Howard Andrew Pierson

He was born January 20th, 1935 in a small house in Perry, Oregon, and his early years were spent in La Grande. He was the fourth child and only son of Gerald Lyle Pierson and the former Alice Lavon Blaisdell.

Howard attended BYU for one year before transferring to Eastern Oregon College. In 1955 he departed for two years of missionary service in the British Isles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return, he reported for two years of duty in the Army, where he served State-side and received commendation as a sharp-shooter.

In 1961, Howard graduated from EOC with a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in education. That same year his teaching career began in Hood River, Oregon, where he taught History and English for the next 22 years. He attended Bowling Green University in Ohio in 1967 to augment his teaching skills, and in 1969, Howard attended the University of Kansas where he pursued and earned a Master of Arts in U.S. History. In addition to his many academic and professional achievements, Howard was heavily involved in Church duties, teaching in many capacities and serving in leadership positions.

In 1964, he married Barbara Brown of Portland. Though a dissolution followed nearly twenty years later, the union resulted in four children, each of whom survive. These are Valerie Riddle of Clackamas, Tracy Pierson of Portland, Scott Pierson of Vancouver, and Victoria Westerfield of Tigard. Howard is also survived by two sisters, Geraldine Hamann of Gresham, and Helen Edmondson of Portland. Howard's children blessed him with twelve grandchildren, Dustin, Tyson, Loren, Devon, Taylor, Sage, Ryan, Kirstin, Tygre, Spring, Summer, and Hunter. He is preceded in death by his parents, and oldest sister, Jean Weis.

In 1988, Howard suffered from a brain aneurism, which left him partially disabled and forced him into early retirement. A blessing in disguise, this enabled him to spend the rest of his life as a full-time devoted and adoring Father and Grandfather.

Howard Andrew Pierson's remains will find final rest at Willamette National Cemetery.