Dwain J Pearson

Bountiful/Richfield, Utah - Dwain John Pearson, age 96 of Bountiful, died June 29, 2008 at his home in Bountiful. He was born June 24, 1912, to John Rikard and Elizabeth Dobson in Richfield, Utah. His first four years were spent living in a cabin in Cottonwood canyon, four miles south of Marysvale, Utah. Dwain attended Utah State Agricultural College and graduated in 1934 with honors and the distinction of being the first student from Marysvale, Utah to graduate from college. He was president of Alpha Zeta, the National Honorary Agricultural Fraternity; a member of the Scholastic Fraternity, Phi Kappa Phi and a Danforth Scholar. He went onto work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for nine years. Dwain married Olive Ogden on September 5, 1934 in the Salt Lake Temple, sharing 67 years together. He will always be remembered for the sweet and tender love affair he and Olive shared. In 1943 he returned to Richfield and joined his brother, Marden in the establishment of a lumber business that eventually grew to be the largest in the state of Utah. Although he claimed to be only a small businessman from a small town, he became a moving force for over 50 years in Utah and the Intermountain West in a variety of businesses. Dwain was the president of Ideal National Insurance Company. He developed and operated many hotels and restaurants including Travelodge, Hilton and Embassy Suites. Among his many civic duties was his service on the Development Board for LDS Hospital and his position on the Board of Governors for the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. He was a visionary man, a tremendous leader and dedicated his time and energy to countless other business responsibilities without the need for recognition. Dwain was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, holding the position of Bishop and was a member of the Stake Presidency. He was active in the Church missionary program and was tirelessly involved in Temple Work in his retirement years. His entire life was dedicated to Church service and his family. Dwain always said, “Family is everything.” He was a true example of love and a servant to all in need. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Alaiff and Marden, his wife, Olive, and daughter Carolin. He is survived in death by his 6 children: Diane (Charles) Mackey, Rikard (Shanna) Pearson, Randy (Linda) Pearson, Mary Kay (Clair) Carling, Clark (Jami) Pearson and Patrice Erickson, and foster daughters Garnet Johnson and Teresa Hernandez, 37 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren; a brother, Raynal (Maridell) Pearson. “Dad, you have blessed our lives with your example and we are grateful you are with your sweetheart again.” Funeral services will be held Wednesday July 2, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. in the Bountiful 28th LDS Ward Chapel located at 2285 South 200 West, Bountiful, where friends may call for viewing Wednesday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Graveside services and interment will be in the Richfield City Cemetery on Thursday July 3, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnison, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund.