Flint, Michigan
PEARSON, Richard H. "Dick" - Of Flint, age 80, died Monday, April 4, 2011 at Genesys Hospice Care Center in Goodrich. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2011 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Dr. Max Hayden officiating. Cremation will take place following the service. Those desiring may make contributions to Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Dick was born in Muskegon, MI on November 18, 1930, son of the late Richard and Cecyl (Hoyt) Pearson. Dick served his country in the U.S. Navy. On September 26, 1980, he married Betty Olson. Dick was employed with Fisher Body Grand Blanc, retiring in 1985. He was a former member of the Flint Motorcycle Club and attended Daytona Bike Week for more than 50 years. Dick was involved in his community and enjoyed giving back. He built an ice rink for several years in Physicians Park in Grand Blanc. He was also involved in Big Brothers and Big Sisters Ice Races. He loved gardening and sharing his produce with friends and family. Surviving are wife, Betty; Children, Nelson and wife Dena, Ranee and husband Steve Ratliff; Step-children, David Olson, Beth and husband Mike Riopelle; Brothers, Terry Pearson, John and wife Janet Pearson; Sister, Carolyn Williamson; grandchildren, Alicia Ratliff, Sarah Ratliff and Tony Pearson; step-grandchildren, Jennifer and husband Tim Ortyl, Jeff Riopelle, Elisa and husband Paul Thomas, Lisette and husband Bruce Foster; 5 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Alice Lucas Fifer; Many nieces and nephews. Dick enjoyed morning coffee and conversation with the Big Boys in Grand Blanc. Thanks to Genesys Hospice Care Center and special friend, Rocky Roll for their care and concern. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
Sorry about the loss of Dick Pearson. Knew him from the races, met him when I was 14 through Bart Markel. Dick was a very kind & thoughtful man. Always good to both adult & kids like me.
Larry Byar
May 20, 2011 | Dayton, OH
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Although I never met him, it seems he lived a very fulfilled life and was loved by many.
KIMBERLY KNOWLES (PEARSON)
April 22, 2011 | VALLEY FARMS, AZ
I only knew Richard a few short days before he died. But I liked him the first time we met. He was a down to earth 'gentle' man. My condolences to his friends and family.
Linda
April 06, 2011 | Goodrich, MI
Good-bye to a old and trusted friend.What marvelous motorcycle memories J.C. and I shared with Dick going back all those 50 motorcycle weeks and a mutual life long love of motorcycle racing.. Dick's humor, compassion and great smile will be missed. My condolences to Betty and Dick's extended family, Marilyn Gibson Kindermann
April 06, 2011
Was so very sorry to read about Dick's death he was a good guy knew him a long time.
Harold & Sandy Wheeler
April 06, 2011
4/6/2011
Pearson Family,
Sincere condolances to Dick's family.
I know that He & I had some common "stuff",Mtr cycles,racing & Coney Islands.
Peace,Serenity & Freedom is my wish for him on his new journey.
Bill Downey Jr
Tustin Michigan
Bill Downey
April 06, 2011 | Tustin, MI
To the Richard Pearson family. So sorry to hear that Dick had passed away. I first met Dick at Rockys home. Will miss him. Our condolences, Wayne and Dawn Simons.
April 06, 2011
Dick cut a good image when you first meet him. I did not know him well and only saw him with my brother Mel Pierce. After all of these years I still remember him in a very fond way.
Dave Pierce East Lansing
D K Pierce
April 06, 2011 | East Lansing
Dick was a great friend and always had a joke whenever we got together. It was always good to see him out on his bike. His personality was one in a million. I am sure he is riding the golden streets
john Sargent
April 05, 2011 | Mt. Morris, MI
