Richard Alan Crane Pierce

Richard Alan Crane Pierce, 67, died at his residence in Sutton on Jan. 19. Richard was born in E. Stroudsburg, Pa., July, 8, 1942 to Thomas Alan and Dorothy Fannie (Crane) Pierce.

From an early age, Rick was involved in many different activities, which included dancing on American Bandstand. It was with pride that he served his country and doing so, Rick was stationed in Korea and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was proud of the fact that he earned his paratrooper badge. After returning to civilian life, in 1970 Rick went to work in Denver at a Chrysler dealership where he remained until moving to Anchorage in 1982 and later he began to work for Anchorage Chrysler in the fall of 1983 where he was a mechanic specializing in air conditioning and electrical. Rick was one of the first ASE certified mechanics in the United States. Being a man of many talents, he lived to hunt and fish and at one point was a halibut commercial fisherman and a gunsmith. He also enjoyed being involved with the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). He raced from the late 1960s into 1981 as an owner and driver of his own Rick Pierce Funny Cars.

Rick Pierce is survived by his children, Brian Pierce, of North Carolina, Lisa Pierce of Colorado and Rebecca Hubler, Michigan and four grandchildren; sisters Marian M. Peechatka of Pennsylvania; Ann Trach of Missouri and Ilene Cook of Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Dorothy Kresge and brother Elmer Kresge, Jr. all from Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

A memorial service will be held April 11 at 1 p.m. at the Anchorage Funeral Home, 1800 Dare Ave., Anchorage. For information, call Valley Funeral Home at 907.373.3344.

Rick was a once in a lifetime friend and all who knew him will miss him.

Arrangements are being handled by Valley Funeral Home - Palmer.