Donald W. Pearson, 89

A celebration of life was held for Donald W. Pearson on Sept. 5 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork with the Rev. Tom Dopp officiating.

Don passed away Aug. 31, 2019, in Kalispell.

He was born Dec. 12, 1929, in Kalispell to Gladys Lawrence and Carl “Mike” Pearson. He attended Kalispell schools, and in the summertime set pins at the bowling alley, sorted spuds and delivered papers. Lots of vacation times were spent at Swan Lake at Grandpa Lawrence’s homestead.

He left Kalispell when he was 17 to sell magazines. He soon became manager. He later owned several used car lots. His forte was salesmanship.

Don settled in Florida, but built his summer home in Bigfork, coming home each summer to fish.

Donny had many friends. He loved and enjoyed people. Little children and animals loved being with him.

Donny was married to Marge Kenney. The had children Debbie Mendenhall and Gary Pearson.

Later he married Carol Whitehead. They had children Jerry and John Pearson.

Donny was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Mike Pearson; brother, Carl W. Pearson; sons, John and Jerry Pearson; and uncles, Lester, Vern, Arnold and Erling Lawrence, and spouses.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of 65 years, their anniversary being Sept. 9; his daughter, Debbie Mendenhall (Adam), their children Susan, Lily, John, Chris and Michael; son, Gary; granddaughter Cara Massina; sister, Colleen Wise; Lawrence cousins of Swan Lake; Eastman cousins of Ferndale; half brother, Mike Pearson; and stepbrothers, Dennis, Larry and Wayne Olson, and spouses.

Many thanks to his good friends Debbie and Rudy Urban and cousin Gail for their love and caring.

We love you and will miss your strength, stubbornness and sense of humor.