Obituary of Ken Pierson

PIERSON, Frank Kenneth “Ken” Jr. – age 74, passed away peacefully in the Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia on Saturday, August 3, 2019 in the company of his beloved wife.  Born on February 10, 1945 in Orange, New Jersey, he was the only son of Frank Kenneth Pierson Sr. and Gertrude Michaud Pierson.  Ken loved being outdoors and had a lifelong interest in environmental and conservation issues.  As a young man he spent much of his time camping and hiking mountain trails throughout the eastern States.  A fondly remembered job was at the Turtle Back Zoo in New Jersey, where he cared for animals and built exhibits.  In his mid-30’s Ken was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis.  In spite of this life threatening disease he was determined to pursue an active life.  He took woodworking courses at Peters Valley School of Craft in Layton, New Jersey and became a designer and maker of fine furniture.  An avid supporter of fellow craftspeople, he was the Executive Director of Peters Valley from 2001-2003.  During this time Ken developed a passion for Bluegrass music, especially the fiddle.  He became involved in the American Bluegrass scene, working with bands and attending festivals.  After moving to Nova Scotia in 2006 Ken’s greatest wish was to become a supportive member of the local community.  He became a volunteer, and later a Board member, of the West Branch Community Hall.  Ken’s love of fiddle music continued, from Bluegrass to Celtic to Old Time Fiddle.  He became intensely involved with the Hall’s Old Time Dance and its musicians and dancers.  In 2017 he applied for and received a Canadian 150 Grant to document the history of the Old Time Dance at West Branch, a project recently completed.  Ken will be remembered by many as a good man, a loyal friend, and an active community member.  Ken is survived by his wife, Catherine Dalgleish; sister, Margaret Pierson Brady; brother-in-law, John Kevin Brady; nephew, John Christopher Brady; niece, Elizabeth “Bethy” Bawol and her husband, Joseph Bawol; his niece, Meghan Wexler and her husband, Brian Wexler.  Also survived by his ex-wife and dedicated friend, Lynn Muller.  Arrangements have been entrusted to McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou.  A celebration of Ken’s life will be  announced in the future.  In lieu of flowers a donation to the Lillian Fraser Hospital in Tatamagouche is suggested. www.mclarenfuneral.ca