Robert Lee Pierce

Robert Lee Pierce, 58 of La Grande, died March 12 at his home after a long battle with multiple myeloma.

Known as Bob, he was born Oct. 16, 1948 to Robert and Phyllis (Eckelman) Pierce in Portland. He graduated from Beaverton High School.

Bob served in the Air Force from 1967 to 1971. While stationed in Georgia, he met and married Julia LaFavor. They had a son, Scott, in 1972. The couple later divorced.

After moving back to Oregon, Bob met Helen "Ann" Wilson whom he married in 1974. Ann had two daughters, Sonnet and Sandy, and Bob and Ann had a son, Danial. They lived in Verona and raised their children on a small farm. During this time Bob drove a log truck and enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and playing musical instruments.

The family moved to North Powder in 1994 and opened an adult foster care home. In 1998 Bob and Ann divorced. Bob moved to Starkey and drove truck for Gresham Transfer. He loved the Starkey area and spent his free time playing music and hiking around the mountains.

In 1999 Bob met Doreen Boyer. They married in September 2004, adding stepchildren Sheila and Jeremy to his family, and they made their home in La Grande. Bob's health forced him to retire in 2004, which gave him time to do the things he loved-playing music and spending time with his kids and grandchildren. He also was able to get reacquainted with his brothers and sisters, who share his gift of music.

Survivors include his wife Doreen of La Grande; children and their spouses, Scott and Tonya Pierce of Baker City and Denial Pierce of Kuna, Hawaii; stepchildren and their spouses, Sonnet and Sandy of Washington, Sheila and Tyson Orr of North Powder and Jeremy Boyer of Monument; siblings, Donna Kinsman, Laura Garcia, Ron Pierce and Dennis Pierce; 11 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Pierce.