DONALD L. PIERCE

Donald L. Pierce, age 78, passed away surrounded by loved ones September 9th, 2022. Don had a largerthan-life presence. He lived such a big life. How do you condense and fold all he accomplished and everyone he touched into one simple page? It’s impossible. But for now, what we have left are simply words on a page —facts and descriptions to honor the man we knew as a father, grandfather, husband, brother, son, and friend —to describe a man we all loved. May this be enough to spark the feeling, the remembrance of the true Essence of who we all knew him to be. Don was born on August 18, 1944, to the late Loyal and Margaret Pierce. He recalled his youth with his younger brother (Doug) and sister (Linda), in Burbank, CA fondly, saying "I grew up there during the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s, one of the best times to live in

Southern California." Throughout his life, his love of adventure and travel and his drive to excel in his career, had him living throughout the US, from West Coast to the East and many places in between. Through these moves, he and his family were able to experience new environments, local communities, and make lifelong friends. His first marriage to Jeanne gave him three daughters: Jennifer, Kimberly, and Allison. His second marriage to Dianne brought him a stepdaughter, Denise, and son, Daven. His third marriage to Kristin, who has four children (Amanda, Angelique, Jimmy Ray, and Jesse - deceased) brought him new love later in life. He always accepted new people into his family with open arms. Don showed his love for his children and grandchildren with his generosity, ever-present advice, and encouragement for us all to live big, full lives, take risks and embrace challenges. Don had a long, successful career as an influential business executive. He was driven, goal-oriented, and always up for a challenge. Not long after getting his college degree & MBA, he found his stride in the restaurant/fast food industry. He excelled throughout his career quickly, becoming the President of a major international restaurant chain before turning forty. Before his 50th birthday, Don accomplished his ultimate business goal of holding the position of CEO for a large global organization. Colleagues remember Don as "in such command of himself that other people could borrow his confidence." Successful in his career, he also enjoyed giving back by mentoring many others along their career paths, helping them achieve their goals and ambitions. Don had a driving passion for fitness; weightlifting for most of his life, running 5K’s to marathons, including the Boston Marathon the year he turned 50. A highlight was when he was selected to run in the Olympic torch relay for the 1984 LA Olympics. He passed this infectious love of fitness & health down to his kids, grandkids & numerous friends. Don was a caring, supporting, loving, generous man with a huge sense of humor and a playful side. Who can forget him in his youth skipping out on his bike paper route & eating a dozen donuts on the curb instead, or him in his forties dressing up as a ballerina for Halloween (leotard, tights, and tutu included)? Don felt he had many wonderful chapters in his life. He engaged in each one to the fullest until the end. Because he had found his faith in God, he had peace knowing where he would be welcomed when he left this earth. He leaves behind his wife Kristin, his children, grandchildren, brother and sister, and many other friends and loved ones. Following cremation, Don will be returned to the places he loved the most, the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of Colorado. He will be remembered for his love of life, strength, and generosity. We’ll never forget his boisterous belly laugh, bad dad jokes, his love of peanut M&MS, and his extremely ticklish feet! He will be greatly missed.