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CLARENCE PEARSON Obituary

PEARSON--Clarence E., An entrepreneurial global health and management consultant and networker extraordinaire whose career spanned 60 years, died peacefully at home in New York on May 24, 2014 at 89 from a rare form of cancer. His wife and professional partner, Laurie Norris, survives him. Born in Chicago, Clarence credited his WWII US Army medical corps service and GI Bill of Rights-funded master of public health degree from the University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill as the start of his career. He was the Founding President and CEO of the National Center for Health Education, the outcome of a Presidential Commission. He served as Senior Advisor to the World Health Organization's Office at the United Nations. As Vice President and Director of Health and Safety Education for MetLife, he was the first person Met hired who was trained in public health education and promotion. He also was key in establishing the MetLife Foundation. He served as Vice President of the former Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management. Clarence created and served as Executive Editor for a series of books on global health issues (Jossey-Bass/John Wiley), including Global Health & Global Aging. His honors include the Gold Medal for Distinguished Service to Education from Columbia University; International Health Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Public Health Association; Advocacy Award, American Federation for Aging Research and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Public Health, University of North Carolina/Chapel Hill. Clarence loved to help people in transition, from students to seasoned colleagues. He served on the boards of AARP, American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), International Federation on Ageing, and the Board of Overseers of the Dartmouth Medical School's C. Everett Koop Institute. He was a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, a member of the Roundtable on Health Literacy, Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences and a member of the Vitality Institute Commission. He directed a management training program in Moscow, New Leaders of Russia, and served as a public health consultant in the former Yugoslavia and Central America for US government agencies and NGOs. Clarence's son Scott and first wife June Wahlde predeceased him. His parents, Irene Silander and Edward Pearson, emigrated from Sweden, where Clarence's ashes will be interred. Clarence's legacy is the people he mentored and advised during his multifaceted life, including interns he and Laurie support through patient advocacy and worldview internships. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to AFAR/Clarence Pearson Internship Fund, c/o AFAR, 55 West 39 St., 16th Fl., New York, NY 10018.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jun. 1, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Mary Lou Russell

May 26, 2024

Clarence had a sweet yet realistic view of his fellow humans. He is someone that you don't forget.

Kristian lund

May 27, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Michael Eriksen

May 26, 2021

I can't believe that it's been seven years since we lost Clarence His legacy is that he touched people for a lifetime. I miss his kindness, wit and generosity the most. I know that he is pleased to know that Laurie is doing well and that he is quite proud.

Lizanne O'Toole

May 26, 2019

My day was made brighter today when I clicked on and saw my wonderful mentor and friend's smiling photo - today I will say an extra prayer for he and his lovely son Scott. Clarence is always in my heart and never far from thought. He made my world better because he believed in me and made me feel important when I was just a newbie on a career path. Amazing man who gave of himself and shared his talents effortlessly. He was welcoming by nature and made all who crossed his path feel special, loved and unique. He looked for the best in people and nurtured that seed. I know he is soaring on his next journey and guiding many as he spreads his wings and takes flight. He is missed and cherished always!

July 11, 2015

Laurie, I am so sorry Clarence has always held a dear place in my heart. When I think of wonderful people that I have met along the way, Clarence was always at the top of the list. He offered me my first job, provided me with so many tools to navigate my way and has always been a beacon of light that I knew I could return to should my path become rocky. Was thinking of him today and was searching for his light only to learn that he is no longer with us. His light will never be extinguished! As Thomas Campbell once stated "To live in the hearts of those you love is to not die." Clarence and his beautiful son Scott will live on in all who were fortunate enough to have been gently touched by their imprint. Much love and admiration always, Lizanne O'Toole

Ira & Gill Krefting

February 16, 2015

Just came across this sad news. Our condolences. What we read about Clarence, your activities and working with Alison-all are continued inspirations to us.

Mary Lou Russell

February 4, 2015

Laurie, it is so reaffirming to hear these memories of Clarence. He leaves behind such a 'presence' in those lives that he touched.

February 2, 2015

We have only just learned of Clarence's passing. We met only once, but at that lunch together we were immediately touched by this warm, friendly, generous and very special gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Laurie.

