Robert Leonard 'Bob' Pierce

Pierce, Robert "Bob" Leonard age 80, a resident of Florida (Port Charlotte), who spent his summers in Wisconsin (Land O' Lakes), unexpectedly passed away Monday, July 10, 2017. Born March 6, 1937, in Edina, MN, to Franklin Leonard and Dorothy Martha (Peterson) Pierce (deceased), Bob was the youngest of three siblings. A student body member of Edina-Morningside High School's first graduating class of 1955, Bob attended Stanford University (CA) in the fall where he joined the Squaw Valley Ski Patrol. Later, while attending the University of Colorado, he became an official member of the Breckenridge Ski Patrol. Ski Patrollers are part of a dynamic, respected group of individuals whose love for snow sports and other outdoor activities is matched only by their commitment to helping others. In general being an all-around hero on the mountain is rewarding, and Bob fondly remembered his days as a patroller. Following college, Bob served two tours of duty in the Army during the Korean War; concluding his military years at Fort Stewart (GA), where he was a charter captain for visiting dignitaries. During the mid-1950s, Bob began his career at Lyle Signs, Inc. A highway and traffic sign manufacturer, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Before retiring in 1990 at age 50 as company president, Bob spoke in front of Congress, helping to pass the bill, the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982, that restricts prison labor in any Federal Highway Projects. As a middle-aged man, Bob went back to school where he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Limnology the study of the biological, chemical, and physical features of lakes and other bodies of fresh water. Bob moved to Florida, where he was influential with the establishment and operation of Palm Island Resort (Englewood, FL). Chairman of the Beach and Shores Advisory Board for Charlotte County, FL, Bob was the only civilian to speak in front of the Florida House Committee in Tallahassee, where he was instrumental in passing a bill for Beach Renourishment. Bob will forever be loved by those of us he left behind. He is survived by his wife, Helen Jo (Vineyard-Volpe) Pierce (FL/WI); his two children, Jeff (Polly) Pierce (MN), Kathy (Mark) Abdella (MN); two step-daughters, Rade (Jeff) Gratton (WI), Lee Volpe (FL); three grandchildren, Delilah, Soren, and Hays; two step-grandchildren, Mason and Pierce; brother, Peter (Gene) Pierce (MN/FL); stepsister, Jan Hagan (RI); he will also be missed by many friends whom he considered family. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Dorothy, and sister, Jacqueline Haugland. Those whose lives Bob touched are invited to a memorial honoring and celebrating his life at St. Alban's Episcopal Church: 6716 Gleason Rd (Edina, MN), at 10am on Friday, August 11, 2017. Brunch will immediately follow at Hyland Hills Chalet: 8800 Chalet Rd (Bloomington, MN). In lieu of flowers, please make donation in honor of Robert Pierce to: Mayo Clinic Cancer Research, 200 First Street SW Rochester, MN 55905 "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

Published on July 25, 2017