Dr. Alson F. Pierce, an anesthesiologist and long-time resident of Colorado Springs, passed away on November 27, 2015. He was 99 years old.
Alson was born on May 26, 1916 in Coopers Plains, New York to Frank and Nellie Pierce, and he grew up on his family's farm, attending high school in nearby Painted Post. He received his undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of Michigan and obtained an MD degree from Syracuse University in 1942. Alson completed a medical internship at City Hospital of Manhattan in New York City before entering the Navy and serving as medical officer aboard the destroyer USS Greer which patrolled the Atlantic Theater during World War II. After the war, Alson returned to California where he met Anne Faulkner, a Naval nurse, at Shoemaker Naval Base. They were married in 1946. He went on to complete a residency in anesthesia at Colorado General Hospital in Denver before being recalled to active Naval duty for eight months during the Korean Conflict. Alson and Anne then settled in Colorado Springs where he raised his family and practiced anesthesia for over thirty years. An active outdoors enthusiast, Alson became a member of the AdAmAn Club in 1967 and completed 33 winter ascents of Pikes Peak with the Club. His last climb was at age 79. Alson and Anne were long-time members of the First United Methodist Church. In his later years, he compiled a series of life story memoirs and had them published under the title False Summit.
Alson Pierce was preceded in death by his wife Anne Faulkner Pierce and by a son, Gerry Pierce. He is survived by his children Phil Pierce of Pueblo West, Harriet Anderson of Plano Texas, Sarah Reeder of Colorado Springs, and Mary Anderson of Paris Texas. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the Brookdale Village at Skyline in the Assisted Living Multi-purpose Room on December 19 at 1:30 PM. Alson requested that in lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I cannot find adequate words to express my thoughts. Dr. Pierce, and his family, were, for many years, like a second family to me. He was a true legend, and will be missed greatly. My sincere sympathy & prayers to Harriet, Sarah, Mary, and Phil.
Paula Henley
December 15, 2015
My thoughts are with you....
Pamela Shepard
December 15, 2015
I will always remember his kindness and quiet humor. Always wanted to be a beekeeper, because of him! Dr. Pierce,may you rest in the peace you so richly deserve!
Becky Ahls
December 15, 2015
It was an honor and privilege to know such a wonderful soul! I had the thrill of hiking up Pikes Peak with Al on his last climb with the AdAmAn Club. He was the consumate gentleman and extraordinary mountaineer. Enjoy your next climb with God! TallRev
David Hunting
December 15, 2015
What a man of character and strength...
With all condolences to Phil and family.
Dana Rodenbaugh
December 15, 2015
Although I never knew Alson, I respect and admire him for his accomplishments, service to his country and dedication to family. Alson will be forever memorialized through his spirit and zest for life.
December 14, 2015
On behalf of the Memorial Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and Staff, I would like to express our sincere condolences to the Pierce family, upon Alson's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope you find comfort during this difficult time of loss. Sincerely, Cari Karns Senior Director of Development
Memorial Hospital Foundation
December 14, 2015
From the descendants of your uncle Benjamin Pierce and your cousin Byron Cooper Pierce, we family members send our love, respect, and condolences to memorialize Alson's spirit and his life accomplishments.
Doug Pierce, Conley Pierce, and Martha Pierce Fullerton
Doug Pierce
December 14, 2015
To a life well lived.
Orie Thompson
December 13, 2015
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