John Akef

January 23, 2015

Clarence or Clay as we called him was my Godfather . He was the most positive influence in my life , I've never met or knew a kinder person . The world lost one of the last great men. I will always miss you Clay . We all loved you and Scott more then I could ever put into words .Thank you Clay for everything .

December 21, 2014

We feel that we honor those best who go before us by emulating and absorbing their best qualities; Clarence left us with a rich and abundant legacy.

Dan Fallon and Jody Wise

Emmett Pickett

August 26, 2014

At certain key moments in my life before adulthood, Clarence was not only kind as he was across the miles and years, but also "there when it counted." Clarence is one of those very rare people who one knows one can never fill the shoes of, but one hopes to be a part of the legacy with as Clarence modeled for me so often, "hum-bition," with humility always a must before ambition; Clarence really was one of the first people who indeed taught me how to truly, really "listen." Thank you Clarence (and Laurie, blessings genuinely to you with respect) for "Being You." I truly believe in Clarence's case that he will have fun and definitely inspire "upstairs," as he still does here! :-)

Michael Weamer

August 6, 2014

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of my friend and mentor Clarence Pearson. A great man, a great leader, a good friend and a wonderful colleague. Laurie...my thoughts and prayers are with you. Michael

Clarence with Ana Lita, July 2012

Ana Lita

June 30, 2014

Clarence and I first met three years ago at an event organized by the UN University on Global Health. Clarence was invited as a Senior Advisor to the WHO. We exchanged cards and met for lunch shortly thereafter. He kindly advised me about our first Board retreat, and the strategic plan for the next years, including programs and activities. Struck by his extensive knowledge and experience, I followed his advice closely.

I will always remember Clarence's signature phrase, “expect the unexpected but always hope for the best.” It is difficult to know what to say when we encounter the unexpected, but one has no choice but to face it head on. I have learned from Clarence, that although some things might make absolutely no sense, but nonetheless that they might have to be accepted.


Clarence had a kindness and willingness to help others that is rare. I have never met anyone who could listen to people with so much genuine affection, attentiveness and care. His laughter was unique. Bellowing and husky and never fake. He would always have a big and very friendly, smile on his face. Laurie, I just wanted you to know, Clarence played a wonderful role in my life since I co-founded GBI in 2011. I will never forget Clarence's kindness and the impact he has had on my life. Once again please accept my deepest sympathies to you for this great loss.

Ana Lita

Clarence as we knew him

Ana Lita

June 30, 2014

Global Bioethics Initiative (GBI), its Board, and Advisory Board members extend heartfelt condolences to Laurie Norris, on the passing of our dear friend, her loving husband, Clarence E. Pearson. We learnt with deep sorrow of Clarence's death, who had served with commitment and dedication as an Advisory Board member of our start up organization. He facilitated the convening of the first Board meeting which laid the foundation for the future business of the organization. Clarence will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace!

Global Bioethics Initiative

ian philp

June 30, 2014

So sad to hear that Clarence is no longer with us. Anne and my thoughts and deepest sympathy are with Laurie. Clarence had a humility rarely found in people who have achieved so much in their lives; a truely great man who will be sorely missed.

Kwame Appenteng

June 24, 2014

Clarence was very good to me: he was a mentor, teacher, father-figure, counsellor and friend. I worked under his mentorship at the WHO offices at the United Nations over a decade ago, and learned a lot from his wealth of knowledge and experience. Much of my academic and professional success has been a direct consequence of help I received from Clarence. I cannot think of a single individual who has had as much influence on my academic and professional career as Clarence. He was also fun to be with: during their visit to Chicago last year, Clarence and Laurie gave us (me, my wife and my son) a wonderful treat at Ann Sather's restaurant, which is located in Clarence's boyhood Swedish neighborhood. He gave us a tour of the neighborhood, and showed us the Swedish-American Museum, as well as the local bar where his uncle will make a “brief” stop, before dropping him off at home from school. We had so much fun together, walking, talking and laughing in the streets of Chicago. After returning to New York, Clarence stayed in touch by phone and email as usual, even during the months he was sick. I miss him so much: his calm, re-assuring voice, positive attitude towards life, friendliness, honesty and kindness. He was a giver who expected nothing in return: a friend of the fatherless, and fountain of hope. Clarence may the Heavens shower blessings upon you again and again, just as you have blessed others. Thank you for being my friend; thank you for being so caring, and thank you Clarence for everything. So long, my friend, so long.

