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William “Bill” Manney Pearson, age 91, of Grand Rapids, passed away on January 30, 2018 at Heather Hills Retirement Village. The son of Carl & Olive (Erikson) Pearson, he was born on November 30, 1926 in Mancelona.
Bill was preceded in death by his son, Mark; and his parents. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, David, Carl, and Ruta; grandchildren, Eric (Alisa), Andrea (Kevin), Alexander, Christopher, Victoria, Cailee (Zach), and Laura; great-grandchildren, Cole, James, and Cara; as well as daughters-in law, Gena, Sandy, and Linda.
William was a proud U.S. Army Veteran serving during WWII. He earned his degree in engineering from Michigan State University. During his successful career in real estate he founded Pearson-Cook Realtors, and was a past President of the Grand Rapids Board of Realtors. He conducted his business and personal life with integrity, compassion, and good old hard work.
Bill’s intellectual interests and hobbies were abundant. He was a meticulous carpenter, aspiring architect, licensed pilot, motorcycle enthusiast, photographer and dark room expert, builder and daring pilot of Ultralite aircraft, and boater. He loved to travel and experience the world. He would often captivate family and friends with his stories of visiting Sweden with his grandchildren, cruising the Panama Canal onboard a cargo ship, and visiting every corner of the US in his RV. Bill was a passionate student of many subjects and enjoyed a lively conversation on religion, history, astronomy, politics, financial markets, business and even the strategy on how best to win a game of checkers.
Bill will be remembered as a kind-hearted, charming, and passionate father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His mischievous little smile will always be missed. He and his family wish to thank all of the staff and residents at Heather Hills Retirement Village for their friendship and support.
A memorial service will take place at a later date.
Honoring his wishes cremation will take place. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign William’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids. An exclusive provider of Veteran’s Funeral Care.
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Bill was my initial trainer and mentor in the business world. He had a most appreciated, unique perspective on all aspects of life.
Bill was my first Real Estate Broker. He was a great mentor and had a unique way about him which I always appreciated. He gave many of us an excellent real estate education and let us now how “it should be done”. To this day I recall some of his instructions. I have fond memories of Bill. I’m sure he will be missed greatly by the “old” real estate community.
We have several memories of Bill, but 1 special one was in 1983. Bill took us for a plane ride over the west end of the Grand Canyon, we were in Las Vegas for the NAR convention.