Gary Eugene Pearson

Gary Eugene Pearson passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2020, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on July 19, 1940 to Drew Leroy Pearson and Margaret Hoggan Cox, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He married his eternal sweetheart, Gloria June on July 9, 1965, in the Salt Lake Temple. She was the love of his life. Together, they raised five wonderful children.

Gary graduated from South High School in 1958. During and after high school, he worked for Grand Central Grocery stores, where he developed his love for grocery shopping and he could often out shop the best of the best! He was king of the coupons and .99 bargain bin. He built an amazing food storage that would support his family AND the entire neighborhood.

Gary was a terrific salesman. He sold window coverings for Amjacs and Hunter Douglas, where he went on to win several awards. He was the General Sales Manager for a number years and was able to travel many times with his clients. After he retired, he worked part-time at Burton Lumber as a sales coordinator. During his career, he made many lifelong friends wherever he traveled.

Gary served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from September 1960 to April of 1963, in the Central American Mission. He loved the Spanish people and took advantage of any chance he could to speak Spanish throughout his life. He loved serving the Lord and has a strong testimony of his Savior. He served in many different calling in the church. He especially loved serving as a Bishop twice and as a counselor in the Stake Presidency. He was a man of honor and integrity and always stood as a witness of the Savior at all times. His funny and teasing sense of humor made it very easy for him to make friends and was always comfortable sharing his testimony of the gospel. Gary had a special place in his heart for people that were less fortunate. Often times you could catch him at Reams in the produce department gathering fruits and vegetables to take to his neighbors or friends that were in need. He would do the same thing going to the bread store. If he could find a way to help someone, he always did.

Gary joined the Army Reserve in May 1963. There was no doubt that he loved his country. He loved anything and everything patriotic. This included the lighting of fireworks, which he absolutely loved to do. He always found the best for the cheapest and put on the best show. He “knew people who knew people.” If there was a firework that bothered someone, he made sure to buy more of them and always chuckled as he lit them off. You would often hear him say “Jeepers” after a lot of things, but mainly after a particular cool firework display. He loved a good parade and would get a kick out of all the marching bands.

Yellowstone was heaven on earth to Gary. Starting at a young age, his family traveled yearly to Yellowstone and it continued for a good 45 years of his marriage. He loved the bison rut and the smell of the geysers. There were thousands of memories created over those years that will be cherished forever.

He was a great host of any party that he was putting on. It usually included a firework and many jokes along with homemade root beer.

Gary is survived by his wife, Gloria and five children; Lisa Pearson, Jeff Pearson, Rick Pearson, Dale (Nicole) Pearson and JoyLyn (John) Densley. He has nine grandchildren and one great grandson, his brother Robert (Jean) Pearson and Judy (Joseph) Miller and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Riverton 19th Ward, 12691 South 3600 West in Riverton. A viewing will be held on February 28, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the same location with a viewing Saturday morning before the funeral at 10:00 a.m. Interment: Wasatch Lawn on Highland Drive.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wasatchlawn.com for the Pearson family.