Ralph Harold Pearson

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.

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.