Gary Pierson

Longtime Albuquerque businessman and friend Gary L. Pierson passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024, six days after his 85th birthday.

Gary was born on May 30, 1939 to Leroy and Melba Pierson in Sidney IO. He graduated from Albuquerque High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business from the University of New Mexico. While at UNM, Gary was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

Gary started work early in life. While still attending school, he worked construction with his uncle, Floyd Haake. After graduating from UNM, he worked for many years in the management of Sunbell Corporation, a local Indian Jewelry and metal working company. Following Sunbell, he worked successfully in many different areas including banking, real estate development and business consulting as well as managing several long-term limited partnerships. Gary left New Mexico briefly to work for Hyer Boot Company in El Paso, TX and was also involved in a California real estate development project. His real love, however, was New Mexico and he quickly returned.

Gary always felt it was his duty to give back to the community. For many years he sat on the board of Saint Francis and supported a variety of worthwhile organizations. These included: the Boys and Girls Club of Albuquerque, the Wounded Warrior Project, Saint Jude's Hospital, Animal Humane New Mexico and Shriners.

Gary was a fierce and loyal friend and avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, handball, skiing, hiking and was active member of Liberty Gym. Later in life, Gary became a valued member of the Walking Team, logging countless miles around the UNM north course and the Nature Center. Gary had a great love for New Mexico and enjoyed traveling throughout the Southwest and learning about its history. He was an avid reader, not only about New Mexico, but also about US history and he loved a good mystery. A book was about the greatest gift he could get.

Gary was preceded in death by his second ex-wife Judy Pierson, his brother Ted Pierson, and his two sisters Dorothy Engelbrect, and Marjory Coco. Gary leaves behind his first ex-wife Sandra Hoge, his daughter, Deborah Pierson, his son, Dr. Jon Pierson and two grandchildren Shane Pierson and Maria Pierson.

Special thanks to all of his caretakers that allowed him to stay in his home for the duration of his life.

Gary's memorial and funeral will be at FRENCH- Lomas, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 10:00. This will be followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Cemetery and a celebration of life at his house. In lieu of flowers we ask you donate to the Boys and Girls club of Albuquerque, the Wounded Warrior Project, or the Animal Humane in Albuquerque.