Russell Harold Pearson

1941 - 2018

Russell Harold Pearson obituary, 1941-2018, Solana Beach, CA

BORN

1941

DIED

2018

Russell Pearson Obituary

Russell Harold Pearson

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Russell Harold Pearson, a third generation native Californian, on May 8th, 2018 at his home in Solana Beach, California, surrounded by family and friends.
Russ was born to Harold Andrew and Elizabeth Fraser Pearson on May 18, 1941, and spent his formative years in Berkeley and Oakland. Russ and his father attended the Oakland Oaks Baseball Games and watched legendary Casey Stengel manage. A founding member of the Casey Stengel Baseball Center, he actively served until his death. He enjoyed trips to New York, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles promoting the Center.
He graduated from Piedmont High School, 1959. He played football, track, baseball, and basketball. He was a member of the Kimmer Shielding Fraternity, and Senior Class President. He graduated from the California Academy of Court reporters in San Fransisco. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War attaining the rank of Sargent. Russell graduated from California State University, Hayward in 1967. After working at Safeway's Corporate Office as Public Relations' Manager, he joined JC Penney Company covering a total of 43 state legislatures before moving onto the Washington, D. C. scene.
Arriving in Washington in 1983 he worked the Halls of Congress during Presidents Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush.
After nearly 30 years with the company, he retired as their Director of Federal and International Government Relations, Washington, D. C..
After retirement, Russ returned to California and settled in Solana Beach. He and his first wife, Esme' were married 39 years before an automobile accident took her life. He continued to sponsor the Esme Pearson Memorial Tennis Tournament.
Russ leaves his sons Jason of Sacramento and Blake (Sara Jones) of San Francisco.
Russ is survived by his wife of 12 years, Toni Harsh. Casey (Stephanie) Harsh, Brent Harsh, Troy (Laura) Harsh and Danielle (Paul) Harsh Stiritz. He will be especially missed by his 12 grandchildren who he always wanted "to watch grow up".
Military Honors Ceremony at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA on June 8, 2018. Celebration of Life will be at Stanley Dollar Clubhouse, Walnut Creek, CA on June 16th, 2018 at 11:30 am. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Russ's memory to your favorite charity; or the Aphesia Clinic of California, 3996 Lyman Road, Oakland, CA 94602 or the Alzeimhers's Association of Nothern Nevada, 1301 Cordone Ave, Reno NV 89502.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 7 to Jun. 10, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

I am so sorry for your loss. May you receive strength from God. "He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you." - 1Peter 5:10

June 4, 2018

Planet earth has lost a good man, and I've lost a 30 years plus seasoned great friend and a fiercely-loyal client.

Toni, Blake and Jason, my prayers and well-wishes as you begin your grieving and mourning journeys, of losing a husband and father. While his physical presence is yours no more, the countless and wonderful memories you have are eternally yours.

In your grieving and mourning journeys, know that it has its own clock which may differ than yours. It can't be rushed so fully immerse yourself in this journey to discover the blessings it offers because in the darkness of night, stars shine the brightest.

Toni, I admire how you "stood by your man", as the great and late country western singer Tammy Wynette once sang, "Stand by your man, and show the world you love him; keep giving all the love you can; stand by your man."

Blake and Jason, I feel what you're experiencing right now having lost my father five years ago. What I learned in my grieving and mourning journey is what I share with you here: The best way to honor your father's life is by how you live the rest of your lives so get to work because you have much to do.

May perpetual light shine on Russ Pearson's soul and may his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in eternal peace, Amen.

Ed Pierini

Friend

June 3, 2018

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Memorial Events
for Russell Pearson

Jun

8

Service

11:15 a.m.

Miramar National Cemetery

San Diego, CA

Jun

16

Celebration of Life

11:30 a.m.

Stanley Dollar Clubhouse

Walnut Creek, CA

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