Michael John Piper 1952 – 2001 Nate and David have their first customer for the wall-o-caskets. This mourner is unlike most, though. She can still talk to her deceased husband, and he helps her pick out the casket of his choice. Ruth goes to a ceremony for graduates of a self-improvement class and decides it’s something she needs to do too. Nate and David attend a lunch for the Independent Funeral Directors where they vent about their mutual hatred for Kroehner. David and Keith continue to play racquetball together. Claire gets into a bit of trouble because of Gabe and his continuing downward spiral.