Herbert Joel Pierce passed away peacefully in his home on February 9, 2026, after a long illness. Born on August 27, 1943, to Richard Errol Pierce and Grace Ilene Pierce in Pasadena, Herb was the youngest of three sons. When he was growing up he went by the name “Joel” (or “Joe”) to his family and friends, and it was only in his teenage years that he started to go by his first name (because, as he put it, he got tired of correcting the high school teachers who kept calling him “Herb”).

From early on Herb was an active, outgoing child who loved the outdoors. In his early 20’s he hitchhiked from Southern California to Alaska and worked in a cannery over the summer. He also spent several seasons working for the National Parks Service as a park ranger at Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

Herb attended California State Polytechnic College and graduated with a degree in Biological Science in 1970. Shortly before this, in 1969, he married the love of his life, Sally (Skinner). They welcomed their first child, Andrew Joel, in 1970. This was followed by the arrival of daughter Jennifer Lynn in 1972 and son Edward Errol in 1973.

Herb worked as a park ranger for the State of California from 1969 until 1978: first at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego, then at Mitchell Caverns (now known as Providence Mountains State Recreation Area), and lastly at Mount San Jacinto State Park in Idyllwild. In particular, Herb loved the time that he and Sally and their young family spent in the Mojave Desert at Mitchell Caverns, and he spoke about that experience often. As he frequently pointed out, they were “25 miles from the nearest telephone.” (Those who knew Herb can attest to the fact that he loved to meet and get to know people from all walks of life; but he also was perfectly happy being alone amidst nature.)

In 1978 Herb accepted a position as a wildlife biologist with the California Department of Fish & Game, and he and his family relocated to Eureka in Northern California. This occupation allowed him the opportunity to work outdoors, which he loved; but it also required him to interact frequently with local businessmen and politicians as he represented the state’s interests on issues affecting wildlife. Herb found that he enjoyed the challenge of working to resolve conflicts between different parties, and he spent time developing his skills at mediation in these years.

Outside of work, Herb spent the majority of his time with Sally and his children. He took his family camping, coached his children’s sports teams, co-led the church youth group, and was always available to play board games, take trips to the park (where often any games that were played were organized and participated in by him), and answer any number of questions from his inquisitive children. He also enjoyed sharing his interests in ornithology and botany with his family; on outdoor jaunts he would often call their attention to interesting birds or plants he encountered.

Herb retired from the State of California in 2001, and with his children grown, he became more involved with various charitable activities. He was a Court Appointed Special Advocate for many years and was also involved in leadership in the United Methodist Church in Eureka. He and Sally took several trips with members of their church to help build homes for people in Mexico and New Orleans. During these years, Herb also worked part time as a Sales Representative for Certified Folder Display Service. This job allowed him to travel throughout the Pacific Northwest and meet and talk to many different people, something that he always loved to do. Sally often accompanied him on these trips. In their retirement, he and Sally enjoyed many activities together, whether it be camping (alone or with their children and grandchildren), taking walks together, or going on the occasional cruise. Herb also greatly enjoyed spending time with his five grandchildren.

Throughout his life Herb always tried to be aware of and thankful for the good fortune he had experienced, and it was important to him to help those who were less fortunate than he was. He always looked for the best in people, and he always tried to be positive and upbeat. If Herb was ever asked how he was doing, he would invariably reply by exclaiming, “Outstanding!” or “Excellent!”

In 2017, Herb suffered a major stroke. This limited his ability to do many things, and he was extremely fortunate to have his beloved wife Sally there to take care of him for the last nine years of his life. Despite the challenges he faced, he did not lose his upbeat outlook (nor his sense of humor). He was greatly comforted in his later years by the time he was able to spend with his children, grandchildren, and other family and friends who all cared so deeply for him.

Herb was especially fortunate that in his last few weeks of life he was able to see each of his grandchildren one last time. He also received significant support from his nephew, Don Pierce (who, as a young man, had spent many years living with Herb’s family in Eureka), as well as from his son-in-law, Bob Coleman, both of whom were with him in his final days.

Herb is preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Arthur Pierce of West Covina, Calif., and his daughter, Jennifer Lynn Coleman of San Diego. He is survived by his wife Sally of Eureka; son Andrew and daughter in-law Jennifer of Trinidad; son Edward of Portland, Oregone; brother Richard James Pierce of La Verne, Calif.; son in-law Bob Coleman of Lake Stevens, Wash.; and grandchildren Cole Pierce, Max Pierce, Marcus Coleman, Madeline Pierce, and Wilder Coleman.

The Pierce family will be having a small family gathering in memory of Herb.