Elisabeth Per Stig and Ulrika Grahn Bertilsson

June 22, 2014

We were fortunate to meet Clarence for the first time in his summerhouse in Plintsberg last year and then in New York the same year. In Plintsberg he showed us his "Wall Sreet" and in New York he invited us to the University club. We were full of admiration of this man, so nice and kind and with a great sense of humor. We are very glad we had the opportunity to have met him and our thoughts today go to his wife Laurie.

June 20, 2014

The Women's City Club of New York extends condolences to our valued member Laurie Norris on the death of her husband Clarence Pearson. Clarence was a gentle man committed to helping people whenever he saw the opportunity . The Womens's City Club of New York mourns the loss of this valued member and great humanitarian. Our thoughts are with his devoted wife and professional partner Laurie.

Annette Choolfaian, President
Women's City Club of New York

June 18, 2014

When spending time with Clarence and Laurie, our conversation together gave me a glimpse of his passionate commitment to others and his desire to building a better world the world especially for young people. I will always
remember this time together and send Laurie my heartfelt thoughts.

Bobbi Wallace

June 16, 2014

Clarence was such a lovely man and so generous with his time, ideas and connections. He was an inspiration and will be very much missed.

Heather Grady

June 16, 2014

Clarence was such a thoughtful, committed and kind individual, and I enjoyed getting to know him during my time in New York. My thoughts are with Laurie and his family.

Kristina Backlund

June 14, 2014

It was a privilege to get to know Clarence, such a lovely and inspiring person. I will always remember him. My thoughts are with Laurie.

Kristina Backlund, Stockholm

June 13, 2014

Irene and I benefited in so many ways from the friendship of Clarence. I first worked with him when he was an AARP board member and then Irene came in much more frequent contact when he became active in the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) where he was ever helpful to her during her presidency. Through the years, we enjoyed many hours of conversation with Clarence and Laurie in New York, Washington D.C. and in far-flung points on the globe. Clarence was a master "interpreter", always eager for new ideas and concepts and always ready to make connections among persons involved in furthering the health and protection of older persons. His subtle advice as to how to get things done in the complex environment of international organizations and associations will be sorely missed. He was a friend and a mentor to us, right to the last.

Dalmer and Irene Hoskins
Washington D.C.

Glenn Hildebrand

June 11, 2014

Another superb dimension of Clarence was his innate artistic ability. Clarence was a superb artist with innovation and ability. During sometime in his younger years he acquired the skill of serigraphy. Be it Christmas card or large screened works he excelled at this special form of artistic expression. He showed me some of the basics of developing a serigraph and it has become one of my passions too.

He did this, I guess for personal pleasure ... But for those who lucky enough to obtain one of his creations it is a special treasure.

Blessed are we who we're touched by his amazing life.

Glenn I. Hildebrand

Joyce Schrohe niece

June 10, 2014

Carol,Stuart, and myself have always enjoyed Clarence's charm and whit at our short family visits from Chicago to New York. Laughter dominated our fun times.

Renee Lundholm

June 10, 2014

June 10, 2014

Clarence Pearson was a true gentleman, his unique kindness, graciousness and generosity touched us all.

I had the great privilege to be invited to lunch by Clarence and his wife Laurie to an annual lunch at the University Club, something I cherrished and always looked forward to.
Being a longstanding member of the Swedish/American Chamber of Commerce, we all came to appreciate Clarence. This year we had the great pleasure of hosting our first non-Swedish intern in our office thanks to Clarence's great generosity and interest in Sweden.
We salute,honor and miss him sincerely.
With gratitude and fond memories
Renee Lundholm

Tage Silander

June 9, 2014

Clarence var en så positiv människa. Det var alltid trevligt, enkelt och behagligt att träffas. För oss här på Åland kändes han som en viktig del av släkten. Vi kunde ha träffats oftare om det hade funnits praktiska möjligheter och jag och min mor Göta med flera är ledsna att det nu inte blir flera gånger. Vi känner lika starkt för Laurie, och speciellt i den här svåra stunden. Clarence blir inte bortglömd.

