David Waltz Pierson

David Waltz Pierson Jan. 25, 1916 to Dec. 19, 2003 David Pierson of Walnut Creek passed away peacefully December 19th at 87 years of age. Born in Hollywood, California in 1916, he was a graduate of UCLA, majoring in Theater Arts. He moved with his family to Contra Costa County in 1958 where he worked for the Co-op grocery stores in the East Bay for 20 years and at age 45, embarked on a successful career as an artist. His creative bent led him to take up painting, printmaking, batik, and jewelry-crafting. His paintings and art objects have brought beauty to many Bay Area homes. David was an active long-time member of the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church where, in addition to his social and personal concerns, he maintained his interest in the dramatic arts by participating in Church productions as well as in community theater in Walnut Creek. He spent his final four years at Aegis Assisted Care center in the Alzheimers unit. David touched many lives with his gentle, upbeat spirit and intellectual curiosity. He was a happy and loving person with a playful sense of humor and a perpetual penchant for puns. He delighted in connecting with others, reflecting on life's puzzles and mysteries, and "co-op"erating in communal projects. Beloved husband of Florence Hoeg Pierson, he is also survived by his five loving children: Carol Pierson and partner Jan Thyer of Berkeley; Joan Pierson Berenguer and spouse Angel Berenguer of Madrid, Spain; Donna Pierson-Pugh and spouse Jeff Pugh of Boonville, CA; Barbara Pierson and spouse Tracy Thomas of Prunedale, CA; and Bill Pierson of San Francisco. Cherished brother of Marian Mast of Claremont, CA, and Lillian Lovelace of Santa Barbara, he was predeceased by his brother, John Pierson of Kennewick, Washington. He leaves eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. A memorial service will be held at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek on Saturday, January 17, 2004, at 3:00 p.m. following the scattering of the ashes in the Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association (800-272-3900, www.alz.org), or the MDUUC for a David Pierson art glass memorial window (925-934-3135, www.mduuc.org).