Ernest Dwight Pierce

Ernest Dwight Pierce

Ernie Pierce was born in Charlevoix, Michigan, the son of Newton and Ardis Pierce, on December 5, 1938. He died in Aurora, Colorado on July 26, 2024. 

He grew up on a farm, and the strong character arising from that background was a guiding influence throughout his life. He joined the US Air Force in 1959, and received technical training at Keesler AFB Mississippi. He served in Alaska and Texas until being honorably discharged in 1962. He attended the University of Colorado and received BS and MA degrees in Education and Counseling. He taught in Montana, then in Leadville and Colorado Springs before moving to the Denver area where he taught and counseled students in the Cherry Creek and Littleton school districts. He taught at all grade levels and created innovative education programs for students, teachers, and parents. Ernie’s work with at-risk children was recognized and praised repeatedly by parents, and among his treasured mementos were letters written years later by his former students, crediting him with changing their lives for the better. Upon retiring from the Littleton School District Ernie continued teaching as a private tutor. He said “they send me the kids no one else will take, the kids considered hopeless.” He loved those kids and always referred to them as “my kids.” In 2010 he wrote a book, “Success Secrets of Super Teachers: How to Take Your Teaching to the Next Level.” 

During his career in education he took several six-month sabbaticals and lived in New Zealand and England. Always open-minded and willing to try new things, he lived in a commune during his time in New Zealand. He was a loyal Rockies fan, and worked for 14 years as an usher for the games at Coors Field. 

From 2000 until 2011 Ernie was a certified personal coach offering services as “Coaching for Magnificence.” He was a member of Mile Hi Church in Lakewood, Colorado, a Center for Spiritual Living. He loved music of all kinds, and was a longtime member of the Mile Hi Church Choir. Ernie was licensed as a Religious Science Practitioner in 1997. He initially practiced at the Colorado Springs church and then at Mile Hi Church in Lakewood, Colorado. In connection with that vocation, his deep intention and faith was put to use in his own health. In 2017, doctors told him to get his affairs in order and not to take too long to do it. He went to a Lifestyle Medicine Cardiologist who changed his diet, and Ernie reversed the condition, gaining years of faith-filled life as a bright inspiration and healing presence to others.

 Ernie Pierce was preceded in death by his sister, Rose Pierce Hite. He is survived by his brother, Kenneth Pierce (Donna) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and six nephews and nieces. 

A memorial service will be held at Mile Hi Church on September 28, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Placement of ashes will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery on September 30 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, Ernie requested that donations be made to Mile Hi Church, 9077 W. Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80226 or milehichurch.org.