John Charlton Pierce

July 6, 1927 – February 20, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, John Charlton (Jack) Pierce, at the ripe old age of 96 and a half years.

Dad was born in Medicine Hat on July 6, 1927, and except for a brief time living in Saskatchewan, lived here all his life. Dad told us many stories about growing up in Medicine Hat with his brother, Fred, and sister, Helen. At the age of 18, he joined the Navy and served 5 years, travelling to many ports around the world. After returning to Medicine Hat in 1951, he met and married the love of his life, Anne Marie. Together they raised 4 children in the house that he built himself. Dad was a Scout Leader for more than 25 years and was active in the Anglican Church. Dad worked for many years at CFB Suffield, finishing his career at CFB Dana, in Sagehill, Saskatchewan. In retirement, Dad was able to pursue his hobbies of gardening, walking, and birdwatching. Mom and Dad spent lots of time at the cabin in Elkwater and travelled to Yuma, Arizona for many years to escape Alberta winters. They made great friends during their years there.

Family was all-important to Dad, and he made every effort to stay in touch with our relatives. After 96 and a half years, Dad’s family tree was well-grown with 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Between the Pierce clan and the Skjei clan, there are also many nieces and nephews, and of course now (remember – 96 and a half years old), grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Everyone was precious to Dad.

Dad lived in his own home until well after his 95^th birthday, with help from Extended Family Services. For the past 10 months, Dad has been living at Riverview Long Term Care Centre. We cannot express enough how grateful we are for the loving care and respect he received from ALL of the staff at Riverview. Everyone from the office staff, to the meal servers, laundry people and cleaners, the recreation and occupational therapists, the dietician, and the social worker, especially the Nurses, LPNs and HCAs, always treated Dad, and our family, with respect, care, and good spirits. Dad made many new friends there. We thank them all for this gift.

Thank you to Dr. Monty for his compassionate care of Dad while he was at Riverview. We also want to thank Veterans Affairs Canada for their support.

Dad taught us by example the values of kindness, generosity, honesty, and humour. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Dad was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anne Marie, in 2016; his son, Darrell, in 2019; and his daughter-in-law, Laura Lee, in 2022. He is survived by his son, David; daughter, Nancy (Robert); and son Doug (Jaylene). He is also survived by his sister, Helen Rogers; sisters-in-law, Elaine Lawrence and Sandy Krawec; brothers-in-law, Gary Skjei (Mary) and Paul Skjei (Helen).

The family will have a Celebration of Dad’s Life at a later date.

Condolences may be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL & CREMATION 1924 10^th Ave NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 403-905-0440 info@gracememorial.com.

• Date : 2024-02-20
• Location : Medicine Hat, AB

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