DONALD ARNOLD PEARSON -

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• Brenda, Megan, Kristie, I am very sad to read that Don, that he died. The words fail me. It's hard to write those words, even. He was at our wedding in 2008, which was one of the last times I saw you (Brenda) & him. He came by the office a few times after, and I was always filled with such joy to be in his presence! He was so full, so filled with life! In my time as his employee, he made me feel like my work mattered and that my work was valued. He encouraged me to think creatively in a field that is notoriously left-brained. He often quipped how Planning was supposed to be about planning, not reacting - that right-brained thinkers were invaluable to the profession. He spoke passionately for his profession and only ever more passionately for his family. His memory is palpable. His words are fresh in my mind. He not only gave invaluable leadership, he very willingly took a simple student, whose major wasn't even planning, under his wing. He promoted self-efficacy and guided diligence. He connected me to other Planners, who like him thought with a passionate, inquisitive mind! And Don's mind was exceptional. It was playful and competitive. He was able to keep countless ideas in the air and have them all perfectly connected. He was immune to uncertainty, it seemed, although I know his brain tumor shook him to the core. But it was only for the best. It made him such a sensitive man - he loved you so much! He looked like a Christmas tree whenever he spoke of any of you! It made me smile to see him literally bubbling with pride over something he was going to celebrate with Brenda tonight, or because he was going to see one of his daughters soon, or because one of his daughters was doing 'x' and he was so happy that he could just be there to see it happen! He was a kind soul. He gave unconditionally. I will pray for your family - while he's at peace, each of you must now live on without him. I cannot imagine that being fathomable. And yet it must be. May peace be with you. My deepest condolences. Ever, Jennifer - Posted by: Jennifer Lim (Employee at SDPA) on: May 24, 2013

• Only now hearing the sad news of Don's passing - sending heartfelt condolences to his family. Don and I first met, and became fast friends, at the University of Alberta in 1972 - studying geography en route to careers in planning. He was a powerful inspirational presence then - and throughout the rest of his life. I was privileged to know him, and am sorry we could not get together more often in recent years. A big rough diamond of a guy - Don will be missed, but I will always recall him with affection.. especially his gentle optimistic smile and the constant twinkle in his eyes. I feel sure the angels are enjoying his company. - Posted by: Ian Wight (Long-time Friend, since the UofA) on: May 24, 2013

• Don and I shared many a difficult time as we worked to see our shared vision for Selkirk come to fruition. In spite of our difficulties we persevered and brought to life, at least some of our vision. As we worked together we became great friends and comrades in arms so to speak. Pearson, as I, often called him has left us far too soon. It has taken me a long time to write this as my Heart weeps for my good if not one of my best friends ever. To Brenda, you know how we felt about Don and you. You know we are here for you and value your friendship. If you need anything we have your back. You should know too how much Teigun thought of Don. He truly admired him. To Kristy and Meagun, like you both your dad was often my rock. I will miss his advice,his pushing me to go farther and not dwell on losses. I loved that guy and there is an ache in my heart that will take a long time to go away. To Art, Jane, and John our hearts and prayers go out to you all. Pearson was a wonderful coach, teacher, friend and mentor whom I shall always be grateful to have had the privilege to know. Thank you for sharing your big brother with me and my family. Lots of love to you all David, Maggie and Teigun Bell - Posted by: David,Maggie and Teigun Bell (Friends) on: Apr 11, 2013

• Don played hockey for my dad (Warren) at Riverview C.C. He was our babysitter when we were young kids and he always came to the the lake (Lac du Bonnet) to help my dad and eat us out of house and home. Susan, Wendy, and myself always looked forward to having him babysit or entertain us at the lake. In my adult years I played hockey with Don on the Riverview Rangers and as mentioned in other tributes he was our policeman, know one messed with you when Don was on the ice. I look back fondly on the time we spent with Don especially as a kid looking up to him. My condolences to the family. Rob Steuart - Posted by: Steuart Family (Friends/Neighbors) on: Apr 05, 2013

