Christopher S. Pearce

KENNEBUNK - Christopher S. Pearce, 57 formerly of Falmouth died Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 at River Ridge Center in Kennebunk following a long illness of several years. Chris was born in Portland on September 9, 1955, the son of D. Duane and Mary Jean Little Pearce. Christopher attended Falmouth Schools through middle school and graduated from Cheverus High School in 1974. While at Cheverus, Chris was a member of the Key Club. Chris graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a degree in Geography. He subsequently studied archaeology, anthropology and geology at USM and Penn. During his years of study, Christopher went on many archaeology digs and scientific explorations, including in the West Indies, Hawaii and the Middle East. He particularly enjoyed studying the ancient Mayan and Incan cultures. When last able to write, he was in the midst of translating Mayan Glyphs and planning to start a field position with the Smithsonian. Chris had many interests, all of them passionate. He loved the outdoors. As a younger man he was a junior Maine guide. He enjoyed hiking, fly fishing and canoeing the wilderness. His photo albums are full of pictures from the Allagash, Katahdin, Pierce Pond and the Moosehead region. Chris grew up on a golf course and enjoyed playing golf. He was fascinated with birds and had numerous feeders. After he became sick, he enjoyed having his bed next to a screened window with birdfeeders outside. He claimed to talk to the cardinals. He cooked gourmet dinners with his friends. He will be remembered for having every Penzeys spice. For a few years in the seventies he lived and worked in New Jersey. After his return to Maine, Chris worked for many years at LL Bean from which he retired with a disability in 2001. Chris had a twinkle in his eye. He kidded and tweaked everyone to his last day. His nieces and nephews especially loved his company; aside from being interesting, he was like a kid himself when with them. He lit up like a Christmas tree when they visited. Chris was very generous. He regularly gave visitors items from his house. On his birthday, he always gave his mother a present. Christopher was recently predeceased by a dear brother, Jonathan, on July 5, 2012. Survivors include his parents of Falmouth; a sister, Elizabeth P. Hunt of Portland; Jon's wife, Robyn; two brothers, David D. Pearce and his wife Leyla of Washington, D.C. and Michael J. Pearce and his wife Kathleen of Falmouth; and several nieces and nephews. Chris was married to Joyce Milliken from 1983 to 1988. Chris courageously endured a decade of extreme pain derived from two vascular diseases and progressive multiple sclerosis. During these years he was assisted by his parents as well as several outstanding doctors, caregivers and friends. Although impossible to list them all, the family gives special thanks to Dr. Jens Jorgensen, care givers Sharon Price and Rachel Frese and most recently the tremendous staff at River Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Kennebunk. Visitation will be held 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at 10:15 a.m. Friday followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Martyrs Church, Route 88, Falmouth Foreside. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Falmouth. Those desiring may make donations to: the Maine Audubon Society, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105 or the Autism Society of Maine, 72B Maine Street, Winthrop, Maine 04364.Online condolences may be expressed below.