Robert Harryman Pierson

IMPORTANT Celebration of Life Directions: Meet at Ontario County Park. Address 6475 Gannett Hill Park Dr, Naples, NY 14512. Memorial Service is located at Wilson Lodge. When you approach the park you will take a right turn to enter the park on a one way road through the park. There is an unmanned entrance to the park and no entry fee. Simply follow the road through the park passing the campground on your right. When you see a radio tower at the top of the hill turn left before that on a dead end entrance to Wilson Lodge. Parking is immediately in front of the lodge. It is an enclosed pavilion with a covered porch that overlooks the grassy fields by a playground. If you miss the pavilion the road continues through the park and you will be circled back to the entrance.
After a full and adventurous life, a great heart stopped beating. Robert Harryman Pierson, age 92, formerly of Scottsville, NY, passed away on the 4th of May, 2025 at Elysian Senior Homes of Northfield, MN.
Robert Harryman Pierson lived a rich and purposeful life, marked by a deep love for family, a passion for the natural world, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of animals. He was born on November 17, 1932 in Bloomington, Indiana and was the third child of Robert and Irene Derry Pierson (and, what a cast of characters they all were!). Bob spent his early years in the idyllic town Spencer, Indiana, before the family relocated to Crawfordsville, following his father's return from World War II. Robert was a proud graduate of Purdue University; his academic pursuits led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and later, a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Kansas State University where he graduacted in 1958. His professional career began with service as an officer in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps in Washington State. Following his military service, Bob returned to his childhood home of Spencer where he began independent veterinary practice. He then moved to West Lafayette to take a position as an instructor in the newly created School of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue. New opportunities arose and Bob took on a new adventure as the resident veterinarian at a large equine breeding farm in Upstate New York. Robert followed his professional interests in Theriogenology and became one of the country's leading equine reproductive specialists. Professionally, Bob was known for his skill, compassion and following up on the unknowns until he had an answer. He left the broodmare farm after building its breeding program to exceed national standards and founded an independent equine practice – The Genessee Valley Equine Clinic – in Scottsville, NY. Bob practiced there caring for horses (and their owners) in the valley and its surroundings, mentoring a new generation of equine veterinarians, and living an idyllic life until his retirement in 1996. Through his practice, he touched the lives of countless animals and their owners, always striving to leave them "healed and whole." In their later retirement, Bob and Nancy found their next home in Canandaigua, NY where they lived among a vibrant community of walkers, hikers, canoeists and adventurers. One of Bob's favourite activities was helping out with the Pack, Paddle Ski Group on their trips and helping to introduce the deep out-of-doors to people on many adventures.
Bob's warm character and loving nature extended far beyond his professional life. He was a cherished husband to Nancy, a supportive father to Roger and Rebecca, and a loving and encouraging grandfather and great-grandfather. His off-beat sense of humor lit up any room, as he expertly wove narratives that captivated audiences and were punctuated by his perfectly timed punchlines. Integrity, hard work, and kindness were the pillars upon which he built his life, living each day as a person upon whom all could rely.
Nature was a canvas upon which Bob painted his leisure and family activities. Wilderness camping and canoeing, along with long walks in the out-of-doors were not just pastimes, but conduits for creating long-lasting family memories. He and his family explored many wilderness destinations in North America with many special river trips deep into Northern Canada. Despite the geographical spread of his loved ones, Bob was the tether that bound the family close together, nurturing relationships that could withstand any distance. A dearly held memory for all was his love for the outdoors was further evidenced by the hiking group he co-founded, which grew to over 100 members, fostering community and a shared sense of adventure.
Bob as an avid enthusiast of marathon canoe racing and he left his mark on the sport he dearly enjoyed. His athletic prowess was on full display in grueling competitions such as the General Clinton, a 70-mile race completed in a single day, and the arduous 90-mile Adirondack Classic, which was spread over three days with many lakes and portages along the way. His race boats with his lifetime NYCRA number – 087 – was a familiar sight at marathon races over more than 2 and a half decades. He raced with passion for the sport and how it brought him into the natural world. He was truly inspirational as he raced in tandem canoes with several of his grandchildren over the years. Those hours in race boat is a connection is very special to all of those who paddled with him.
Those who were privileged to know Bob experienced a life punctuated by laughter, sincerity, a thirst for adventure and an undeniable zest for life. His was a life lived with unconditional love, untiring kindness, and an ever-present sense of humor. It made each moment spent in his company a cherished memory. Robert Harryman Pierson's story is one of a life exceptionally well-lived and a man beloved by all. His memory will be treasured forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
Robert is survived by his loving wife and partner of 72 years, Nancy (nee Webb); children, Roger (Kathleen) of Canmore, Alberta, CA and Rebecca (Bryan) Finley of Northfield, MN; grandchildren, Andrew, Hannah (Nathan Sedgewick), Alexander (Kristy), Paul (Karissa) Finley, Matthew Finley, Benjamin (Megan) Finley and Christine (Kevin) O'Brien; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; special aunts, Mary and Jane; and siblings, Allen Derry and Mary Edith Velardi.
The memories of Robert, the lessons learned and the kindnesses shown will continue to live on in all of us. We are better people for having known him and the world is a better place for having had him among us. Thank you, Robert, so very much for all you have done for us.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wilson Lodge, Ontario County Park at Gannet Hill near Naples, NY on Wednesday, July 23rd at 11:00 am. There will be some seating but please bring comfortable camp chairs if you have them available. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, National Nature Conservancy, or the Ontario Pathways.
Arrangements are trusted to Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com