LeRoy Pearson died Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Kindred Health Care - Aspen Park in Moscow. He was 70.
LeRoy Marvin Pearson was born Sept. 9, 1943, in Tacoma, to Dorothy York-Pearson and Victor Pearson. The family moved to Idaho while LeRoy was still young. LeRoy attended schools in Bovill and Deary. He left school after the ninth grade and worked odd jobs with his brother-in-law. He later worked as a laborer for the Jain family. LeRoy joined the U.S. Army National Guard and served for approximately eight years. He lived in Troy and worked for Idaho Cedar Sales. He began as a laborer and eventually became a manager. During this time, he also became a licensed emergency medical technician and served on the Troy Volunteer Fire Department. When he left Idaho Cedar Sales, he worked for Bob Shook Logging as a sawyer. LeRoy was working for Zimmerman Logging as a sawyer at the time he was injured when he was hit by a snag.
LeRoy married Kathy Springer in 1966. They were divorced in 1967. He married Connie Ekstedt in 1970. The couple made their home in Troy with Connie's son, Kevin J. Ekstedt. LeRoy loved and raised Kevin as his own. LeRoy and Connie divorced in 1986.
Before LeRoy was injured, he enjoyed hunting and helping his friends. He was a self-taught electrician, mechanic, plumber and all-around handyman. He was always willing to help anyone who asked and was often the first person called when something broke. LeRoy remained especially close to his sister June and his brother Dale. LeRoy, Connie and Kevin spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with June's family most years. While he was working as a sawyer, LeRoy occasionally tended bar for his sister June. He knew how to keep the stools full.
In recent years, LeRoy became an avid collector of classic model cars. He repeatedly declared that all of the cars would belong to his grandson Tylor upon his death. LeRoy also enjoyed watching Gonzaga basketball and Seahawks football. About the only person who could call LeRoy during a Gonzaga game was his brother Dale. They would stay on the phone the whole game so that they could watch together.
LeRoy had a handful of people who looked out for him after his injury. Special thanks go to Fred and Zeta Winter, Jake Beyer, Kenny Hart (may he rest in peace), Kenleigh Uhlir, Bob Kellom and Howard Averill. Our sincerest apologies if we've forgotten anyone.
LeRoy is survived by his son and family, Kevin Ekstedt-Pearson and LaRae Pearson, MaKayla Pearson, and Tylor Pearson of Troy; his brothers and sisters, June White of Moscow, Dale Pearson and Carolyn of Kendrick, Betty Law and Don of Post Falls, Monty Pearson and Judy of Deerfield, Wis., Jean Snyder and Doug of Hereford, Ariz., Marilyn Scott of Madras, Ore., Harold Pearson and Alice of Louisville, Ky., Eileen Mulholland of Madras, Ore., and John Pearson and Terry of Moscow. LeRoy leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews as well.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Dorothy Pearson; his sister, Dorothy Ann Sanderson; his brother, Victor Franklin Pearson; and infant sister, Helen Marie Pearson.
Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow has been entrusted with arrangements, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.
