OREL A. PIERSON II

Orel A. Pierson II A native San Franciscan and long time Marin resident, Orel A. Pierson II was born on August 9, 1934 and died peacefully on October 24, 2010 after a long battle with cancer. Orel attended Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco and a year of high school in Hong Kong. He graduated from University of San Francisco in 1956. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy and then joined the Merchant Marines. This love of the sea and ships brought him to American President Lines for a 35 year career in shipping. He was well versed in the history of ships and sea. Orel enjoyed spending time with his family. Nicknamed "El Chefo", Orel was known for his barbecued spare ribs at family gatherings. In his retirement, he and his wife Beverly traveled extensively, with Europe, Hawaii and the Caribbean among their favorite destinations. He was also an avid investor and spent many hours tending to his vegetable garden. The son of the late Commodore, Orel A. Pierson and Helen Pierson of Tiburon, CA, he is survived by his loving and inseparable wife of 50 years, Beverly Pierson and life-long friend, Neil J. Anderson of Chelmsford, MA. He was a loving father to Rocky Pierson of San Rafael, Robert Pierson and wife Sue of Livermore, CA, William Pierson and wife Carrie of Petaluma, and Diane Waldrup and husband Duane of Redmond, Washington. He was an adoring and caring grandfather of Daniel, Alison, Zachary, Mathew, Melanie and Nicholas. A gentle, smiling, brave and humorous family man, he will be missed by all who knew him. A funeral mass will be held in Orel's honor on Friday, November 12, 2010 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Novato, CA. A reception will follow service in the church hall. Donations can be made in Orel's name to Hospice of Marin or the American Cancer Society.