Wellington Conrad Pierce

Wellington Conrad “Skip” Pierce, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, surrounded by his family, at the age of 94.

Born on May 30, 1931 in Twin Falls, Idaho, Skip was the eldest child of Wellington Cochrane “Duke” Pierce and Neola Alice (Wilson) Pierce. He grew up in Twin Falls with his younger brother Stan, many cousins, and friends that became lifelong. He graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1949 and went on to attend the University of Idaho where he pledged Beta Theta Pi, following in his father's footsteps. As a student, Skip involved himself in college life, staying active in Beta Theta Pi, Phi Eta Sigma freshman honorary, the tennis team and the band. He excelled academically, enjoying favorite classes including chemistry, metallurgy, Greek terminology and English. As a senior, he took the opportunity to teach a chemistry lab class and advise freshman chemistry students. It was rewarding for him to give back, a trait he maintained throughout his life. Skip graduated in 1953 with honors with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

Shortly before graduation, with the recommendation of his ROTC officer, Skip applied for and was awarded the prestigious 100 Man Scholarship, a program enlisting him in the U.S. Air Force Reserves while earning his master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. He was one of 100 recipients nationwide — a reflection of his intellect and determination. After completing his master’s, he spent over four years in the service, and then returned to Idaho Falls where he worked for the Atomic Energy Commission. While there, he was called to assist during the 1961 SL-1 reactor explosion at the National Reactor Testing Station (now INL), one of the most significant events in Idaho’s scientific history. Though he rarely spoke of it, the experience remained a powerful and enduring memory.

In 1966, at the urge of a friend and then strong encouragement from his uncle, Skip called Berniece “Bee” Whittlesey to ask her on a date and was forever grateful she said yes. They were married in 1967 and spent nearly six decades building a full life together in Boise. They raised two children, enjoyed memorable times with family and their many friends, loved participating and engaging with their grandchildren, and supported one another in their shared volunteer work especially with the University of Idaho. They also traveled throughout the United States including two unforgettable river trips through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River, and along the Missouri River, as well as incredible adventures overseas. Most of all, they cherished their annual trips with their children and grandchildren exploring the northwest.

In 1969, Skip accepted the position of General Manager at Pathologists’ Treasure Valley Laboratory in Boise. For over three decades, he led the laboratory through major growth and innovation. Known for his principled leadership and deep sense of responsibility, Skip retired in 2001, leaving behind a respected institution and generations of colleagues who looked up to him.

Skip’s commitment to his community extended far beyond the workplace. Alongside his wife, Bee, he was an active and loyal supporter of his beloved University of Idaho. His name can be found on the rosters of numerous volunteer boards, including the Alumni Association, the College of Science, the Foundation, Vandal Scholarship Fund, the Idaho Commons, and Beta Theta Pi. His service began early, as president of the Boise Alumni Association in both 1979 and 1984, and continued with his presidency of the University of Idaho Alumni Association Board from 1990 to 1991. He was a founding member of the College of Science Advisory Board in the early 2000s — a role he held with deep pride — and later served as its president. Even after his presidency, Skip remained an active and engaged member of the board for many years. He especially cherished the time he spent with faculty, staff, and students, many of whom he considered dear friends. In addition, Skip devoted six years of service to the Peters Trust, Beta Theta Pi’s housing corporation, serving on the Board of Directors and as its president, and remained an active member of the Boise alumni chapter.

Together, Skip and Bee shared a deep love for the University of Idaho and a steadfast belief in the power of education. Their commitment went far beyond time and leadership — it included generous financial support of students and campus life. They played a key role in the development of the Idaho Commons and established two enduring scholarships: one for students pursuing degrees in chemistry, and another that uniquely combined their two great passions — science and athletics — to support student-athletes majoring in the sciences.

Skip was a true Idahoan, taking in all the Idaho outdoors had to offer including hiking, backpacking and skiing. His most beloved times were those suited up in fly-fishing gear on Idaho rivers and streams, specifically on Silver Creek where he shared an annual trip with longtime friends. Skip’s life in Boise was also full and well-lived. For nearly 55 years, he and Bee were members of the Boise Racquet and Swim Club, where Skip played a lot of tennis, making more lifetime friends. He valued his strong Christian faith and was a dedicated member of Trinity Presbyterian Church (now Eagle Christian Church - Surprise Valley), where he served on several committees, as a member of session, and during the planning and construction of the new church building. Always eager to give back, Skip also served as a mentor with SCORE Idaho, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals. He also loved music, especially jazz, and he kept up with his trumpet playing that began in his early school and college days, performing at church services and a wedding or two.

To paraphrase a good friend, if you know Skip Pierce, you know this doesn’t capture it all. He felt that his duty was to help his fellow person in any way he could and he lived that belief every day through a life of service, devotion to family and friends, community leadership and mentorship, and unwavering kindness. His presence made the world more thoughtful, steadier, and better, and his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents, Duke and Neola, and his son, Steve. He is survived by his wife, Bee; his daughter Melissa, son-in-law Erik, and grandchildren Andrew and Emma; his son Nate, and grandchildren Mason and Kayden; and his daughter Vicki, son-in-law Gordon, and grandchildren Jared, Tyson, Brady, and Riley, and seven great-grandchildren; and his brother Stan, and sister-in-law, Pat.

A celebration of Skip’s long and impactful life will be held in Boise in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Skip's memory to one of the scholarships he and Bee established at the University of Idaho: The Skip and Bee Pierce Athletes in Science Scholarship Endowment, or the The Skip and Bee Chemistry Graduate Fellowship.

Gifts may be sent to: University of Idaho Foundation 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 3143 Moscow, ID 83844-3143

Or made online at: https://giving.uidaho.edu/pages/in-memory-of-wc-skip-pierce