Richard Pearson

RICHARD DOUGLAS PEARSON

1951-2014

Richard Douglas Pearson (“Doug”), 62, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on October 28, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  Doug was born on November 12, 1951 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Robert Niles Pearson and Dorothy Powell.  He was married to Julie Garlick for 11 years and they had two children together: Angel and Alexander Niles (Felicia) Pearson.  He had three grandchildren whom he adored and who adored him: Olivia, Lincoln Niles and Abigail Pearson.

He served in the U.S. Army for many years, including in the Army medical unit during Desert Storm.  Doug loved math and sciences and obtained dual bachelor degrees from the University of Utah in both Environmental Biology and Nursing.  After working in hospitals for many years, Doug embarked on his most rewarding professional role: that of a hospice nurse.  Doug could have conversations with strangers for hours and loved to care for people on both a physical and emotional level.   Doug’s perseverance and drive allowed him to keep his cancer at bay for several years.

Doug was always on the move.  Always.  He loved all things outdoors including fishing, hiking and camping.  He loved to take long drives, especially when his most beloved canine companions accompanied him: Jessie and, later, Lilly, who were both brown boxers.  For many years Doug rode his Harley Davidson motorcycle through the western states.  Undoubtedly his favorite activity was golf.  Doug loved the first tee time before the sun rose.  He golfed for over 20 years with his son Alex and, later in life, his grandson Lincoln.  These outings provided great opportunities to laugh, bond and have fun (and watch as Doug’s emotions hit their peak!).

Doug is survived by his two children, three grandchildren, his boxer Lilly, and three loving sisters: Linda Pledger, Janice Brooklyn and Sherry Kahley.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 3, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the North Salt Lake Legacy LDS chapel, 954 West 1100 North, North Salt Lake, Utah 84054.  Friends may visit family on Sunday, November 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 North 400 East, Bountiful, Utah 84010 and from 10-10:45 a.m. on Monday at the church.  Interment, Bountiful City Cemetery.