By KATLYN PROCTOR
Associate Editor
CLAREMONT, NH — It’s been a few months since the tragic September passing of Ian Pierce, 29 — but that doesn’t make it any easier.
“Personally, and as a parish community, we were so devastated at his death. He was an incredible young man who touched the hearts of all of us who knew him. He was always so joyful and so full of love,” said Juanita Sweet, a parishioner at St. Mary’s in Claremont. “We will always miss him so much. A parishioner shared with me once … ‘Our loss was Heaven’s gain.’”
Pierce was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident on Sept. 19, 2023, and many of his colleagues at Golden Cross Ambulance rushed to the crash site, just as they would any other call. Pierce’s body was thrown into the oncoming lane, landing in front of a tractor trailer. He would have been 30 years old on Feb. 3, 2024.
As a young child, Pierce was seemingly never unhappy. He was bright and would go on to a bright future, rising to the occasion without ever being prompted.
“Ian lived his life by turning challenges into opportunities. Ian left the sanctuary of family, friends and a career in Michigan, and moved to New Hampshire, which he found to be much like Michigan. Ian had a zest for life and was wise beyond his young years; he was an outstanding paramedic, skier, son and citizen,” said Allyn Girard, a colleague of Pierce’s.
When his hand-eye coordination developed as a young kid, he became smitten with skiing thanks to a family friend. He did lots of it, and according to Cindy Rottermond’s obituary comment, “Many memories of Ian from going on family ski trips, joining us on trips, traveling up North skiing with us, many many sleepovers. Many game nights, biking, boating, bonfires and tubing. You were to me a sweet young man, always kind so easy to please and make happy. I may have not seen you for many years now but you will always have a place in my heart. Love you Ian Pierce.”
His reputation continues on in Claremont as someone who continually put others in front of himself. Through his work as an EMT, Pierce would mentor his colleagues, often leading by example.
“Ian enjoyed teaching. As a paramedic, he would make important decisions as to where to transport a patient. Getting a patient to the facility that offered the best outcome can become a dilemma for a provider. Do they go to the local emergency room or head to Dartmouth-Hitchcock, a trip that will tie them up for 2 to 3 hours?” asked Girard. She is married to Mayor Dale Girard, who wasn’t up to speaking about Ian just yet. “This is a challenge for providers because when someone calls for an ambulance, they need it. Ian always put his immediate patient first.”
Even in death, Pierce continued to give back. In lieu of flowers, folks were asked to donate to Wounded Warrior Project.
In a comment in his obituary on Dignity Memorial Funeral Home, friend Cheryl Michalski wrote, “Ian’s impact on the lives of others is truly a testament to the beautiful soul he was. I feel so Blessed and Honored that my path crossed with Ian’s before he was taken from this world. I’ll always remember the fun time in Las Vegas when Ian joined us to celebrate my grandson, Brendan Mockeridge’s 21st birthday!! Ian may be gone from this earthly life, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.”
Grief is a fickle being, and there are options available to help handle it as it comes. Counseling Associates of New London (with an office in Claremont) provides various counseling options for adults handling grief.
The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as “a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as witnessing traumatic events, including natural disasters or serious accidents.
While the support of friends and family is important and valuable, working with a counselor gives a fresh, objective perspective that is different. Counselors communicate differently than a close friend or relative due to years of training in effective communication, collaboration and professional skills.
The best way to process grief, says The Washington Post, is to utilize safe outlets and stay social.
“He was a beautiful light,” said Sweet.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.