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ALAN PEARCE Obituary
Dr. ALAN PEARCE
Of Washington, DC, died at the family home in Lexington, VA, on July 10, 2016. Alan was born November 10, 1937, in Manchester, England. He studied at the London School of Economics and Indiana University, where he received a Doctor of Philosophy in Business. Alan was one of the prime architects of the information era, coming to Washington, DC in 1970 as Chief Economist at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and later working for the House Subcommittee on Communications, and at the White House, Office of Telecommunications. Dr. Pearce founded Information Age Economics, providing consulting services to high tech companies. Before coming to the U.S., Alan was a newspaper reporter, and worked as Foreign Desk Editor for Independent Television News (ITN). He is survived by his wife, Karen Ruckman; daughters, Emma and Marie-Claire, of Washington, DC and son Marc of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Marina, Liam and Annabelle Pearce, and Colby and Hunter Veirs; and siblings in England, William (Julia), Kenneth (Ann) and Lynda (Keith); and numerous nieces and nephews. Burial will be August 12 at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery in Lexington, Virginia. A Memorial Service will be held September 10 at 2 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 6201 Dunrobbin Drive, Bethesda, MD. Donations in Alan's memory may be made to the Fund a Fellow for Parkinson's program at Georgetown University Medical Center, 3300 Whitehaven Street, NW, Suite 4000, Washington, DC 20036. Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.
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Memories and Condolences
for ALAN PEARCE
December 13, 2016
I learned a great deal from Alan by working together on projects and papers over the years but what I will miss most is his humor and passion.
Rich Carlson
December 12, 2016
Alan was a mentor and a friend. It grieves me that I never had the opportunity to say goodbye to him. I will think of him often. Our loves and prayers to his wonderful family.
John Rowe
September 1, 2016
Alan was a compelling mentor who inspired my friendship and loyalty for the past 35 years.
Neevy Laningham
August 21, 2016
Dearest Karen and Emma,
I am truly heart broken to learn of the sad news, please let me know if there is anything I could be of help during this transition. Thinking of you.
Love always,
Neevy
Nick Miller
August 18, 2016
Alan-- All love and sympathy to Karen, Emma, Marie Clare and Mark as they adjust to the terrible void you leave in all who knew you well.
God gave you the full package and you shared it generously with all you encountered.
You never lost perspective or empathy. A modern day Thomas More--"a man for all seasons" who blended a cutting, humorous insight with Keynesian theories that government is meant to serve the people and to control the behavior of the Big Boys.
And ahh--that British accent which never seemed to fade over fifty years in the US!
Kolyanne Isenbarger
August 16, 2016
Mr. Alan and the whole Ruckman-Pearce family were the very best of influences growing up. I loved spending time over at my best friend "Emma's house" as a child, and still cherish the memories made there, at the British School, and in Chincoteague. Mr. Alan always told never ending stories of his adventures and experiences from the past, that sometimes, admittedly, caused Emma and I to become anxious to get back to playing in her room or the basement. Often times, his stories worked in our favor because it would distract the parents long enough to where we could sneak away and squeeze in another hour of fun, before my own father remembered he was supposed to be picking me up and taking me home. When my little brother tagged along with me on my play dates (to my disdain, haha), Mr. Alan was the one who took him aside and played games with him all night while the girls ran off. Mr. Alan was always kind, inquisitive, and an avid conversationalist. The Pearce household was a second home to me, and Mr. Alan will always be remembered as a positive, caring, and enthusiastic gentleman, but also more simply as "Emma's dad." Much love to Mrs. Karen and Emma.
Sam Simon
August 15, 2016
Brought back a lot of memories with a lot of friends, many who comment here.
Condolences to family and all who loved him.
August 5, 2016
He was our Best Man 45 years ago and he was the Best of Men - honorable, an inquiring mind, a wicked wit but a kind soul, a great storyteller, a trusted and loyal lifelong friend.
Carl and Kathy Hersh, Miami
Steve Long
August 4, 2016
Alan was a treasured friend and engaging storyteller. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
July 30, 2016
Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. May God's goodness you during this time of sorrow 2Corithians1:3,4.
Bob Roche
July 29, 2016
I am deeply sorry to hear Alan passed away, and send his family my very best wishes. He was a gentleman, and a good friend.
Robert Blau and Jane Mago
July 29, 2016
Very sorry to hear this. Alan was a dear friend and wonderful person. Our thoughts are with the family.
Robert Emeritz
July 29, 2016
Alan was one of our most consistent and valued contributing authors, a keen analyst, and a lifelong Manchester United supporter in the bargain. He'll be much missed.
Henry Rivera
July 29, 2016
Wonderful man; he will be greatly missed.
Carl Frank
July 29, 2016
Condolences to your family. It was a joy to work with you on many a project over many a years. I'll miss equally your comic timing and competence.
Dick Wiley
July 29, 2016
A wonderful individual and a very talented economist. My sincere regrets.
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