Leonard Eugene Pearson

Pearson, Leonard Eugene
Sep 22, 1917 - Nov 8, 2013

Age 96. Leonard was born in Omaha of parents, Hjalmar Pearson of Småland, Sweden, and Anna Olivia Johnson of Omaha. His father died in the 1918 flu epidemic, and his mother later married Oscar Peterson of Omaha, but died of rheumatoid arthritis soon after. Leonard lived with his step-father and step-sister, Helen Peterson. He was close to his uncle, Walter Johnson, and cousin, Claude Johnson. All were active in the Swedish Covenant Church. Leonard moved to Chicago, IL, as a young man and was one of the first electronics engineers hired by Motorola Inc. He married Bettijane Smith of Hinsdale, IL, in 1942. He made a significant contribution to the U.S. strategy in World War II in his work designing the turret radio frequency-changing device that enabled pilots to avoid being overheard on their radios in action. He and Bettijane raised their children in Western Springs, IL. He retired from Motorola in 1978, and moved to Livermore, CA, in 1997. Leonard was the kindest, most patient husband and father. He gave his family many happy memories of summer cottage and camping vacations. His grandsons were so lucky to have him in their lives. He passed away peacefully at home in Livermore. He is survived by his wife, Bettijane; daughter, Cynthia Pearson Talaber (David), Livermore; son, James L. Pearson, M.D. (Karen), Greenbrae, CA; grandson, Graham Pearson Talaber, Livermore; and grandsons, Bryden Drew Pearson and Aidan Hege Pearson, Greenbrae.
A Private Memorial will be held at Bronswood Cemetery in Hinsdale, IL.