Obituary of PIERS – Edward

December 23, 1938 – July 18, 2010 Edward Piers, beloved husband of Shirley Piers of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on July 18, 2010 at the age of 71 years. Edward was born in Neerlandia, Alberta, the fifth of seven children in a Dutch immigrant farming family. He attended high school in Barrhead, before entering the University of Alberta where he earned B. Sc. (1959) and Ph. D. (1963) degrees in organic chemistry. He then moved in 1963 to British Columbia where he became a faculty member in the Chemistry Department at UBC, the beginning of a distinguished academic career for which he garnered many awards, both for teaching and chemical research. Edward mentored more than 90 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and inspired many to pursue careers in chemistry. His many accomplishments resulted in his election to Fellowship in the Royal Society of Canada in 1989. Edward also made significant leadership contributions to the profession of chemistry in Canada and was widely respected among his peers—“a true scholar and gentleman”. Throughout, Edward remained committed to integrating his faith with his vocation and was heavily involved in Christian educational institutions, from high schools to graduate schools, often serving in positions of leadership. In addition to his professional activities, Edward enjoyed sports—he shot two holes in one!—photography and hiking in the outdoors. Edward is survived by his wife Shirley, his sons Warren (Marrian) Piers of Calgary, Alberta, and Kevin (Gloria) Piers of Jakarta, Indonesia and his six grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jared, Rachel, Amani, Alexander and Nicholas; brothers Peter Piers of Neerlandia, Alberta, Bert (Joanne) Piers of Ripon, California, John (Lucille) Piers of Edmonton, Alberta, Kenneth (Sharon) Piers of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and sister Hilda (Bob) Doughty of Campbell River, British Columbia; and many nephews and nieces. Edward was predeceased by his parents Oona and Grace Piers, and his brother Henry Piers. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 4 p.m. at Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church (3020 – 51st Street Southwest, Calgary, AB). You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tribute can directly be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada (20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1K8) in his name. In living memory of Edward Piers a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NORTHWEST, ALBERTA. Toll Free: 1-800-661-1599.