Was thinking about you last night and then this picture popped up this morning when we dressed as Batman and Robin. It still makes me laugh.  

Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my good friend Eric. He is so very much missed. Life has never been the same without him. Today I am going to fly the drone that was given to me weeks before he passed. Love you brother!

I’ve never met Eric but I found a memorial photo from him on the street, it’s a picture of Jesus and the sheep, it’s been 2 years and I still have, I decided to look him up after a while and found out that he went to the high school I’m currently attending, he may have gone to school with my mom, and he shared a birthday with my brother, it’s funny how life works.

Eric was the best uncle in the world. he was funny, kind, helpful, and caring. he took good care of his wife and kids and of course maggie (their dog). he took care of his wonderful mom when she needed help.

Eric carried himself with such grace and kindness. He left an authentic example of what a leader should be, especially how he treated others. He was so personable and approachable. I was always amazed how he remembered my name each time we passed each other in a hall or shared an elevator at IHG.  Eric,  you will be greatly missed and I will always be grateful that I knew you.  To his family and friends, I am so very sorry for your loss and wish you peace and comfort. 

Charlene Woolley
Former IHG worker 

Eric was an amazing person. He invested so much passion and energy into everything he did. He was a fabulous leader, always challenging the norm, never afraid to take a risk but also someone who had your back. I feel very fortunate to have known him and to have learnt from him. Deep condolences to Kelly, Spencer and Jacob. 
RIP Eric.

Kelly, Spencer and Jacob, 

I was very sorry to hear about Eric's passing.  He and I worked together at IBM for the first few years of our careers, and I enjoyed my periodic visits with him over the past 20+ years on the phone, or in my periodic trips to Atlanta.  

Eric brought a rare combination of energy, enthusiasm and intelligence to the workplace, and I'm confident he was an amazing father and husband.  

He was truly an inspiration in many ways. 

I'm deeply sorry for your loss. 

Sincerely, 

David Friedersdorf





 My deepest love and condolences to Eric's family.  The world has lost a rare, beautiful, bright light that is going to be missed terribly.  Eric and I went to high school together in Titusville and even back then he demonstrated the energy, leadership, humor and kindness that those who worked with him have expressed.  There is a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt that comes to mind:  "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart".    We hadn't seen each other in quite some time but I was always confident that the next time we saw each other, we would give each other a big hug,  have a good chuckle reminiscing about our high school shenanigans, and then devote most of our time sharing stories about our families.    That's the kind of friend Eric was and I am blessed to have the memories of his friendship and his footprints in my heart.   Praying that precious memories will bring comfort and peace to his family during this difficult time.

Like the rest of you, I am in disbelief - he was far too young to leave this world yet accomplished so much.  I met Eric in the 90’s when I was an owner’s rep and he was in charge of this “new” revenue channel called “eCommerce”.   We all felt like we were slaying dragons together against the OTAs back when the internet was literally Midievil.   If I had to describe him in one word I’d call him a pioneer or perhaps a maverick.   He was never afraid to try new things and stand behind his convictions; making the industry a better place.  He was a leader amongst the brands and IHG was truly blessed to have him in their corner.   I can’t imagine the loss (first and foremost)  his wife and children must feel - I am truly sorry for your loss; may God give you courage and strength to make it through this time.  For those of you that worked with him directly and were fortunate to also be his friend- I know you must feel a void that can’t be filled.   He was your fearless leader and I am truly sorry for your loss.  You were blessed to have learned from the best and continuing on his journey will be a way to honor him.   He will always live on through his children and your work.   God bless all of you. 

 There are truly no words to express the pain of this loss. I am truly grieved. Eric‘s life was such a bright light to me and so many others. I will never forget the last conversation he and I had before I left IHG in May. He was such a sweet soul and will forever be missed.  PLUS he was the only man I knew who was brave enough to ride the Joker chaos coaster at Six Flags.  With lots of love and PRAYERS....Debbie

I am so sad to hear about Eric’s passing.
He was one of the most charismatic executives I have ever worked with and his passion and enthusiasm for E commerce was wildly infectious.
Eric was an excellent orator and a great motivator making even the most cynical believe!
It was an incredible honor and privilege to have Eric as a member of my leadership team and I will cherish my memories of partnering  with him in the early days of E commerce at IHG.  My sincere condolences to Eric's Family — Ravi Saligram


I am so saddened by the loss of Eric.  He was an inspirational, fun, humble leader- and we valued his friendship and partnership immensely.  As a new employee to IHG,  Eric was one of the first people I met in Atlanta- and it was obvious that he was someone who built strong followership; people wanted to work for him.  He talked about his company, his family and his team with such energy and passion, it was contagious.  And the more I got to know him, I came to appreciate him in many other ways.  He was generous with his time, and as a peer I saw him as someone who wanted to work as a partner, to build great things, and to create a broader community of passionate people.  
He was so proud of his family, and he talked a lot about the lake and how he enjoyed having the house full of people- he always emphasized the word "full".  
He was very proud of his boys, and frequently mentioned how supportive Kelly was, and how she enabled his success.  I hope as a family you know how often you were on his mind.
Most of all, I will miss his humor.  I was able to travel with Eric quite a bit, and there were so many times he made me laugh until I cried- he just loved to enjoy every moment.  Some people just let life happen to them- some make things happen for themselves and for others.  Eric was that "enjoy every moment" person and will be missed by all of us who had the pleasure to know him.

