Paul Walford Pearson

Paul Walford Pearson- September 6, 1939 – July 3, 2017 After a long battle with cancer, Paul Pearson, 77 died peacefully at his Grants Pass home surrounded by loved ones on July 3, 2017. Paul Pearson was born in Reno, Nevada on September 6, 1939. His Mother was Leone Curtis and Step Father was Bob Curtis. He was raised by his Grandparents Annie and Carl Lewis. Later he was joined by his brother John. They later relocated to Paradise, California where Paul became a journeyman carpenter at a young age, and later perfected his skills and became a contractor. Many homes, commercial buildings and even some bridges were built with his expertise – from California to Alaska. In 1973 the call of the Alaskan wilderness life called to his adventurous nature. Where he spent countless hours exploring the vast regions of that magical state. He became good friends with the owner of an airplane dealership in Anchorage and bartered flying time in trade for building hunting and fishing camps in remote areas – he flew over 1,000 hours exploring. Paul thought that was the perfect life for him – until 1980 when he met the love of his life, Lorie – and life became even more complete. They were married in the Anchorage LDS chapel on Oct 24, 1981 and enjoyed their honeymoon by going on a mule deer hunt to Colorado. Paul welcomed Lorie’s two children Jeff and Sherry into his family. Paul’s son Don and daughter-in-law Raquel later made him a proud Grandfather of two; Granddaughter Trinity, and Grandson Sawyer. His extended family included Granddaughters Sonya and Katie (Jeff and his wife Connie’s daughters), and later Sonya and her husband Mac’s two sons MJ and Cooper, making Paul an overjoyed Great Grandfather. Paul and Lorie were married in the Manti Temple in Manti, Utah, on September 3, 1993 and were temple workers at the Medford, Oregon temple for years. Paul was a faithful member of the church, and received the blessing of knowing he and the love of his life were sealed together for time and all eternity. He was an avid and fisherman and hunter and holds many world records for big game hunting and fishing. He and his wife Lorie were owner/operators of King of Kings Guide Service & Lodge in Alaska for many years. Even after decades of fishing, he was always the most eager and excited in the group to get out fishing early so as not to “miss the bite”. He loved taking family and friends fishing and was as excited watching them catch one as he was catching one. Every fish was like his first... In 1993 Paul and Lorie sold King of Kings Guide Service & Lodge and moved to Cortez, Colorado where they owned/operated Generic Jeans for many years before moving to Pearce, Arizona. They only lived there 4 years, proving you can’t take a fish out of water. Paul would have moved sooner but had to undergo several surgeries for prostate cancer, and colon cancer. They made one final move in 2007 to Grants Pass, Oregon. Conveniently it was a short drive to Brookings, Oregon where Paul and Lorie enjoyed spending time at the beach with their dogs Jake and Poco in the summer doing what Paul loved most, fishing! He won several King Salmon Derby’s in Brookings as well. Grants Pass is also famous for the Rogue River, and its tributaries where he fished the Applegate River for steelhead, within walking distance of their home. Paul also had a “Thing” for hot rods. His prized car was a full steel body 1941 Willys – The Rare One! He won many prizes and trophies across the country with that car. 141.8 miles per hour in a ¼ mile drag strip and would give you one thrilling ride. He loved taking people for a “ride”...once was usually enough! Paul also built a 1932, 5 window Ford Coupe for Lorie, and was as proud when she won as if he had. Paul and Lorie have lived a full and adventurous life, and all those memories will live on in the lives of those he touched. Paul was cremated and Lorie’s ashes will be co-joined with his and they will be spread in the ocean where they shared many many great adventures. There will be a private “Celebration of Life” for family and close friends at a future date. Memorial contributions in Paul’s memory may be made to Asante Hospice in Grants Pass. 715 NW Dimmick Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526. Many thanks to Asante Hospice and especially caregiver Tiffany for all the care they gave and compassion they showed as they helped our family navigate the painful goodbye process. Paul, you will be greatly missed – we miss you already. Chapel of the Valley-L.B. Hall Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.