Johnny Peirson

PEIRSON, John "Johnny" Former Boston Bruin and Respected Broadcaster John "Johnny" Peirson, died April 16, 2021, at the age of 95 at his home in Wayland, Massachusetts, surrounded in his last days by his family. John passed from this life in the same way he had lived each day: in peace, and with dignity and grace. John is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Barbara Ann (Hunt), formerly of Wellesley, his four children and their spouses, Robert Peirson, John Peirson, Jr. (Donna Ventura), Pamela Peirson Emslie (Dave Emslie), and Susan Peirson (Paul Ritger), eleven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. John was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He was the son to Frederick Richard Peirson and Ruth Widder Peirson. He was preceded in death by his older brother Robert Peirson.

John's family moved from Winnipeg to Montreal when he was 10 years old, where he spent the rest of his childhood. As a child, John discovered his athletic abilities, and enjoyed playing hockey and golf. At the age of 18 he played for the Montreal Junior Canadiens. He volunteered for the Canadian Army during World War II and was stationed in Europe. After the war, John continued with his education at McGill University, where he played for the hockey team in 1946, winning the Canadian Collegiate Queen's Cup. Signed by the Boston Bruins in 1946, John played right wing for the Bruins' farm team, the Hershey Bears, and then 11 years with the Boston Bruins and was a member of the "Muscle Line." He was a talented goal-scorer, scoring 20 or more goals four times, and played in the NHL All Star game twice.

After his retirement from hockey, John became a well-known and respected broadcaster and color analyst for the Bruins, working alongside Fred Cusick for many years. John had a keen eye, and a deep understanding of the game, and his breakdown of play between periods, known as "Peirson's Pointers," was a favorite among the Boston fans. John retired from broadcasting in 1995. John was also an avid golfer and competed as an amateur in a number of tournaments in both the United States and Canada, including the Canadian Open in 1950. John enjoyed playing golf with friends at the Weston Golf Club, where he was a member for many years. He enjoyed playing in the annual member guest golf tournaments at the Weston Golf Club and the Wellesley County Club, which he won a number of times.

Accustomed to a life on the road, John also traveled throughout the northeast as a sales representative for a number of furniture manufacturers, until his retirement in his mid-70s. John's positive outlook, integrity, and sense of duty and devotion to everything he did brought him great success in every aspect of his life. In his social, business, and sports life, John was a true gentleman. Always patient and kind, John's public legacy will always be as "one of the nicest guys you will ever meet." This is surely true. As the beloved patriarch of the Peirson family, John will always be remembered for his humility, his generosity of spirit, and for his ability to see and to hold up the best parts of each of us. As a powerful source of affirmation and encouragement, John never failed to remind each of us of our own self-worth, and that we were special to him. John was never one to draw attention to himself, and although he was incredibly wise, he rarely offered unsolicited advice. His influence and his legacy come instead from the examples he gave us each day; examples of a life well-lived - a life of love, kindness, devotion, and service to others.

Memorial service to be private. Donations in memory of John may be made to: Village Table, 2 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02482. Henry J. Burke & Sons BurkeFamilyFuneralHomes.com