Michael Kent Pearce

Michael Kent Pearce passed away peacefully one year ago today at North Hawaii Community Hospital, Waimea, Hawaii, after a lengthy illness.

Michael was a husband, a son, a brother, a grandson, a scientist, a teacher, a diver, a gamer, a reader and most of all, a wonderful friend. He touched many lives all over the world in his 47 years.

Michael learned to scuba dive in Hawaii in 1991 and traveled the world pursing his passion for diving with his wife Lori. He fulfilled his dream to retire to the Big Island in 2008 after living in Seattle for nearly 20 years.

Michael's other passion was science education. He discovered the love of teaching while at the University of Washington where he completed a Master's Degree in Immunology. He made contributions as both teacher at community colleges around the Puget Sound and as a science advisor on scholarship committees.

Michael was an avid gamer and voracious reader. He volunteered at the Seattle Aquarium and supported the Nature Conservancy's Global Marine Initiative.

He is survived by his wife and dive partner of 23 years, Lori, his mother and father, Rita and Kent, and his sisters, Angela and Chantelle. To celebrate Michael's memory, please support your local school, community college or university.