Ralph Pearson passed away peacefully at home December 19, 2013 surrounded by close friends and family.

Ralph was born December 28th, 1929 in Neenah, WI to Harold and Mable Pearson.

Ralph attended Delavan High School and tried to sneak into the Navy at 16 years of age but was caught and finally allowed to join at the age of 17. Ralph's service to his country was always a source of pride and he served his country well. His final rank at retirement was Chief Petty Officer with tours of duty in Europe, Korea ('50-'55) and Vietnam ('64-'65). Ralph served on various ships throughout his career but primarily spent his time on the USS Salem, USS Ranger, USS Fletcher and the USS Robinson. Ralph was decorated by the Navy numerous times and in his retirement enjoyed traveling to various Naval reunions around the country for the many ships he served on. After his 20 year military career Ralph enjoyed a management position at Doc Freemans in Seattle until his eventual retirement there in 1992.

Ralph's interests in his later years were many and varied. He enjoyed spending summers in Canada fishing with his best friend Mac McKinley and working on his 1929 Model A Ford pick-up. In 2003 Ralph met the love of his life Peggy Vrem. Together he and Peggy enjoyed traveling to Cancun and Hawaii, playing cards with special friends Mac and Amy McKinley, going to car shows, the casino, and taking Sunday drives in his Hummer and Chevrolet SSR.

Ralph was preceded in death by his sister Betty Jane Silagy and his oldest son and daughter-in-law Rodney and Sarah Pearson, and two precious granddaughters, Rachel and Grace, who were tragically lost in 2000 aboard Alaska Airlines Flt. #261.

Ralph is survived by his brother Ronald Pearson of Necedah, WI, sister Shirley Sawalliseh of Belvidere, IL, sister Mary Brooks of Leesburg, FL, son and daughter-in-law Mark and Angel Pearson of Everett, WA, son Chris Pearson of Mount Vernon, WA, granddaughter Tara Pearson and great grandson Hunter Pearson, along with step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ralph will always be remembered for his kind ways, enthusiasm for life, his big heart and his bright smile.

Purdy and Walters Funeral home have an online guest book that may be signed for Ralph at: http//www.dignitymemorial.com/purdy-walters-at-floral-hills/en-us/index.page

Memorial services will be Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 11:00 am Purdy and Walters at Floral Hills Funeral Home, 409 Filbert Road, Lynnwood, WA.

Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Published by St. Augustine Record on Jan. 8, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for RALPH PEARSON

4 Entries

Janel Storbakken

January 10, 2014

Ralph had a heart as big as his Hummer and a smile as bright as his yellow SSR. He was a special part of our family and it was a privilege to help him pass with dignity and peace. You were small in stature however huge in every life you touched and for this I salute you. Thank you for loving us and loving my mom Peggy. Shake it easy Ralph.

B.E."Bud" Browell

January 9, 2014

Ralph Pearson Life Member of USNCSA United States Navy Cruiser Sailors Assaociation , joined in Jan 2004 and immediately became one of my staunch supporters for CONTACT with our members involving local lunches and mini reunions !! He was always ready to help in any way he could and I will miss his friendship and eagerness to be a part of any activity that was planned !! Good men are hard to find and in many cases, leave us too soon - Rest in peace shipmate !!

B.E "Bud" Browell USNCSA Washington State Rep !!

Peggy Vrem

January 7, 2014

Ralph, you were the best part of my life, next to my family. I will miss you everyday for the rest of my life. I will always appreciate your kindness and your loving ways. I hope you have found happiness again with Rod, Sarah, Rachel and Grace. Until we meet again, my love always! Peggy

Judy Storbakken-Fenton

January 7, 2014

Ralph will always be remembered by us as a loving, caring man. He has been an awesome role model for Adam and Tyler, and has been like a Grandfather to them. We will miss his daily visits next door to mom's house, it was always a comfort to know he was there! Things will just not be the same, We will miss him!

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results