Obituary: Allan Pearson

Allan Pearson of Big Sandy, passed away April 5, 2017.

Allan was born Oct. 4, 1931 to Lloyd and Myrtle Pearson in Big Sandy, Montana. He was raised on his family's farm west of Big Sandy, and attended grade school at Mountainview School on the Kennilworth prarie. He attended Big Sandy High School and graduated with the class of 1949.

In 1952, he married Shirley Johnson, and two years later began farming. Farming became his life, and a few years later he started a custom spraying business where he provided spraying services to his neighbors and others. In 2007 he became an armchair farmer, continuing to direct the farm from the comfort of his recliner.

Allan's other passion in life was sports. He participated in football and basketball during his high school years. He then went on to play softball, and pitched until he was 58 years old. His love for sports was shared with the community as undying support for his Pioneers. Many athletes have memories of Allan shuttling them to events in his nine-seat station wagon, and cheering them on from the sidelines. He never missed his children's or grandchildren's games and traveled across the country to watch them play in college. He cheered on his great-grandkids playing soccer and loved to watch videos of them playing football and practicing gymnastics. He enjoyed talking sports with friends and family, and spent many evenings running through play by plays of the games. Holiday get-togethers at the Pearson house always included a game of pinochle.

Allan and Shirley enjoyed travel and took many trips across the United States and Canada. Their grandchildren still fondly remember a trip to the Calgary Stampede and the shenanigans that occurred. They traveled to many Dixieland Jazz festivals and Polkafests. Some Friday nights, you could catch a glimpse of Allan and Shirley shuffling across the dance floor to a recording of the Big Joe Polka Show.

Allan was also an avid hunter and fisherman. He traveled to the coast to salmon fish, and his moose can still be seen in Pep's.

Allan is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Myrtle Pearson, and his daughter Kathy Ann Pearson.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his sons, Roger (Karolee), Ronald (Gay), Randy and Robin (Cinda); and daughter, Alandra (Bill) Hill; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Big Sandy, Montana, Tuesday, April 11, at 11 a.m. Viewing will take place at 10 a.m.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Big Sandy Senior Center, Big Sandy Medical Center, Christ Lutheran Church or the Big Sandy Booster Club.