipes Figueras who, with her husband Miguel, gave him three beautiful grandchildren, Hannah, Sofia, and Andrew Figueras.