PEARSON, Roger Alfred
December 11, 1928 - February 21, 2015
Roger Alfred Pearson was born in Delia, Alberta on December 11, 1928 and passed away in Ponoka, Alberta on February 21, 2015. Roger is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Mary; children Jim Pearson (Donna) Taggart and Carmen (Darren Davis); grandchildren, Rees Davis, Mason Davis and Sloane Davis; brothers-in-laws Sam Waters and Jim Waters; sisters-in-law Anne Waters and Laura Waters and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Ethel Pearson; siblings Doris, Henry (Margaret), Dave (Jean), and Tony (Marion); brothers-in-law Fred (Robbie) Waters; sisters-in law Valda Waters and Anne Frew Waters and nephew Gerald Pearson. Except for time spent away for education training and the past three years, Roger lived his entire life in the Michichi/Delia area. He was raised on the family homestead at the foot of the Hand Hills six miles east of Michichi. His early education was completed at Enterprise Valley and Michichi Schools then spent two years in Calgary earning tickets for Welding and Agriculture Mechanics at SAIT before returning home to farm with his father. Roger took over the family farm in 1958 after his father was disabled in a motor vehicle accident. He married Mary Waters on June 13, 1959 and together they raised two children. In 1977, Roger made a life changing decision to sell the farm. He took a job with the East Central Gas Co-op in Hanna where he worked until his retirement in December of 1993. The family continued living on the farm until 1980, when they moved into Delia. Being a farmer at heart, Roger loved to help out friends and neighbors in their fields whenever possible especially at harvest time. Of course, he also had his garden… it was sacrilegious not to grow one in his mind… and right up until he left Delia, had rows and rows of potatoes, peas, carrots, corn, beans, beets and onions growing in the backyard. And of course, apples… tons and tons of apples! Family, music, hockey, farming, his community and tinkering in his workshop were the great loves of Roger’s life. He had a kind and gentle nature and was able to strike up a conversation with almost anyone at any time. He had a huge, open heart and never hesitated to step up to help others when the situation arose. In the past three years, Roger was assisted by a number of special doctors, nurses and staff members in the Rocky Mountain House Nursing home, the Drumheller Nursing home but most importantly the Centennial Center in Ponoka. To the hard working staff of the Horizon House pod who took such good care of him when no one else could, your patience, expertise and sense of humour in helping Dementia/Alzheimer patients through their journeys is humbling and inspiring. Thank you for the difficult and often thankless work you do. A special thank you to the ER staff of the Ponoka Hospital who helped Roger through the last hours of his life. Your concern and efforts to keep him comfortable and a priority during a very busy Friday night was overwhelming and appreciated more than you’ll ever know. A celebration of Roger’s life will take place Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. from the Delia & District Community Centre. Courtney Winters Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements (403 823 2666).
