John Pearson was a Great Volunteer

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.

John's basic approach to something was, just do it.  We will be planting a tree in John's honor during our public stewardship event on January 31st.  All are welcome. We miss you John.
                                                                                                    Kind Regards to All,
                      FNCF