Gilbert Ward Pierce III, 65, of St. John, WA died Dec. 26, 2016 at his St. John, WA home. Ward was born Dec. 29, 1950 in Spokane to Gilbert Ward Pierce II and Patricia Ann Reed Pierce. He grew up in St. John and following graduation from high school Ward attended Whitworth College where he studied business and played on the Pirate football team. Ward married Julie Blumenshein and the family lived in St. John & Addy, WA through the years until the couple later divorced. Ward made the Spokane area home until coming to Moscow, ID where he went into the car sales business, working for several area dealerships. On May 21, 1990 Ward married Kathleen Brewer in Moscow and they moved to St. John, WA where they have owned and managed the Rialto Tavern for 20 years until their retirement and sale of the business. Ward enjoyed the outdoors especially hunting and playing golf. He was a member of the St. John Golf & Country Club. Ward is survived by his wife Kathy at their St. John home; his mother, Pat Pierce of St. John, two sons Gil (Sarah) Pierce of Coeur D'Alene; Chad (Ursula) of Spokane; Kathy's children Andy (Valerie) Brewer of St. John; Jeannie (Mike) Kuennen of Las Vegas, NV; two sisters Beth Zehm & Debbie Lillquist. Ward is also survived by his eight grandchildren Casey, Hailey, Julia, Jack, Drew, Bear, Ember & Alexa. A family graveside service will be held at the St. John Cemetery at 11:00 am Friday, December 30. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax, WA has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial donations are suggested to the St. John Golf & Country Club or to the St. John Volunteer Fire Dept. Online condolences may be sent to www.colfaxfunerals.com