Lewis Pierce IV, 67, died at his home in Carson City, after a short illness, on January 23, 2008. "Lew" as known by all his friends, was born April 8, 1940 in Solono County, Calif. His family, which included ranchers, farmers and judges, settled in the Suisun Valley around 1850. He grew up in Fairfield, Calif. and worked on the family ranch. He attended San Luis Obispo and studied agriculture and business. He served in the US Army flying helicopters. He flew his first solo flight March 18, 1961 from the Napa Airport. After serving several years in the Army, Lew worked for Cessna and the Gentry Corporation. At the Gentry Corp he learned land development. Lew developed many projects in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Nevada. He settled in Carson City in 1990 and said Carson was more his home than anywhere he had lived. At the time of his death he was working on a major development project in Carson City which his business partners and construction manager will complete as Lew envisioned.
Lew married his wife Laurie on August 8, 2000. One of their strong bonds - they shared the same birthday, although not the same year. In addition to his wife Laurie, Lew is survived by his son, Lewis M. Pierce of Reno, NV, his daughter Catherine of Italy and step-son Craig Thomas of La Habra, CA and one grandson, Ian, who loved and will miss his "Popalew".
Lew called Senators, Governors and Mayors his friends...he was a man that never met a stranger and kept friends for many many years, some more than 50 years. Laurie will always be reminded of Lew from the closing lines of High Flight - "I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace where never lark, or even eagle flew - and, while with silent lifting mind I've trod the high untresspassed sanctity of space, put out my hand and touched the face of God"
There will be a Celebration of Life for "Lew" Pierce on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 3 p.m. at Glen Eagles Restaurant in Carson City.
Lew Pierce was a recent cancer survivor and a memorial fund has been set-up to help his family with remaining expenses. Donations can be made to Bank of the West, Carson City, Lewis Pierce Memorial Fund, Account Number 248079584.