On the morning of February 12, 2019, Mike passed away at his home in Brusett, Montana due to natural causes. Mike was 75 years old.
Mike Pierson was born October 27, 1943 in Glasgow, Montana to Charley and Clara (Barrett) Pierson. He was the youngest of three living children.
Mike attended school in the Billings, Montana area through the ninth grade. He then left home to work in cow camps and break colts. He landed his first job working in Cohagen, Montana for Bud and Bobbie Kramer. Mike got his feet wet starting colts at Kramers. Mike would then go on to work in various cow camps around Montana until the age of 17 when he got married to Cathy Richards and moved to California to work at the Los Angeles Horse and Mule Auction. Mike and Cathy welcomed two children to their union. Daughter Rhonda Jo in 1961 and son Kelly Eugene in 1964. After riding over 10,000 horses a year thru the sale ring and shoeing horses on the side, Mike moved his family back to Montana and settled on a ranch in the Missouri River Breaks in northwest Garfield County where he resided until his passing. In 1972 he married Peggy Huston and together they welcomed three children. Bo Patrick in 1982, Samantha Jo in 1984 and Tacy Marie in 1988.
There was no doubt that Mike’s passion was horses. With hard work and a whole lot of natural talent, Mike was very proud of the quality of horses he raised and trained over the years.
Mike’s family was very important to him. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids whether it be traveling, cowboying, working, fishing or just playing a “hot game” of cribbage around the dining room table.
Mike’s smile, laugh, kindness and ability to tell old stories will forever be remembered by his friends and family.
Mike was preceded in death by: father Charley, mother Clara, and brother Patrick.
Mike is survived by: sister Edie Evans of Spokane, WA, daughter Jo (Randy) Pierson Doyle of Palmdale, CA, son Kelly (Jodi) Pierson of Brusett, MT, son Bo (Jamie) Pierson of Brusett, MT, daughter Sami (Rory) Paxson of Miles City, MT and daughter Tacy (Jess) Van Voast of Turner, MT. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Dixie, Ike, Gwen, Cash, Charley, Colter, Alivia and Huston.
Graveside services will be held at the Hearts at Peace Cemetery in Brusett, MT on Monday February 18,2019 at 1:00pm followed by a potluck luncheon at the VFW Hall at 3:00 in Jordan, MT.
“I’ve lived a good life; I’ve been blessed with good family and great horses. It doesn’t really get any better than that if you ask me.” Mike Pierson
Daniel & Audrey says
Mike Pierson Family, so very sorry for your loss.
Dannette Cremer says
I had heard last week that Mike was going to be inducted into MT Cowboy Hall of Fame – how exciting. Then I heard just last night of his passing; my deepest sympathy. I so enjoyed visiting with him over the years, he was so down to earth and just a good guy. Heaven gained an angel.
Candy Huseby says
Thoughts and prayers. He was a great guy. God bless
Phil and Darlene says
Condolences Prayers Love and Hugs to all of Mikes family . Mike was a Life Long Friend He will be missed by who knew him. May you find Comfort in your memories and in Gods Love .God Bless all of you
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
To Mikes Family,
So many wonderful memories of Mike, He was one of a kind and will be missed by all. He left behind a wonderful family to carry on his legacy. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Hug, love, thoughts, and prayers are with you all. God Bless!
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Dodie Paxson says
It is with a very heavy heart I post this! Your dad was the best of the best by far! He loved you all unconditionally and raised a family that he was so proud of. His ability to teach and guide was extraordinary! A true grit Cowboy through and through and passed his talents on to all. Know he will be keeping an eye on all of you from above with the greatest of pride. Cling to your precious memories and may you find peace in knowing he is at peace now. Love you much!
Marian Watt says
Sami and all of Mikes family, Sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our prayers. It is so hard to lose a parent. As I have said before hold tight to the memories. They will take you through this time of sorrow and teach you to smile again. Love Doug and Marian
Connie Blonigen says
My condolences to all of Mike’s family. I’m sorry to hear of his passing.
