Donald Roy Pearson, 77

Our world has lost the sound of booming laughter.

Donald Roy Pearson passed on March 4, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

Don was born in Belvidere Ill., on August 6, 1936, to Samuel LeRoy Pearson and Marie Lillian Brown.

A good looking rascal from the very start, Don engaged in life to the fullest - he lettered in football, basketball and baseball, and was crowned homecoming king. Don enjoyed multiple professions during his life - ranging from tavern owner to general contractor, but he retired from GTE as a General Office Equipment Installer. This profession allowed Don, and his wife Patti, to travel extensively throughout the northwest making many friends along the way. Fishing and camping were a large part of their life. In fact, Don and Patti were members of the Post Falls Eagles Camper Club.

Fish trembled when Don put his hook in the water and the stories of the one that got away, well that is for another time. He was founding member of Jolly Dolly Days, an annual fishing tournament on Lake Pend Oreille, and a founding member of the Maverick Yacht Club. Don was also proud to be a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Don enjoyed building beautiful creations with wood, from rocking horses to bird houses, and even full house construction. He had an absolute joy for life, with a permanent twinkle in his eye. Good friends, good food and good times. And a prank here or there.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Marie Pearson, and stepson, Steven Hodge. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Patricia Pearson; son, Samuel Pearson; daughters: Kimberly (Nabil) Abouriche, and Leta Pearson; stepchildren: Charles (Peggy) Hodge, Robert (Marie) Hodge, David (Kerry) Hodge, and Sharon (Vic) Mitchell; sister, Donna (Mike) Austin; as well as grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list, but not forgotten.

An avid John Wayne fan with the same philosophy of life, he even had a dog named Duke, she was a great dog ... yes, Duke was a girl. In the words of John Wayne, "God, how I hate solemn funerals. When I die, take me into a room and burn me. Then my family and a few good friends should get together, have a few good belts, and talk about the crazy old time we all had together."

In lieu of a funeral service, a Celebration Of Life will be held this summer when the days are long and the wind is warm. All the better for sharing stories. We hope to see you there. Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Donald’s online memorial at belltowerfuneralhome.com