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September 26, 1921 - May 15, 2019
On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, Richard "Rick" Lee Pearce, loving father of three sons, passed away at the age of 97.
He was born on September 26, 1921 in Indianola, WA where he was the first white baby born in that small Native Indian community on Puget Sound in the state of Washington. His father and mother, Frank and Mary Pearce, and his three brothers, Stan Pearce, Jack Pearce, and Robert Pearce preceded him.
After his birth, Rick resided with his family in Potlatch and Dewatto, Washington on Hood Canal and after the Great Depression struck, they moved to Seattle, Washington for a short time. The family eventually moved back to Shelton, Washington where he graduated from high school in 1940. Rick then entered World War II and was the first young man to sign up for the United States Army in the town of Shelton. He eventually served in the South Pacific Theatre and was honorably discharged in 1945 as a World War II Veteran.
Rick then returned from the war and spent time as a commercial fisherman in Neah Bay and Westport, Washington, he resided in Shelton again, and eventually settled in Port Angeles, Washington for a number of years where he resided with his wife, Marilyn Pearce.
Rick and his family had been in the timber industry for over one hundred years and while in Port Angles, Rick and his brothers worked together and pioneered underwater log salvage. He then moved to Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada where he resided for over 50 years as the business owner of Pearce Log Recoveries, Ltd. Rick was very involved with many people and activities in the Port Alberni community over the years.
Rick is survived by his three sons, Jess Pearce, Tom Pearce, Mitch Pearce, and his daughter-in-law's Bonnie Pearce and Heather Pearce. He was also the grandfather of Janessa Pearce, David Pearce, Nicole Pearce, Evan Pearce, Braden Pearce, Jennifer Steele, Jeremy Sage, Jeanette Cruz. Rick was well known by so many whom he had close friendships with and lasting acquaintances in Port Alberni. We as a family salute all for your kindness to Rick and we share in your memories of him.
Rick was known by all as one of the most thoughtful, honest, and loving of men. We all knew him as one of the most generous, kind, and helping people we had ever met. He was a dedicated father and grandfather and truly loved by his family. We will all deeply miss him and will always cherish our memories of him. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Ty Watson House in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada in memory of Richard Pearce. A celebration of life will be held in Shelton, WA on August 10, 2019.



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