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Death notice

July 5, 1954 – March 26, 2024

Seattle — It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Gary Richard Pearson at the age of 69, on March 26, 2024, in Seattle, Washington.

Gary was born on July 5, 1954, to James and Virginia Pearson in Rapid City, South Dakota. He graduated from Cheney High School and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, reaching the rank of Seaman Apprentice and serving in the USCG Honor Guard. Shortly after completing his training, he was in a car crash that left him a quadriplegic. Gary went on to tutor at local elementary schools, earning the Washington State PTA Golden Acorn Award, and was a lifelong advocate for veterans and their families, volunteering for the NW Chapter of the PVA, serving as its president for many years. An avid NW sports fan, he also loved experiencing extreme sports including scuba sky diving.

Surviving family include his sons, Matt and Jesse; mother, Virginia, and husband, Paul; brother, Larry and wife, Mindy; sister, Julie and husband, Kelly; nephews, Dillon and Chris; and a legion of close friends across the country.

A memorial will be held at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington, on June 7, 2024, at 11:15 AM. A reception will follow at the Holiday Inn Express in Cheney. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fisher House Foundation.