• We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Don was so proud of both of his beautiful girls, and i know this will be a time of"remembering" for all of. Your Dad had a "big" presence which will stay with you in everything you do. Please know that we are thinking of you Kristie, Megan, Brenda and your extended family at this difficult time and remembering all of you with love. - Posted by: Paul and Mary Barton (Neighbours in Riverview) on: Mar 29, 2013

• Very sorry to hear of Don's passing. He took the time to bring me under his wing and teach me a thing or two while I was in Selkirk. My thoughts and prayers are with you Brenda and the family. I will truly miss him but I do cherish the memories he left with me. - Posted by: Chris Luellman (Friend ) on: Mar 26, 2013

• Brenda, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cherish the memories. - Posted by: Vee Scromeda (Friend) on: Mar 25, 2013

• Don played RIVERVIEW old timer hockey with us. We all played tougher with Don in the lineup. Our thoughts go with Brenda. - Posted by: Bob and Gisele Hirayama (Team mate) on: Mar 24, 2013

• My condolences to Brenda, Kristie and Megan. Mr. Pearson (as I called him growing up) was so patient and kind with me, a mischievous friend of Megan's. I remember him bringing us soap stones to carve, letting us play with his new fangled work computer (an Apple before they were cool) and even trying a brand new scooter in the back lane (which Megan and I promptly crashed into the garage door). Megan, thinking of you right now and how kind your Dad was to me as a little girl. Take care. Rosemary Barton - Posted by: Rosemary Barton () on: Mar 24, 2013

• Marsha and I first met Don in Thompson, Manitoba in the mid 1970s. I worked with him on several projects when he was Senior Northern Planner for the Province. As Chair of the Thompson Advisory Planning Commission, Don was my mentor, ally and friend on municipal planning issues. He would always think out of the box and I loved that. :-) Don helped the Thompson Ski Club tremendously by using his office's resources with Laurie Lamb and Diane Loewen to prepare the TSC Master Development Plan that guided the Club for 20 years. We worked on other projects... Rotary Club Senior Housing, Burntwood Housing, etc. We partied together, and he and Susan participated in our annual Scavenger Hunt that became a legendary event with many friends in Thompson. I saw his young, beautiful girls grow up. He was alway so proud of them. Later when Don moved to Winnipeg, we got to meet Brenda and always enjoyed their company. Even skied together at Mystery Mt. Don was always available for planning and development advice when I needed it. I valued his experience and opinion on many issues. Through the Chamber of Commerce, we contracted him to prepare the Pearson Report on Winter Weather Testing for Thompson which guided our City on that industry sector for 10+ years. It is still a document that we refer to today. Don and I shared many "business" stories and ideas. We were going to invest in a major development project in Thompson when Don was struck with that brain tumour. So close to getting started. No doubt, that was a turning point. It breaks my heart to hear of his passing. I am so sorry for Brenda and his girls and extended family. I cry with you! Please accept my most sincere condolences. Although I did not see him much the past few years, I will truly miss him! All the best, Don. You are the a great friend! :-) - Posted by: Volker & Marsha Beckmann (Friend, Business Acquaintane) on: Mar 23, 2013

• Gone too soon. Condolences to his family from his Phi Kappa Pi brothers. - Posted by: Glenn Peckover (Fraternity brother) on: Mar 23, 2013

• So sorry to hear about Mr Pearson. The Pearsons lived down the street from us when we were growing up, lots of happy memories at the house, always so generous and kind. Have lost touch over time but wonder about all of you often, take care xox Sarah Barton (Rosemarys sister) - Posted by: Sarah Barton (Old friend of family) on: Mar 23, 2013

• Brenda and families, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. - Posted by: Mike & Wilma(Billie) Ratkowski (Friend) on: Mar 23, 2013