Our hearts are saddened to announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. David Brent Pearson passed away at home on June 8, 2023. His health had been failing for several years.

Dave was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 11, 1945. He grew up in Salt Lake, Reno, and Boise. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Forestry, although he ended up pursuing a career as an aerospace quality engineer for Hercules and then at ATK.

After graduating from college, Dave was drafted into the army and spent a hellish year in the jungles of Vietnam. He returned home with two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and an Army Commendation Medal. His fellow soldiers considered him a hero, and he was recognized for his service in Vietnam at a ceremony at Ft. Benning, Georgia in 2003. This all came at a high cost. Dave had PTSD and suffered from emotional trauma that few can understand. He smoked his first cigarette on the flight to Vietnam, a habit he fought for the remainder of his life. He spent many years using alcohol to cope. We were all incredibly proud of him when he chose to go through rehab in 2005. He had nearly 18 years of sobriety and was a proud member of AA. In 1999, Dave was able to reconnect with many of his comrades from Vietnam. This continued interaction brought him much-needed peace and healing.

Dave married his sweetheart Christine Walker on November 21, 1970. They made their home in Salt Lake City. They were blessed with two daughters, Kerry in 1975 and Marcy in 1977, and later welcomed two sons-in-law, Jeff McMullin and Jeff Stott. "The Jeffs" were like sons to him and were always there when he needed them. Dave's grandkids, Ellie, Sam, Noah, Carter, Lizzy, Leah, and Joey, had him wrapped around their fingers and brought out his soft side. His family was the highlight of his life, and he was very proud of them all.

Dave enjoyed golf, woodworking, boating with his family, hunting, fishing, and maintaining a beautiful home and yard. He had an insatiable sweet tooth and especially liked chocolate. He loved dogs and had a canine companion throughout his life. We wouldn't be surprised if his border collie Maggie greeted him on the other side with her tennis ball.

Dave is survived by his wife Chris, daughters Kerry McMullin (Jeff) and Marcy Stott (Jeff), seven grandchildren, and his sister Kathy Mabey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Jane Pearson, his brother Jerry Pearson, and his sister Carolyn Schick.

With gratitude, we would like to recognize the VA Hospital, where Dave received many hours of medical care and mental health counseling.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park at Camp Williams, in the Sunset Chapel, at 12:15 pm on Friday, June 30th. A luncheon will follow at the stake center located at 8150 South Grizzly Way in West Jordan at approximately 2:30 pm. All friends and family are welcome.