Pierce, Teddy Paul
On January 31, 2016, Ted "Paul" Pierce, age 76, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness. His beloved wife and best friend of 56 years was at his side. Ted was born the oldest of three children on April 19, 1939, in San Jose, California. As a young boy growing up in the San Joaquin Valley, he developed a love for the great outdoors and followed his passion for camping, hunting, fishing, and adventure as well as for vintage cars, throughout his life.
At the age of 17, Ted joined the Navy and was stationed at Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco, California. Not long after, he met and married the love of his life, Betty Tobeck. In the summer of 1969, Ted and Betty, along with their three young children, moved from San Jose, California to Albuquerque where he lived out the rest of his life.
In New Mexico, Ted found wilderness spaces, mountains, and deserts that called to him as he pursued his love of all things outdoors. His creativity and artist’s eye could be seen in everything from the beauty of his landscape paintings and car designs, to his garden where he tenderly nurtured a variety of plants. He was very much at home in his garage, where he restored and brought to life cars from a bygone era. Ted and Betty were active members of the Duke City Rodders for many years and the cars that Ted restored won accolades in several categories of competition.
Until his retirement, Ted had been employed by Melloy Nissan and was well respected among auto dealerships in Albuquerque for his skills, knowledge, and expertise. In most recent years, Ted and Betty could be found enjoying RV road trips and fishing from their boat on Heron Lake in northern New Mexico. They always said of their relationship, "We are a team." Our hearts are heavy and Ted will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Even so, we know that love transcends death.
Ted was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Pierce; his father, Ted R. Pierce; his stepmother, Ruby Pierce; his brother, Donald Pierce; and his grandson, Cody Benjamin Erven.
Ted is survived by his best friend and forever love, Betty Pierce; his children, Lori Erven and husband Dusty, of Albuquerque; Larry Pierce and wife Katie, of Arvada, Colorado; Lezlie Foster and husband Dave, of Collbran, Colorado; his granddaughters, Chelsea Erven and Cierra Erven; his great grandson, Beau Griswold; his sister, Patricia Andrews of Los Banos, California; his stepbrother, James Crawford and wife Barbara of Wichita, Kansas; and step-sisters, Nadine Boyer and husband Rocky of Torrance, California and MaryAnn Spence of Capitan, New Mexico. Ted is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as his best canine friend, Nickie, who never left his side.
The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Ambercare Hospice team members, Joan, Mindy, Cara, Bob, Alex, Keely, and many others for their compassionate caregiving.
Cremation has taken place and Ted’s desire was for a memorial service to be held for family and friends in the late spring in Chama, New Mexico. Meanwhile, for those who wish to, donations can be made in Ted’s name to Joy Junction Homeless Shelter. Visit www.joyjunction.org for more information. Please visit www.riversidefunerals.com to sign the online guestbook.