Richard William Pierson was born on 22 September 1935 in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho to William and Hazel Pierson.

Richard was a proud graduate of Washington State University (1957) and went on to serve in the US Army until 1959. He graduated from the University of Washington with his Juris Doctor in 1962. Beginning his career as a Deputy Prosecutor in King County from 1963-1965, he later found his specialty working in Eminent Domain/Condemnation Law. He realized his passion for justice through the law by tackling harms caused by WWII and Cold War plutonium production. He spent 25 years fighting for Hanford Downwinder families and exposing the devastating health impacts that the Hanford Nuclear Site caused.

An avid outdoorsman and adventurer, Richard relaxed by hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. He climbed Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens in the 1970s and continued his hunting and fishing adventures into his 80’s.

Richard is survived by wife Joan Pierson; brothers Terry, Sid, and Gil Pierson; daughters Kris Pierson, Heidi Pierson, and Holly Christy; and grandchildren Riley, Al and Phinn Maricielo.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com .