Robby Pierson, longtime Riparia farmer and former Colfax resident, passed away September 14, 2017 unexpectedly of an apparent heart attack while out seeding his crop. He was 70. Robert Dee Pierson was born in Colfax to Earl and Jessie Fisher Pierson on March 8, 1947. He was the youngest in a large family of nine that the Pierson's had. For as long as can be remembered Robby helped his dad on the ranch below Hay. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1965 and then attended a few years of college at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. In the summer of '68 he began dating the girl up the road and they headed off to CWU for fall semester. Robby married Jill Heaton on February 14, 1970. They made their home on the Pierson ranch and it wasn't long before they began raising their family of three there. As the kids grew older Robby moved them to Colfax to attend high school and from 1986 to 1994 most of the school years was spent here. Summers were always at the ranch. Robby was a very proud father and always supported his children in their activities. He made sure they didn't worry about higher education expenses either and made sure they finished school without the extra burdens of student loans. Always a hard worker, Robby truly enjoyed farming more than any other hobby. He did fish down on the Snake River on occasion and he was a good trap-shooter. He followed the Mariners on TV and would grumble when they weren't playing their best. He grumbled a lot! As his family grew and grandkids came along he always found time for them. Robby leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Jill, at their home near Riparia; three children, Bobette (Ryan) Lyyski of Ellensburg, Chad (Karie) Pierson of Hay, and Jami (Tracy) Imler of Colfax; 8 grandchildren of whom he was so proud, Cade, Payton, Parker Lyyski, Ellie and Ty Pierson, Perry, Delaney, and Ainslee Imler; by his sisters Dorie Tanner, Nancy Pierson and Frances Luden and by his brother Randy Pierson. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, a sister, and his parents.
A graveside service will be held Friday, September 22nd at 2:00 pm in the LaCrosse Cemetery with Pastor John Cross officiating followed by a gathering at the LaCrosse Community Center. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the Jr. Livestock Show in Spokane or to the Palouse Empire Fair. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.