John Pearson showed up on a frigid rainy day in January 2013. He needed little explanation. Our mission was clear to him and he wanted to help. He took on the work like he was born to it. He was our example when kids said they were "too tired". We would suggest they, "Go help the old guy", and by the end of the day would learn something about working steadily and enjoying the progress. John never missed an event until last June. John did not answer a couple of emails and, with the pace of our work, we didn't follow up, thinking we would see him sooner or later. We have now learned John got a bad diagnosis in the late fall. He reached out to neighbors for some help. He boarded his dog that he had rescued last spring, while he was in treatment. His dog has now been adopted by a neighbor. John passed away a few days after Christmas. John on the far right with the UW-REN 2013-14 Team, the Parkinson Family, Carolyn Freese and Bothell HS Honor Student and Earth Club member, Natalie Gonzales (now Cascadia College). From a friend and neighbor... John Pearson was a unique, environmentally conscientious steward of the earth. He was the first person I ever met to install solar panels to his home, he was notable for being seen walking up and down the sidewalks in his Bothell neighborhood, gripping a ginormous "pooper-scooper" to pick-up other people's doggie poop. He shared with me that in his earlier years, he worked as a journalist. He also worked for the Northshore School District as a substitute teacher. Prior to retirement, he happily worked for a hardware store. He kept himself busy volunteering for various things, including serving years on our neighborhood board. He also served as a dog foster for a local shelter. My neighbors and I are still awaiting more details about if there will be a funeral or a memorial, but please let us know if there are any memories you would like to share about John and we will be sure to pass them along to his family. Thanks, Joanie Lambert John Pearson, far left with Sarah Witte (Volunteer Coordinator) Jesse Howe, (Bothell HS Earth Club President and the National Wildlife Federation prestigious 2013 Conservation Achievement Award)________, Dr David Bain, FNCF Vice President, Linda Cung, (2013 UW-REN Team member and volunteer extraordinaire) Carolyn Freese, (FNCF Treasurer) and Jeff Secrist, VP of the Summit at North Creek Homeowners Association.
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Whale Scout knows where and how to track and report on changes in our endangered killer whale population. They are often the first to report a new birth (rare) and a new death (too often). Recently Whale Scout founder and director, Whitney Neugebauer interviewed killer whale biologist and FNCF Vice President Dr. David Bain and FNCF director Jim Freese. Here's a report from Whitney and, at about 20 minutes, you may begin to answer the question, "Why do killer whales start in the treetops?" Join us when Whale Scout returns for their 3rd restoration event on: January 31 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Map Here A rumor has it that, weather permitting, we might actually see a big (really big) Killer Whale! Also Evergreen Karate and Jui Jitsu! Should be fun... Another Eagle Scout Project Underway Ihlal Mustafa designed, built and installed a neighborhood message board above our latest restoration project. This is Ihlal's Eagle Scout project. He is assisted by his father, grandfather and other Boy Scout Troop 420 members. Thanks Ihlal... this is going to be a wonderful addition for the community.
This work is supported by: Generous citizens and volunteers Scout Troop 420 The University of Washington Restoration Ecology Network The Peach Foundation The Rose Foundation Puget Sound Mitigation Fund a grantmaking fund created by: Puget Soundkeeper Alliance Thank you for your continued interest and support! FNCF |
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