STANDISH – On Oct. 20, 2009, Michael Ivar Pearson, 46, passed away after his courageous 15-year battle with brain cancer. His wife, Betsy, was by his side and their family was around them. Michael was born July 31, 1963. He grew up in Athens and graduated from Madison High School in 1981. Michael joined the Maine State Police as a trooper in 1989 and proudly served in the Southern Maine Region. During his career as a trooper he was a member of the K-9 team, the traffic division and commercial vehicle unit. He also belonged to the neighborhood watch program and taught defensive driving. For a short time after retiring as a trooper, Michael was employed by SAD 6 school bus department as a bus driver. He married his wife, Betsy, Oct. 10, 1992. Michael’s favorite times were spent with Betsy and they lived and loved like there was no tomorrow. They were the love of each other’s life and enjoyed every moment together. Everyone who knew them will tell you they set the example for soul mates and the perfect love. Michael enjoyed sailing, camping and woodworking. He always looked forward to his annual hunting trip with his brothers. His greatest joys were sailing catamarans in the Caribbean, spending time at Moosehead Lake and flying with his brother, Jerry. He enjoyed watching the Yankees and the Cowboys and took a lot of harassment for this. Michael and Betsy have many wonderful friends who love them and Michael always looked forward to their time spent with them. Along with his wife, Betsy, he is survived by a large family: his mother, Betty Grant of Hartland; father and stepmother, Ivar and Fran Pearson of Madison; his brothers and sisters, Susan and Alex McDonald, Jerry and Deb Pearson, Mark and Becky Pearson, Alan and Alice Pearson; many nieces and nephews; and his wife’s family, Barry and Sue Jenkins, Wendy and Dick Phillips and John Emery. Michael leaves us with sorrow in our hearts, laughter in our souls, and pride for having known and loved such a brave and wonderful man. Throughout his 15-year battle with cancer, Michael exhibited strength and determination to survive. A celebration of his life will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at First Congregational Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Road, New Gloucester, with the Rev. Linda Gard officiating. A private burial will be held at Lower Gloucester Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to eHope Foundation, P.O. Box 7794, Portland, ME 04112. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan.
MICHAEL IVAR PEARSON
