Mr. Ryan Robert LaVerne Pierson (aka Ry-Guy) age 48 of Onekama, MI went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 27, 2017. He was born in Royal Oak, MI on May 25, 1969, and was the son of Esther Marie Pierson (Smith) and the late Laverne Howard Pierson.
Ryan was a 1988 graduate of Onekama High School. He continued his education at West Shore Community College and Gogebic Community College where he earned a degree in Ski Area Management. Ryan then moved to Colorado and worked at Copper Mountain Ski Resort for a couple of years before returning home and continuing his education at Ferris State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1995. Ryan had been employed by The Oaks Correctional Facility in Manistee, MI for 20 years where he was an Assistant Resident Unit Supervisor. Ryan also worked along with VanVoorst Outdoors LLC. where he did what he loved.
Ryan enjoyed working outside, playing pool, and most of all, hanging out with his friends and family. Ryan loved life and had a smile and personality that could light up the room. If you ever needed anything he was always there. He was a big, lovable teddy bear with a heart of gold.
Ryan is survived by his mother Esther Pierson, sister Dena (Wesley) Peterson and nieces Jadeyn and Carleigh Peterson of Holly, MI, cousin/brother Ken (Ann) Murar children Zachery and Aryn of Muskegon, MI, cousin/brother Tom (Amy) Murar of Saline, MI, Aunt Sandy (cousins Kathy & Alan) of Muskegon, MI, Uncle Steve of Muskegon, MI and many cousins. He is also survived by his “partners in crime”, John Reckow, Billy Maue, Chad VanVoorst, Rob Crawford, and Corey Humes.
Ryan was proceeded in death by his father LaVerne Pierson, Aunt Violet Falk, Aunt Eva Peterson, Aunt Florence Schultz, Aunt Sue Murar, and Uncle Marshall Falk.
Ryan was proud of his community and loved by everyone. He had a great love of family and friends (which he had a ton) and will be greatly missed by those near and far.
A memorial service will be held 11:00AM, Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Onekama High School with Pastor Kevin McClain officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Lion’s Pavillion at the Manistee County Fairgrounds. If you would like to make a donation in Ryan’s honor, we ask that all donations be made to The American Heart Association.
To share a photo or memory with the family, please visit Ryan’s personal page at www.oakgrovefh.com. The Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center has been entrusted with arrangements.

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