Mitchell Pearce

1968 - 2025

Mitchell Wayne Pearce, 57, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne Hospital in France.

Mitch was born in Eugene, Oregon, on February 26, 1968, to Deborah Haynes and was lovingly welcomed by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Pearce of Emmett, Idaho. He spent his childhood years on South Slope in Emmett, where he shared countless adventures with his brother, Brent, and a close circle of friends. His first job was labor-intensive as a farmhand, a reflection of the strong work ethic that would carry throughout his life.

In his sophomore year, Mitch began working at the local IGA, where he grew close to his classmate, coworker, and future wife, Dawn Miller. The two dated in high school, graduated from Emmett High in 1986, moved to Arizona, and were married in 1988. Mitch attended Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. While studying, he worked at the UPS Technology Support Center to pay tuition and support their growing family, welcoming their first child, Camron, soon after graduating. In 1997, Mitch and Dawn returned to Idaho to be closer to family, and three years later, they welcomed their daughter, Rachel.

Mitch was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was admired for his strong work ethic, resourcefulness, and selflessness. Back in Boise, he began a successful 23-year career at the J.R. Simplot Company. During that time, he earned his Master's in Business Administration and mastered the art of balancing career and family, still finding time on his lunch breaks to browse local pawn shops. He loved skiing, fishing, camping, and traveling whenever he could. Above all, Mitch's greatest joy came from sharing these experiences with the people he loved most.

In August 2024, Mitch was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating and terminal illness. He promptly retired from his new position at Integral Partners and began making plans for a full year of travel and experiences. In a testament to his bravery and hope for a future cure, he enrolled in one of the first clinical trials of its kind at Cedars-Sinai Research Hospital, contributing to groundbreaking research. Despite the challenges of his final year, his last wish was fulfilled when he attended his son's wedding in France where he ultimately passed surrounded by his family with a beautiful view of the French Alps.

Mitch is survived by his wife, Dawn Pearce; brother, Brent (Carol) Pearce; birth mother, Deborah Haynes; and his two children, Camron (Charlotte) Pearce and Rachel Pearce (Alejandro). The family would like to personally thank the many healthcare professionals involved in his care.

In place of a formal service, the family will honor Mitch by participating in the annual "Walk to Defeat ALS" at Ann Morrison Park in Boise, Idaho, on Saturday, September 27. All are invited to join the walk in his memory by registering under Team Pearce. A celebration of life will immediately follow at Western Collective in Garden City. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the ALS Association, as Mitch would have wanted.