Richard Hugh Pearce

Richard, who was always called Dick, was born on April 30, 1924 in London, Ontario, son of Rex and Sadie Pearce. He was the eldest of four siblings, predeceased by Betty, Barbara and Alan. He had three sons with his first wife Susan Elizabeth Campbell (deceased), Cam from Vancouver, Tom (from Paris, France – deceased), and David (from Vancouver – deceased).

He married his second wife, Joyce May Mathieson (deceased) in 1972. They loved their home on a forested lot in North Vancouver surrounded by a beautiful garden of native British Columbia plants with a mountain stream running through. After Joyce died, following a year of living alone, Dick moved to Tapestry at Arbutus Walk, an independent living residence, where he derived much enjoyment from meeting and socializing with new friends.

Dick went to high school in Kitchener, Ontario, graduated from University of Western Ontario (London) and earned a PhD in Biochemistry at Yale (New Haven, USA).

His research career took him to Chalk River, Ontario, University of Western Ontario in London, and most recently the Department of Pathology at the University of British Columbia. His research at UBC was done in collaboration with his wife, Joyce, and focussed on the anatomic location of several chemical components of human dermis and the related changes in composition with ageing. He later continued similar studies on human intervertebral discs. This work resulted in publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at meetings of scientists. He had to retire at age 65 according to his UBC contract, but he continued his research for a few more years as a volunteer.

His life was filled with many interests beyond his work. He was a long-time member of Kitsilano Yacht Club, becoming a life member, and racing his Lightning Dinghies until his mid-eighties (originally as skipper, and later as crew with his son, Cam). He and Joyce were also long-time subscribers to performances of the Vancouver Opera Association. He had a lifelong interest in the natural world, enjoying flora photography and volunteering for the North Shore Streamkeepers.

Dick had great affection for his family:

Cam and Gail Pearce (Vancouver)

Jacqueline Pearce and Steve MacIntyre (Vancouver)

Iris MacIntyre

Urban MacIntyre

Trevor Pearce and Elise Berman (Charlotte, North Carolina)

Asa Pearce

Tovin Pearce

Kedem Pearce

Tom Pearce - deceased and Brigitte Mazères (Paris, France)

Sarah Pearce (Paris, France)

David Pearce - deceased (Vancouver)

Dick enjoyed all the activities in which he participated and had a mischievous sense of humour. He is sorely missed by his friends and relatives.