Michele Johnson

June 8, 2014

Thank you so much Clarence for a life well lived, and an example of generosity and love to my family! Thanks for touching so many. You and Laurie have impacted my life forever! Rest now

Jutta Tobias

June 8, 2014

It was a true privilege to meet Clarence, and then Laurie, some years ago. I will not forget Clarence's mentorship and advice, as well as his enthusiastic appreciation of all others, and the generosity and kindness they both shared with me over the years. Clarence was a truly great leader.

Carla Agnite

June 7, 2014

Clarence and Laurie have impacted my life in a wonderful and profound way. I will never forget Clarence.

June 7, 2014

I had the honor and privilege of knowing Mr. Clarence Pearson for many years. During that time, I was always impressed with his outgoing personality and exemplary intellect. Of particular note was his unquestioned intense desire and passion to make a contribution to health and educational challenges globally and domestically. This was evidenced by the voluminous projects in which he was involved. Now that he has made the transition to be with the Ancestor, he will be sorely missed. To this end, I extend my condolences to Laurie Norris. (His Beloved Wife)

D. Williams

mary russell

June 6, 2014

I have many thoughts I could voice about Clarence, but his most personal attributes for me were his kindness, gentleness and honesty. And that is rare with someone of his ilk. I feel for Laurie, for they were truly two of a kind.

Mary Pritchard

June 6, 2014

Clarence was an inspiration and mentor to many students at Northern Illinois University. He helped them gain a global perspective and to dream big. He will be missed. Mary

June 6, 2014

I shall never forget this amazing person. Good fortune brought him into my life when we met in St. Louis, MO in 1958. Clarence and June became great friends and Clarence was in our wedding party Sept 26th, 1959.

Thank you Laurie for all that you brought to his life.

God Bless,

Glenn & Jan Hildebrand

Kristian Lund

June 6, 2014

I will miss him!

June 6, 2014

Our first meeting with Clarence was in
Plintsberg summer 2002.He wanted some ideeas for a new balcony on his house.
He was satisfied with the balkony.That
was the beginning of 12 years friendship
with him and his wife Laurie.
He was a fantastic man,always positiv
and grateful fore everything we could
help him with. They invited us to New York 2004 and 2010. Must be the best
guided trips we ever done.
Almost every summer they invited us and other old and new friends to a
gardenparty,with Clarence as Chef for the grill.
Clarence was an extraordinary person in
many ways.Positive and thankful!
Always ready to help.
We will allways remember him,and miss him vey much.

Bengt & Gunnel Liss Larshans
Peter & Fredrik with Families.






.We will always remember him, and miss him.
Our thoughts are with Laurie,his wife.

Bengt och Gunnel Liss-Larshan
Peter and Fredrik with familyes

Dawn Sweeney

June 6, 2014

Clarence was a rare and cherished spirit, who had a deeply positive impact upon everything he touched. As has been said, his legacy is in the many, many lives he touched. Of those of us so blessed to be among these, we are grateful. Clarence always signed off with "to be continued." It is now for us to continue to keep alive the beautiful legacy he has left.

Derryl Block

June 5, 2014

It was an honor and a privilege to have met Clarence. His vision, clarity of purpose, energy, and humor were evident in all he did. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Birgitta and Per-Olov Bröms

June 5, 2014

We have known Clarence since the sixties and have had the pleasure of seeing him both in the US and in Sweden. Every time we enjoyed being with him and we appreciated very much his friendship. We will miss him a lot and our thoughts are with Laurie.
Birgitta and Per-Olov Bröms

Ron Goetzel

June 5, 2014

Clarence was genuinely authentic in all that he touched. He will be remembered as warm, humble and altruistic.

Dominique Peridans

June 4, 2014

I had the honor, in the past of couple of years, of breaking bread with Clarence on a few occasions. And I found myself asking, "Who is this generous soul that he would take an interest in me, when his career has brought into contact with people of such high profile?" For Clarence, everyone was important. Thank you Clarence for the gift of gracious wisdom.

