Thomas (Tom) Russell Pierce, 68

July 10, 1944 - Sept. 18, 2012

Tom Pierce passed away Sept. 18, 2012, in Boise of pancreatic cancer at the age of 68. He was born in French Camp, Calif., and spent most of his growing up years in Hayward, Calif., until moving to Coeur d’Alene in 1986.

Tom was born on July 10, 1944, at the San Joaquin County General Hospital to Thomas Turkett and Darlene Porter. He later took on the sir name of his stepfather David Pierce.

Tom married Jeanette Ernesto out of high school, and they were married for 16 years. Together they had five children. He later married Trudy McDowell and were married for 22 years. Together they had a son.

Tom had a very strong work ethic and was a dedicated and loyal employee. He worked at Conceco for several years in California before moving to Idaho where he took up employment at Northwest Machine Shop in Coeur d’Alene for 28 years. He was determined to work right up until the very end. He retired just months before his passing.

Tom is survived by his children and grandchildren, Tom Pierce (Marcella) of San Lorenzo, Calif., Denise Abrahampson (Amanda) of San Leandro, Calif., Veronica and Frank Nunes (Jessica and Ashley) of Hayward, Sherri and Fortunato Martinez (Zack, Devon and Brittany) of San Lorenzo, Lorrie Scott (Alyssa) of Tracy, Calif., TJ and Ronda Pierce (Connor, Carly and Lilah) of Boise; as well as other cousins, beloved relatives and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at Valentino’s Pizza in Coeur d’Alene.