Theodore Lee Pearson

Obituary THEODORE LEE PEARSON March 26, 1940 ?" October 1 2007 Born March 26, 1940 in Antioch, California. Ted exuded a passion for life that transcended all that touched him. He played football at Everett High School for Jim Ennis before spending 4 years in the Marine Corps stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. He rode Brahma bulls and played local semi-pro football before finding the love of his life. Patricia Guillaume from Maltby, Washington cruising Colby. They were married on December 20, 1963. While attending Everett CC he entered the newspaper industry where he began working for the Everett Herald's Will Nessley in sports. He spent the next 35 years in the business working for the Bremerton Sun and eventually the last 28 years with the Tacoma News Tribune where he served as Sports Editor, Sunday Editor and Special Sections Editor before retiring in 1998. The proud father of three, when it came to his kids he not only showed unconditional love but unconditional support for Davey Lee, Lewis Mitchell and Jane Marie Lynn. Dave married the former Beth Doria and they have two children Allison Elizabeth (12) and Chase Theodore (10). Mitch married the former Brenda Stoll and have two girls, Grace Hannah (3) and Ruby Jean (8 months). Jane married Rob Mullens and they have two boys, Cooper Robert (3) and Tanner Patrick (8 months). All six grand children adore their "Bompa". "He taught us all to be good parents" said his daughter Jane. His mantra to his kids "....you can be useful as well as ornamental". Full of confidence and a belief in what was right, he stated what he thought regardless of consequence or confrontation. He used to say of being tactful "if the Marine Corp didn't issue it, I don't need it". A selfless man, he touched so many lives while coaching youth baseball, basketball and working playground duty at St. Charles Borromeo. He volunteered at local grade schools where he helped teach children to read and up until the last few years he spent time with physically and mentally disabled children. It was never about what he had, but what you needed or what he could give. He loved sports and instilled the same love in his kids. He believed strongly that local sports was the key to any community. He is preceded in death by lots of loving family and friends including infant son Jason, father Lewis F. Pearson, step-father Dave Farrell, step-father Lloyd Solie and his mother Arcena Wood, Pearson, Farrell, Solie who was born October 1, 1914 and passed away April 26, 1998. He loved his childhood and liked to share stories about it. "It was just me and Mom for the longest time" he would say. He is survived by his loving wife and partner off 44 years, Pat. She spent much of the last few years making sure he did what he was supposed to do because he could be stubborn ?" essentially giving back to a man she watched give so much. Said Pat on many occasion, "He is such a good person, I love him so much." We will miss him.... A memorial service and mass will be held at Noon, Tuesday, October 9, at Holy Cross Church in Tacoma, Washington. 5510 N. 44th Street. Reception to follow. The family suggests memorials to Catholic community services, Pierce County Family Center, 1323 S. Yakima Ave. Tacoma, WA 98405. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.