JOSHUA BRIAN PEARSON

Joshua Brian Pearson, 37, of Richland, died August 17, 2013, in Richland, Washington. He was born on October 15, 1975, in Tacoma, WA. Josh grew up in Gig Harbor and graduated from Peninsula High School. Josh received his AA Degree from Pierce College, and his BA Degree and Master's Degree from Eastern Washington University where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Prior to a diagnosis of brain cancer two years ago, he was a Chief Engineer on an ocean-going tugboat.

In his youth, Josh was part of many Mexico mission trips with the Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church youth group. As an adult, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and after his diagnosis he volunteered at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. The staff at the Cancer Center was warmed by his positive spirit, constant smile, and handyman help. His hobbies included fishing and remodeling their home. He had the ability to repair almost anything, and was always willing to help anyone.

His faith in Jesus Christ and his family were of utmost importance to him. His children will remember his creative kitchen concoctions, and hours spent together fishing on the Columbia River. Josh is survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Liz) and their children, Emma and Joey of Richland; along with his parents, Roger and Luana (Wannie) Pearson of Port Orchard; his brother, Chad and wife Jennifer and children Kelsey and Luke of Olympia; his grandmother Opal Pearson of Vancouver; Liz's family-parents, Jim and Linda Bauer of Kennewick; grandparents, Bernard and Gladys McClain of Richland; and siblings, Dan (Heather) Bauer, Mary Bauer and son Derek, John Bauer, Mike (Corrin) Bauer; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, August 24, at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church 4808 Rosedale, Gig Harbor, WA.

Remembrances may be made in Josh's honor to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center at 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336 or to the National Brain Tumor Society at 55 Chapel St., Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458.