William Sempier “Swede” Pierson, 80, of Penn Cove, passed away Dec. 29, 2007, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham.

William was born June 16, 1927, in Livingston, N.J., to the late Stanley and Margaret Ellen Pierson.

William attended school in Montclair, N.J., and was active in sports, as well as choir as a baritone. He was also the president of his freshman class. As funds were tight during this period across America, William developed a successful moving business where he often employed his brothers.

After 11 years of formal education, and the permission of his parents, the 17-year-old William joined his three older brothers already in military service on Dec. 19, 1944.

After his two-year tour in the Pacific Theater, he was honorably discharged on Aug. 15, 1946. After making his way back to New Jersey he was reunited with his family and gained employment as a butcher for A&P Grocers. Upon outbreak of the Korean Conflict, William reenlisted and reported for duty on March 7, 1952 to the USS Oriskany, CV-34, where again he served as a hospital corpsman.

On June 18, 1954, William was transferred to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. While at Whidbey, he concluded his final tour of military service as a third class petty officer receiving an honorable discharge on

Dec. 10, 1954.

William’s personal awards include the Good Conduct medal, National Defense and the United Nations and Korean Service Medal with bronze star.

William fell in love with Whidbey Island in 1954 and more so with a lovely naval widow, Thelma “Glorietta” Prael who had three young children, Frederick, Carol Lee and Penny. They were married on Aug. 17, 1958, and on Aug. 19, 1959, Glorietta gave birth to their first son, William, and to their second son, Randolph.

The family happily resided in Penn Cove and still maintains a home there to this day.

Throughout this period, William raised and butchered cattle that kept the family freezer full of choice cuts year round. He was also very fond of the treasures of the Pacific Northwest which he enjoyed with his family, camping, hunting, fishing, crabbing, clamming and boating.

William’s final employer was the transportation department of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. While there, he spent more than 30 years operating heavy equipment and hauling everything that keeps a modern military well maintained and formidable. He received several Civil Service commendations and awards for excellence in service, as well as an admiral’s commendation for being an essential part of the squadron’s attainment of excellence in maintenance. William’s community involvement included his Oak Harbor Elk’s Club membership he shared with Glorietta for more than 40 years.

William is survived by his younger brother Nils; his five children, Ric, Carol, Penny, William and Randy; and his ten grandchildren, Katharine, Frederick II, Rayelle, Dana, Kelly, Mitchell, Lisa, Brooke, Alyssa and Shelby; and one great-grandchild, Traynor.

William was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Glorietta, and brothers Richard, Forest and Franklin.

From William’s family, friends and fellow veterans we would like to wish him, “Fair winds and following seas.”