Gary Lee Pierce (1940 – 2014) age 74 passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 9th surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born on April 11, 1940 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Gerald and Marie Pierce. He is survived by his wife Claudia, his children Katrina Matheny, Jerry (Julie) Pierce and Tanya Pierce, his beloved grandchildren Kaylee Matheny, Sarrah Matheny, Christopher Pierce, Trevor Pierce, Taylor Martin and Kayne Khademi, his sister Gwen McCormick, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Wayne Gilbertson and his sister Wanda Beronda. Gary moved to Alaska in 1948, where he resided in Anchorage and Fairbanks until his family moved to Miami, Florida and Kirkland, Washington for 10 years before moving back to Alaska in 1958, where he spent a short stint in Juneau before joining the Army. He quit high school in his junior year and said, "I'll either get in the movies or join the Army". He actually did play three different characters as extras in the Walt Disney Movie, "Tonka", but since that didn't lead to stardom, he joined the Army in August, 1958. He was honorably discharged on September 1, 1961 and came back to Alaska, where he made Juneau his home. Gary met his wife Claudia in 1964 and they were married on January 30th, 1965. Shortly thereafter they started their family and had three children. Gary started his career with what is known now as the Alaska Marine Highway System, then worked for Caslers Men's Wear and Northern Sales, where he sustained a back injury which rendered him disabled. He was the perfect, "Mr. Mom" for his children being a stay-at-home dad and then in 1987 Gary and Claudia bought "Hudson's Shoe Store". They owned that business for 21 years before deciding to retire in 2008. Upon retirement, Gary enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling, watching war movies that he had already seen multiple times before and gambling every chance he could get. He lived to play poker and pitch and would travel to Vegas as often as possible. He and his lasting great sense of humor will be terribly missed by his entire family and those whose lives he touched. Rest in Peace Dad. A Memorial Service will take place at 5: 30 p.m. on Sunday, July 20th at the Faith Lutheran Church at 2500 Sunset Drive. Following the service, family and friends are invited to join us on an Allen Marine catamaran for a "Remembrance" cruise to honor Gary's life. The boat will depart at 7:00 p.m. from the Don Statter Public Boat Harbor in Auke Bay.