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
Sami, Rory and all of the families — so sorry for your loss — you are all in our thoughts and prayers — Love, Deb and Bob
Glenn Crawford says
Condolences to Mikes family and friends. Probably one of the calmest people I have ever met. Never saw him get angry about anything. Garfield county will never be the same again.
Julie LaBree says
Rhonda, Kelly, and all Mike’s family,
I was shocked and so sad to see this. Way to young. Another cowboy to greet Dad in heaven… You are in my thoughts and prayers. Those Pierson’s are irreplaceable! Hugs and love to all.
Julie LaBree says
Rhonda Jo, Kelly, Edie, and all Mike’s family,
I was shocked and so sad to see this. Way to young. Another cowboy to greet Dad in heaven… You are in my thoughts and prayers. Those Pierson’s are irreplaceable! Hugs and love to all.
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Sami, so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs your way.
Cleo & Mary D. Boyce says
Jo, Kelly and all Mike’s family, What a true Cowboy! I always enjoyed visiting with him. We won’t be able to attend the service, but Our thoughts are with you all. Mary Dee (Saylor) & Cleo Boyce
Mitzi beecher says
So sorry and god bless you all
sharon r hyland says
Got to know Mike during my summers at Uncle George Shawvers. He was a good neighbor always, a happy and kind person. Never really met or knew anyone who didn’t like Mike. He was a huge part of the Brusett community and his loss will be felt. My sympathy to his children and families, it is so hard to lose a good dad. I will picture him riding the heavenly range with people like Dave Huston, Tom Wilson and other great cowboys from the Brusett community. Happy Trails! Mike and Sharon (Billing) Hyland
Margie Smith says
Gees, we are of the same generation, very sad I shall never have an opportunity to visit with him again…. He and his folks were very special to me….
Donald & Betty Lou Weeding says
To all of Mike’s family: So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. So glad Mike was able to attend his induction into the Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Donna ..Smith. (Galla) says
My condolences to all Mikes family. I have many happy thoughts of time spent with him and his family.
Terri Jessen says
So truly saddened by Mike’s passing and praying that all of his family is finding comfort in the memories each of you have made with him. He was such a great man who I always enjoyed visiting with. Many hugs, love and prayers to all of you.
KELLY says
SAMI AND FAMILY – SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Doug & Cherie Heser says
We are sorry to hear of Mike’s death. His family can be very proud of his accomplishments and his induction into the Hall of Fame. Our sympathy to all his family. Doug & Cherie Heser, Forsyth.
Deanna Anderson says
So sorry for your loss. May God Bless all of you with comfort and healing. May you find peace in the memories you continue to share with family and friends. Sincerely,
Deanna Stanton Anderson
Mollie Phipps says
Our family is so sorry for your loss, may the Lord give you peace in the days to come and the memories in your heart never fade. Our deepest condolences.
Aaron Mollie Robert and Michael Phipps
Alroy and Tasha Solle says
Dear Mike’s family, I am sorry or the loss of Mike. He as a wonderful man, I enjoyed talking to Mike. We also enjoy riding his horses. May god give you the peace you are looking for.
Joel Stevenson says
We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a good friend and mentor, many fond memories.
Joel Stevenson
Pearl Allen says
To Mike’s family, please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you find comfort and peace in your memories of Mike and the things you have learned from him.
Rest in Peace, Mike.
Rod Bollinger says
My thoughs and prayers to Mikes Family. God bless you.
Brenda Brockett says
To all of Mike’s family,
I just learned of Mike’s passing today and am so sad. I’ve known Mike for nearly my entire life and always considered him something of a brother. Hearty laugh, big smile, bigger hugs, and a heart of gold. All who knew him, and especially his family, have been blessed by his presence. He has earned his place in Heaven and I’m sure he’s there, surrounded by family, friends, and good horses. May you all find peace and comfort and a few smiles as you remember him. Blessings to all of you.
Brenda Ware Brockett
Nate Wald says
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Mike was a good man.
Nate and TJ Wald
Ben Blaquiere says
Mike was a great guy and really fun to talk to as we visited in the evenings when we hunted. My most sincere sympathies and heaven gained another great one!