Harold K. Pearson's Obituary
Harold K. Pearson, 90, passed away November 30th, 2015 at the Frank Toby Jones Retirement Community. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Ruth (Grigsby) Pearson. He is survived by a sister, Virginia Van Aken (husband “Van”), a brother Roger Pearson, sons Donald (wife Nancy), Robert (wife Brenda), and David (wife Laurie). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Julie and James (Robert/Brenda), Alaina and Michael (David/Laurie) as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and their extended families.
Hal was born in Seattle and raised in Ballard, Washington. He enlisted in the Navy and served our country from 1943-1946. After leaving the Navy, he attended Purdue University, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering. While at Purdue, he met his wife, Ruth, and they married shortly after graduation. Hal’s career with Kaiser Aluminum took them to Newark Ohio, New Orleans Louisiana, Tacoma Washington, Ghana Africa, and Oakland California. After a long and successful career he retired to Lakewood Washington.
An avid golfer, Hal was a longtime member of Oakbrook Golf and Country Club and claimed the Club Championship in 1969. Later on Hal and Ruth developed a passion for birding and he also became skilled in photography. Hal was blessed by the many friendships he formed with others who shared like passions.
Hal’s Parkinson’s disease eventually required more assistance with daily living activities so he joined the Franke Tobey Jones family in February of 2014. At FTJ Hal made many new friends with the residents and caring staff. The family sincerely appreciates the professionalism and compassion that was afforded Hal during his last days under their care.
Services will be held on Friday December 4th at Mountain View Memorial Park. A private graveside service will be conducted at 10:30 am and the public memorial service will be at 11:00 am in the Aspen Chapel followed by a celebration of life reception next door in the Willow Room. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Tahoma Audubon Society, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or your favorite charity.
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