John Pearson

It’s with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of our dad John Ernest Pearson, just weeks before his 87th birthday.

John was born June 5, 1938, and spent his early years being raised in the lower mainland, by single Mom, Doris Hill, along with his younger brother Bob. Through hard work and persistence, he began his long career with BC Tel, starting out collecting coins from pay phones - his first step into a company he would remain loyal to until his early retirement at 54. To achieve a supervisory role at BC Tel, John went back to school four nights a week, to complete his grade twelve, going from Port Coquitlam to Vancouver for over a year, to give his family advantages in life both John and Vivian did not have growing up.

John’s life was changed forever when he was introduced to his beloved wife Vivian, through their mutual and lifelong friend Moira. The two began their lives together in Vancouver's west end where English Bay served as the backdrop to the early days of their marriage.

They were especially close to Vivian’s family, the Konars, Dorothy & Mickey, cousins Brian & Sue, Kevin & Joanne, Shayne, and Yvonne who embraced John as one of their own, as did Vivian’s Mother, Eva, with whom John had a very close and special relationship. Vivian recalls those early days fondly when she would to meet John 1/2 way on his way home from work with their first child Rhea. Together they had three children, Rhea (Rod) Hayes, Tara (Doug) White and Darrin (Xia) Pearson, four grandchildren, Ryan (Katie) Hayes and Teagan Hayes & Graeme (Kelly) White and Matthew White along with two great granddaughters, Lily and Nora Hayes.

John & Vivian soon moved to Mary Hill Port Coquitlam in 1968, where over their next 50+ years they would celebrate countless holidays at house parties dancing into the late hours with their neighbors who became cherished lifelong friends.

A devoted father and husband, John’s focus was always his family. He embraced his role as Dad, wholeheartedly and was actively involved in his children’s lives. From road trips to the Okanagan Falls, putting a pool in the backyard for all to enjoy, making his homemade pizza and other special dishes, everything John did was for his family. John is remembered for his love of dancing, his amazing record collection and love of music, for his role of “coach” and his immaculate lawns. He coached his children in soccer and went on to coach women’s soccer in Port Coquitlam for a total of over 30 years!

After retirement John, also known as Pops, found joy in his love of cooking, spending time with his beloved grandchildren and continuing to host the annual Canada Day parties as they had for decades. Vivian often has said that she and John had so much in common from their love of jazz, dancing, and the love of friends & family!

John is predeceased (2023) by his and Vivian’s lifelong, closest friend who was very dear to their whole family, Yami Bouguerra. Survived by his beloved brother Robert Pearson and wife Linda, stalwart and loving friends until the end, and half siblings, Bill and Sue Pearson. John leaves behind a legacy of warmth, his unfaltering sense of humour and unwavering love. He will be deeply missed and will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

An added thanks to the individual staff members at Nicola Lodge, that went the extra mile for our Dad.