Donald Pearson

Our world has lost the sound of booming laughter. Donald Roy Pearson passed on March 4, 2014 surrounded by family and friends. Don was born in Belvidere Illinois on August 6, 1936 to the late Samuel LeRoy Pearson and Marie Lillian Brown. He is preceded in death by stepson Steven Hodge. Don is survived by his wife of 33 years Patricia Pearson, sister Donna and Mike Austin, son Samuel Pearson, daughter Kimberly and Nabil Abouriche, daughter Leta Pearson, stepchildren Charles and Peggy Hodge, Robert and Marie Hodge, David and Kerry Hodge, Sharon and Vic Mitchell and grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. Don had an absolute joy for life with a permanent twinkle in his eye. Good friends, good food and good times. And a prank here or there. A good looking rascal from the very start, Don engaged in life to the fullest, starting with lettering in football, basketball and baseball to being crowned the homecoming king. Don enjoyed multiple professions during his life, tavern owner, general contractor but he retired from GTE as a General Office Equipment Installer. This profession allowed Don and Patti to travel extensively throughout the North West making many friends along the way. Don was also proud to be a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He enjoyed building beautiful creations with wood, from rocking horses, to bird houses and even full house construction. Fishing and camping were a large part of his and Patti's life. They were members of the Post Falls Eagles Camper Club. A founding member of Jolly Dolly Days, an annual fishing tournament on Lake Pend Oreille and a founding member of the Maverick Yacht Club. Fish trembled when Don put his hook in the water and the stories of the one that got away, well that is for another time. An avid John Wayne fan with the same philosophy of life, he even had a dog named Duke, she was a great dog...yes, Duke was a girl. In the words of John Wayne, God, how I hate solemn funerals. When I die, take me into a room and burn me. Then my family and a few good friends should get together, have a few good belts, and talk about the crazy old time we all had together. In lieu of a funeral service, a Celebration Of Life will be held this summer when the days are long and the wind is warm. All the better for sharing stories. We hope to see you there.