Eugene (Gene) Oliver Pearson

Eugene (Gene) Oliver Pearson

February 27, 1927-August 21, 2018

The following obituary appeared in The News TribuneSunday, August 26, 2018.  Gene and his wife, Barbara Pearson were active and deeply committed to the establishment of the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society aka Harbor History Museum.  The Research Room is named in honor of  Barbara’s mother, Marjorie Ogden.  Both of them worked with the architects to make it a workable and flexible place that it is.

Eugene (Gene) Oliver Pearson

Age 91, of Gig Harbor,Washington, died peacefully on August 21, 2018 in Gig Harbor.  He was born on February 27, 1927 in Gig Harbor, son of Clifford Pearson and Anna (Ahlberg) Pearson of Gig Harbor.  A life-long resident, Gene leaves behind a remarkable legacy driven by his passion to make Gig Harbor a better community.  Respected, beloved, and recognized for his boundless generosity, broad intelligence, and deep commitment to family, friends, and Gig Harbor, his positive mark on the world will be felt and appreciated for generations to come.

An Army veteran, Gene graduated from the University of Washington, launching a long and successful career in banking.  He ultimately assumed the role of President of Peninsula State Bank, guiding it through an important merger with Puget Sound Bank before retiring in 1981.

Gene’s commitment to the community and his church were remarkable.  Known and beloved as the “go to” resource for many, Gene was always willing to offer a helping hand, wise counsel, or intelligent debate on any number of topics, ranging from finance, to management, to gardening.  He served on the boards of several local organizations, and was a strong supporter of many more, including the FISH Food Bank, Gig Harbor Boat House, St. Anthony’s Hospital, and the Gig Harbor Methodist Church.  Gene was deeply committed to preserving and making accessible the unique and treasured history of Gig Harbor.  Driven by this passion, he worked tirelessly, together with his wife, Barbara, to help guide the development and opening of the Harbor History Museum.  As vast as his commitment to his career and community were, his devotion and love for his family were what mattered most to him.  He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by many.

Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Barbara (Barb) )glen Pearson, as well as his parents, brothers Carl and Ralph, and sister, Doris.  He is survived by his three children, Erik Pearson (Sue Pearson) of Gig Harbor, Krista Pearson (Greg Novotny) of Gig Harbor, and Garth Pearson (Kristin Pearson) of Lake Forest, IL; as well as six grandchildren, Lisa Pearson (Joe Degel), Karin Pearson (Corey Gratzer), Thomas Pearson (Jadia Trenoweth), Ian Pearson, Katie Pearson, and Ellie Pearson; three great-grandchildren, Joey Degal, and Elliot and Anna Gratzer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a date to be decided, Interment will be private.

A blog on Barbara Ogden Pearson 1934-2014 was published on July 15, 2014.  It can be accessed by hitting the link.

A blog on Gene Pearson was published on January 12, 2017.  It too can be accessed by hitting the link.

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