Bart Pearson

Bart Thomas Pearson died in the early hours of January 1, 2008. He was 37. Bart, a seventh-generation El Pasoan, was a community leader, friend, brother, and devoted husband of Julie Pearson. He was born between two brothers, Charles and Bryan. Together the three were known as "The Pearson Boys", the mere mention of which struck a fearful chord among the faculty, staff and pretty girls at Lincoln and Coronado where they were schooled in more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic. Bart was the cut-up of the group, having perfected his emulation of the sounds of bodily functions early on in his life. His brothers were his life-long best friends. Though Bart had the uncanny knack of being able to fix any machine and do anything that the Future Farmers of America and 4-H clubs could put in front of him, his mother, Ann, teacher and local business owner, always knew he would be a businessman. Tony Pearson, Bart's father, is a local entrepreneur, having worked in such fields as in marketing, advertising, printing and importing. Bart clearly inherited the fierce independence and creative business thinking of his parents. Bart followed the commerce route for a while-sales jobs, manufacturing, importing, even tanning salons. His ease among people and his natural way made him successful. But he wandered through those professions, never quite content to be classified among their ranks. In 1999, three years after moving back to El Paso from the Dallas / Fort Worth area, Bart found his niche. He began volunteering at a local non-profit organization called Therapeutic Horsemanship of El Paso (THEP). THEP helps treat children and adults who have physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities using horseback riding techniques. He would commonly return from THEP glowing with sweat and the satisfaction of working with horses, helping people develop muscles and confidence and cognitive skills. He told the story of Adriana, the little girl who could barely move her legs when she entered the program a few years prior, just as she ran by, chasing her brother. Bart eventually quit his sales job and volunteered in a prominent role at Therapeutic Horsemanship for six months during a time of transition for the organization. His business acumen along with his visionary commitment to community service enabled to him salvage an ailing program, and eventually he became Therapeutic Horsemanship's Executive Director and a very capable equine expert. Since, THEP has grown and aided hundreds of individuals through the years. During one of those beautiful autumns in El Paso six years ago, Julie, a THEP volunteer, caught Bart's eye. They courted, and were often spied kissing and holding hands from atop their horses. Julie and Bart married in 2002, much to the happiness of all those in their lives. After a time, they bought a ranch in the Upper Valley, christened it Pearson Stables, a successful horse stable operation, still maintained by Julie. Pearson Stables is home to THEP, ensuring the organization a space for continued growth and service to its clients. In 2005, Bart was diagnosed with melanoma and had a cancerous mass removed from his shoulder. Two years later, it had resurfaced as a lesion on his brain. After a few months of treatment, it became clear the cancer was spreading too quickly and aggressively, eliminating treatment options. In those precious next few months, Bart had a chance to travel extensively and see nearly everyone whom he loved dearly. Even with the challenges and difficulties of Bart's condition, every day was a celebration of the here and now. His life, his presence in those few months, was a reminder of the contributions everyone makes every day to our happiness. He died peacefully among family and friends who are thankful for every moment, every interaction with Bart. Bart Pearson was a uniquely generous spirit who never turned down a friend in need. His selflessness in his contributions to the El Paso community and to the children who participated in THEP are unmatched. Those who knew him knew more than that-he was able to get into a lot of fun trouble, he had a real contagious knack for mischief. Life was always fun for him. Toward the end, Bart just urged everyone around him to ignore life's petty distractions, and simply love those close to them as much as possible. As he would say, Good on 'ya. In addition to his wife, parents, and two brothers, Bart is survived by his close friend and cousin, Eric Pearson; a stepson, Jason Black; and by four nieces and nephews-Olivia, Elijah, Adrian, and newborn Scarlett-born on the day he died. All of these children, though they are under three years of age, promise to be just as fun-loving, good-natured and loyal as their Uncle Bart. A short, casual and informal memorial will be held Friday, January 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home, 128 N. Resler. Bart Pearson's memory can be honored through a donation to the charity of your choice. His choice would be the Bart T. Pearson Fund for THEP at the El Paso Community Foundation, PO Box 272, El Paso, Texas, 79943. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr.