Obituary: Robert Paul Pier

United States Marine Corps Captain (retired), Robert Paul Pier (Bob) left this life for eternity on Jan. 8, 2020 to be reunited with his Creator and his waiting wife, Ruth Jane Pier. Bob was born on August 10, 1931 in South Bend, Indiana as the youngest of nine children, Bob was 88 years old.

Bob joined the Marine Corps in 1950 and served his country as a Marine for almost 30 years. Upon enlistment Bob found himself in Korea where he served two (2) tours of duty. In 1955 Bob moved to Carson City and was stationed at the USMC Cold Weather Battalion (currently known as the Mountain Warfare Training Center) near Bridgeport, CA. He met the love of his life (Ruth Jane Schramm), they were married in 1956 and their adventures began as a USMC family serving in locations such as Camp Pendleton, CA, El Toro, CA, South Bend, IN, and Twentynine Palms, CA. During that time Bob served an additional three (3) tours to Vietnam. In between deployments Bob was assigned to and ultimately lead base Engineering Battalions making sure the infrastructure of the assigned bases were maintained and well run.

In 1971 Bob left active duty as a Captain remaining a Marine Corps Reserve until 1980. He and Ruth moved back to Carson City with their 4 children where it all began. Bob worked at the Nevada State Prison overseeing Prison Industries before becoming an Auto Shop Teacher at Carson High School where he taught for several years. Bob took his love for educating others to Western Nevada Community College (WNCC) where he helped establish the Vocational Education Department which included Automotive, Metal Shop, Welding, and ultimately the Nursing program. After retiring from WNCC Bob and Ruth managed the University Heights Apartments for 20 years.

Bob's love for his children and Carson City was evident by his tireless involvement with Ruth by his side. Together they helped organize Bobby Sox Softball in the early 1970's, coaching, organizing, and even receiving a broken nose while umpiring. Bob drove a bus for several years for the Jr Ski Program when it was held at Sky Tavern, and he coached Pop Warner Football. He established a program through the prison where they built and raced three (3) different race cars at T-Car Speedway with the first and only inmate pit crew for several years. Bob also served on the Carson City Parks and Recreation Board helping establish the Centennial Park Softball Fields and Tennis Courts as well as other parks throughout Carson City.

Bob's greatest joy was being with his family and spending weeks at a time camping and water skiing at Lake Lahontan where his children kept him busy driving the boat while they skied from sun up to sun down. Bob often boasted of being responsible for teaching half of Carson City to water ski!

Bob was an amazing teacher, mentor, servant, and friend. He was an even better Husband, Father, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle, and Brother. He was truly the cornerstone of his family. His integrity, loyalty, heart for serving others, and love will be remembered and passed down through the generations. He will be missed so very much by those who knew him as Dad, Pops, and of course affectionately, Ugly Old Fart! Bob was preceded in death by his wife Ruth in 2010. Bob is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Nancy and Todd Kenison, Teri and Bob Purvis, Sandra and Jon NyBlom, his son and wife Mitchell and Nancy Pier, 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, his brother Richard Pier, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family in Washington State, Indiana, and beyond.

A Celebration of Life ceremony is to be announced at a later date.