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John B. Pierce, Jr.
'A good man who always spoke the truth'
John B. Pierce, Jr., 59, died suddenly on April 10 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital in Lebanon, New Hampshire. He was senior vice president of Yankee Publishing and group publisher of The Old Farmer's Almanac.
John was born July 4, 1948, in Boston, the son of John B. Pierce, Sr., and the late Helen (Merrill) Pierce, and grew up on their dairy farm in Brentwood, New Hampshire.
An athlete and a scholar, John graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1967 and Dartmouth College in 1971, where he explored his lifelong passions for botany and literature.
He moved to Dublin, New Hampshire, and joined Yankee Magazine in 1973. In 1977, at age 29, he was promoted to managing editor, a position he held during the next 14 years, a time when the magazine received numerous national awards for excellence. In 1992 he brought his keen intellect to the role of publisher, and later group publisher, of The Old Farmer's Almanac, and shepherded that venerable publication until his unexpected death.
In the workplace John led with quiet dignity, wisdom, and a passion for excellence. He was known as the voice of reason, a gifted listener, and after a lengthy discussion, invariably everyone looked to John, awaiting his considered opinion. When word of John's passing spread through Yankee's wide community of writers and publishing contacts, the response was that everyone had lost a personal friend. "A good man who always spoke the truth," one said.
As great as John's contributions were in his professional life, his lasting legacy remains his family.
He met his wife of 14 years, Sherin Wight, at Yankee and together, with Sherin as publisher and John as group publisher, they built The Old Farmer's Almanac into a unique and dynamic enterprise, as they made their home and garden a beautiful and restful retreat. His children, Dr. Kristen K. Pierce of Monkton, Vermont, Michael F. Pierce of Dana Point, California, and Alexander Wight Pierce and Jamie Pierce of Dublin, New Hampshire, and grandchildren, Liam and Miles Peterson and Isaac Pierce, remained the core of his life. His quiet strength and grace live on in them.
He is also survived by his father, John B. Pierce, Sr., of Gunnison, Colorado; three brothers, Peter, William, Matt; and a sister, Pamela.
Visiting hours will be Wednesday, April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jellison Funeral Home in Peterborough. A memorial service followed by a reception will be held on Thursday, April 17, at 2 p.m. at All Saints Church in Peterborough.
Gifts in his name may be made to Alzheimer's Association, New Hampshire Office, One Bedford Farms Drive, Suite 105, Bedford, NH 03110.
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Click below to read three of John's articles from Yankee Homes.
Reader Comments
Comment from Lori Pedrick on April 11, 2008
I've had the great fortune of working with John for the past several months as a new member of the Yankee family. I was fortunate to experience, if only for a short while, his wisdom and amazing spirit. My heart goes out to his family and those here at Yankee who I know will dearly miss him.
Comment from Nora Naple on April 11, 2008
From Pacific Beach, Washington. My husband and I wish the family condolences, we are sorry for your loss, and to his extended "family" at Yankee. He will be truly missed.
Comment from Don Starke on April 12, 2008
From Tallahassee, Florida. As a long time reader of the Farmers Almanac, I give my condolenses to the family and to his extended "family" at Yankee.
Comment from Ardith Blessinger on April 12, 2008
My family and I are long time readers of the Farmers Almanac. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Comment from s. borolov on April 12, 2008
I am so sorry for his family and friends loss. Peace be with him, and his family. I hope he'll be a guardian angel to all of them. You and yours are in my prayers.
Comment from george a benoit on April 13, 2008
I am a longtime reader of the Farmers Almanac. My family I send our sympathy for your loss. May God bless your family. The Benoit Family, Canada.
Comment from rachel kipka on April 13, 2008
I've worked with John for more than a decade. It has been an utter shock to hear about John's passing. It brings me profound sadness and heartfelt sympathy. I will always remember what a happy and beautiful person John was. I know every employee at Yankee will miss him. My deepest sympathies go out to John's family. Peace be with you.
Comment from Janice Brand on April 14, 2008
John was a complete joy to work with, as we did for many years, many years ago. His sense of humor got me through a lot of tough (but fun!) times. My sympathies to his family and to Sherin.
Comment from Janet C. Wilson on April 14, 2008
A fine person--a great loss to us.
Comment from Judith Marchessault on April 15, 2008
I am very sorry to hear of John's passing and send my sympathies to his family and friends at Yankee. Peace be with you John.
Comment from michael marquart on April 17, 2008
As a long time reader of the Almanac I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. My sympathy & prayers to his friends & family.
Comment from jim james on April 21, 2008
John, it was an honor to meet you. I wish I could have known you. Your family is a wonderful testament to the great man you must have been. Peace be with you.
Comment from Christina Lawrence on April 22, 2008
I wish comfort for family, extended "family" and friends in this time of grief.
Comment from Joseph Marks on May 1, 2008
May God bless you all in this difficult time.
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