Jan King

June 3, 2014

We met Clarence through Laurie when we visited NY and found the Greeters. They visited us twice in Ireland and we found him to be a wonderful man. Much sympathy to Laurie.

June 3, 2014

Clarence was a Close friend to us in Plintsberg and Tällberg Sweden.
He and his wife Laurie has been as one of our family.
We deeply regret Clarence loss. We miss his brigth look of Life,his giggle and happy prank.
Clarence was extraordinary to conecting people and to see possibility.
It is an honour to us to have had the benefit of beeing one of Clarences friends.
Our thougths is with his wife Laurie.
Cherished in happy remembrance.
Börje and Britt-Marie
Lars-Erik och Monica Plintsberg/Tällberg Sweden

Allison MacEachron

June 3, 2014

Clarence was a gift. We will miss him.

Edward Newburn

June 3, 2014

Clarence was a close friend, and an outstanding mentor in every way; he epitomized the spirit of selflessness, always thinking of others. He will be deeply missed.

Gail Mellow

June 3, 2014

I had the honor of meeting Clarence only later in his life. His large and generous life was in full bloom in his spirit, his energy, and his unflagging desire to make the world a better place. His death leaves a hole in the world, so we must all re-double our efforts to take up the slack.

Jacob Kumaresan

June 3, 2014

Clarence was an outstanding individual with a strong commitment to public health. He believed in developing young people and has helped several students by assisting them in their career progression. His mentorship, enthusiasm and encouragement were infectious and will always remain a lasting memory in my heart. I will miss you Clarence and may your soul rest in peace.

Suzi Resnik

June 3, 2014

Clarence lives on with all of us.He was my professional mentor, my dear friend,and a shining light illuminating my journey as public health and medical educator. He radiated a continuous passion for health promotion coupled with humor and kindness and dedication to bettering our world.
Loving concolences to his wonderful wife and partner ,Laurie, who augmented and supported Clarence in all of
the spheres he entered.Stan joins me in expressing our heartfelt condolences.
Suzi Resnik

Willis Goldbeck

June 3, 2014

Clarence was an inspiration, was great fun, full of curiosity, challenging in the most positive and valuable of manner, and committed to a life of contribution with integrity...not much more to say. It was an honor and pleasure to have known him since the 1970's. Peace, Clarence, you have earned it.

Lasse & Vita

June 3, 2014

It is with deep sadness we have received the message that Clarence Pearson has left the physically life on this Earth.
We have had the great fortune to meet Clarence Pearson and his wife Laurie Norris at the Tällberg Foundation international summit in Sweden 2005. The Tällberg Foundation develops knowledge, understanding and insights into global change patterns and the need for the evolution of global societies.
The year 2005 the Tällberg Foundation's theme was called: "How on Earth can we live together?" -- and this theme we often discussed each time we had the opportunity to connect with Clarence and Laurie in Sweden.
Exchanging experiences with both Clarence and Laurie about culture, societies, countries, global health issues, history, nature, literature, art and music has been an enjoyable privilege and a great pleasure.
"Clarence! -- thank you for sharing your curiosity, intellect, knowledge, free way of thinking and not at least your well developed humor! -- this is happy memories we will always carry in our hearts".

Clarence at a Vitality Commission meeting

derek yach

June 2, 2014

For many years Clarence inspired and gently nudged me to do more to address health promotion. In the last few weeks of his life he remained a positive spirit and inspiration for us to do the best we can. We have lost a special friend and mentor.

June 2, 2014

Clarence Pearson had an outstanding career and he contributed so much to so many causes and fields. This gentle, sweet, brilliant man will be missed and remembered.
Robin Talbert
Silver Spring, MD

Fran Butterfoss

June 2, 2014

Clarence wa clearly a health educator who influenced and inspired so many during his exemplary career - he will be dearly remembered by all of us.

Michael Eriksen

June 1, 2014

Clarence was the epitome of a mentor. He thrived on helping others succeed and basked in their success.

Clarence's style of leadership is becoming increasingly rare, but like most mentors, Clarence infected all he came into contact with a commitment of continuing the development of the next generation of leaders.

i, for one, am indebted to Clarence and his vision, and am committed to continuing his legacy.

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