Dr. Donald Patrick Piche

Dr. Donald Patrick Piche of Traverse City entered his eternal destination on October 14, 2022 surrounded by the love of his earthly family. Don was the fifth child of thirteen born to Robert and Eleanor (Dunn) Piche on October 30, 1936, in Royal Oak, Michigan. On December 26, 1960, Don married his lifelong love, Jeanne (Moynihan). Don met Jeanne while attending the University of Detroit School of Dentistry and upon graduation they moved to Virginia, where he served in the US Army Dental Corps. They returned to metro Detroit in 1964, opening a practice in Southfield. In 1972, they moved to Traverse City, opening their dental practice on State Street in downtown Traverse City. Don retired from full-time practice in 2002, yet remained engaged as a consultant to his son Peter, who took over his chair. Professionally, Don was always looking for more effective ways to serve his clients. Conversations around the Piche family dinner table often revolved around challenging situations with his patients. It seemed that by talking out loud, with his hygienist wife and curious kids, insight, clarity or a clue to a solution might be revealed. Don was always studying, thinking outside the box and expanding his understanding of his profession and the world in general. He wasn't interested in what things were, but rather how they worked, how they impacted people and how he could better serve by finding better solutions. He was a thought pioneer. He wasn't afraid to entertain a possibility, even against the consensus of those around him. In the mid 70's, Don began filling his clients’ cavities with nonmercury containing material because he believed that this would be in the interest of the long-term health of the people he served. He saw each of his patients as whole people, not just a set of teeth. Such a stand was controversial among his colleagues at the time, but he did not waver in his belief. It's clear today, 50 years later, he was a thinking man, way ahead of his time, and not afraid to challenge the status quo. Don loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and enjoying it all at his favorite hideout, Mother's Manistee Club. He loved to compete- especially in games that tested thinking. He loved card games and was a deadly opponent in a game of Scrabble. It wasn't uncommon for him to coerce family or visitors for a "little game of Scrabble" that often would last well beyond an appropriate bedtime. Snacking upon grapes always worked best to find 3 letter words, with a "Z", that ran onto a "triple word" square. Don studied the Scrabble dictionary for just such occasions, but there appeared to be magic in grapes. Don modeled servanthood well. It was part of his DNA. He was a Rotarian for many years and served the TC Noon Club as President (1997-98). He served on the TC City Commission. He was instrumental in creating a "free clinic" where local dentists would volunteer their services to help those in the community without access to dental care. He was involved in many youth sports and was instrumental in starting the Traverse City Trojan Hockey program. He served his church and this community in whatever ways he could using his unique gifts and talents for the betterment of the whole. He knew his blind spots too, and never volunteered to help with repair jobs. Don was a fan of passionate people. He loved cheering for his kids and your kids. He found the strengths in people long before he'd recognize their weaknesses. He was moved by watching anyone using their gifts, talents and passions, and it often prompted a small tear to fall from his eyes. He celebrated the effort it takes to better yourself as an individual in any form- athletics, health, relationships, the arts, professionally. He never stopped considering ways to improve human performance. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Jeanne Marie Piche and a bunch of prolific children: Dr. Don (Dr. Julie Brons) Piche, Cara (Dr. Michael) Colburn, Dr. Peter (Mary Jo) Piche, Molly (Dr. Kerry) Russell, and Dr. Joseph (Dr. Lea) Piche. He was "Poppy" to Keenan (Dr. Emily), Nikolaj, Jonas, Sebastian, Jamie (Andy), Patrick, Benjamin, Dr. Mikaela (Dr. Matthew) Denton, Maria, Christina, Marcus, Jonathon, Maisy, Daniel, Fischer, Finnegan, Gilman, and Annette. He was also "Great Poppy" to Mia and Ira. Each of Poppy's grandchildren knew that Don was their biggest fan! He is also survived by his loving siblings Robert, Sr. Jeanne Mary, Phillip, John, Mark, James, and Mary Anne. Mary Ellen, Marie, Joanne, Gregory and Paul preceded him to eternal rest. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Christopher Jarvis at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2022, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3801 Shore Road, Williamsburg, MI 49690. There will be a time to visit with the family one hour prior to Mass. Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy are encouraged to make a contribution in Don's name to The Little Sisters of the Poor, an order his sister has committed to for over 57 years. Memorials can be made to The Little Sisters of the Poor - St. Martin’s Home, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Baltimore, MD 21228; or online at https://www.littlesistersofthepoorbaltimore.org/donate-now/

Dr. Donald Patrick Piche

October 30, 1936 - October 14, 2022