It was our honor to have worked with Eric. We are saddened by his loss, and moved by his memory. Eric leaves many legacies, but one of his enduring legacies will be his remarkable ability as a leader. It is impossible to be a leader if you have no followers. Eric generated a legion of followers. Eric inspired people; he educated people; he gave people the gift of confidence. From Eric’s vantage point, leadership was not about commanding people, but about helping people to be better than they thought they could be.  Eric’s brand of leadership was about encouraging, and convincing people to do the right thing, while empowering them to know what is the right thing, unlocking their potential along the way. Eric never made excuses; he motivated for excellence. Eric helped us all to be better today than yesterday, and better tomorrow than today. Eric was decent, conscientious, principled, and good. We miss him. His memory will continue to be an inspiration.




I knew Eric from working together on several business engagements.  His leadership and support of IHG and his team were noteworthy as was his passion and excitement in supporting everyone to be successful with their work.  My favorite memories of Eric, however, were from the times we spent together on the Techbridge judging panel where we awarded a non-profit organization a cash and services gift to help with their technology needs.  Eric was one of the most engaged judges on the panel.  He always showed great compassion for all of the finalists including working with the other business leaders in the room to find solutions to help every finalist regardless of whether they were selected for the final award.  We knew we could always count on Eric to bring innovative ideas and lively discussion to serve the interests of others in need.

Eric always spoke very highly of his wife, Kelly, and his two sons. He was a proud dad and we would share stories about our children whenever we would connect. I know he is very loved and will be deeply missed. 

It is hard to believe that such a force of life is no longer with us.   I will miss Eric greatly. I’ll remember playing b-ball and football  with the boys, he was a hell of a passer and made those on his team better with his positive energy; trying to master wake surfing with his typical encouragement, fist bumps and high fives; being royally entertained with his outdoor theatre on the dock, in typical Eric fashion he wanted to make sure everyone had an over the top experience;  or the laughs when we went out to play pool, cards or have dinner as couples, Eric always had  our stomachs hurting from laughing  by the end of the night.    I always looked forward to getting together with the Pearsons.  It was a great source of joy in my life and left me wanting to be better.  You will be sorely missed my friend!  

Mel

During my first week at the University of Central Florida  I went to a fraternity rush party for TKE. I was wondering around when Eric approached me and introduce himself as a fraternity officer. He was sincerely interested to learn everything about me. He then elaborated about how I was going to join this fraternity and he would look out for me and be my big brother in the process. Eric continued to treat me this way until the day he passed. My life as a professional, a husband, a father, and a general person would not be nearly what it is without Eric. 

Eric is the most consistent person I ever met. His positive outlook, enthusiasm, and love for life was something you could rely on with every encounter. All memories of Eric contain that glow in his eyes and smile on his face that soon led to laughter.  I believe that God needed Eric’s talent and skills elsewhere for a greater cause. He will forever be missed but a piece of Eric  lives in us all.

There are no words to describe how grief stricken I am for the entire family over the loss of Eric.  The family is a huge part of my fond memories from growing up in Titusville and the loss of another member is truly sad. I will pray for God to watch over all of you and guide you through the darkness.  Please find comfort in each other and the legacy he has left behind. 

In summary I am speechless, Eric was bigger than life, his presence would change the light in the room makes everything brighter and take everyone to a place where everything is possible and fun.

Thinking of the next move in chess step Eric was always on move ten and you need to catch up.

A great human than we all have lost


As a lifelong family friend of the Pearson's, I only knew Eric as a boy, never as the fine man that his friends and family portray him.    Words can never assuage the grief that his loved ones feel at this time, but memories bring smiles, and Eric left many smiles.  My prayers and best wishes to all who mourn his passing.

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Eric early in the 2000s while working on the IHG account.  I am truly saddened to hear this news.  Multiple people have already outlined what a wonderful individual Eric was, I can't say it any better.  His respect for people, his kindness and his ability to remember us all are things I take from knowing him.  My sincere condolences to Eric's family, thoughts with the extended IHG family.  He is in a good place with God for the wonderful person that he was and how he made this world a better place.  

Early in my Professional journey, Eric advised that I should choose to ‘fail often…but fail cheaply’.  He challenged my business to be transformative, create unheard of outcomes, try things before they were ready… enabling break thru solutions.  I’m sure my business experience with Eric carried all the same hallmarks of his appetite for innovation, high goals, commitment and follow-through to all of his family, friends, colleagues, community members, teams and associates.  We have all benefited from his inspirations and will miss him deeply.

I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you the strength. My most sincere condolences.

Eric was my cousin on my father's side. I lived in his mother's home when he was just 5 and to this date, more than four decades ago, I can still see his smile, feel his vitality, experience his embrace. I know him most as a devoted and doting son to his mother, Sonia,  and a most wonderful brother, father, husband and uncle. His love of life was evident in everything he did. His generosity was legendary. My closest memory of such giving person was a few years ago, when my sister and I accompanied his mother to Europe to meet long-lost relatives and trace back our family tree. He was lavish in his care for his mother (and us!) and constantly attentive and resourceful to her needs to the outmost extent. He will be missed on earth but  the heavens have a new angel.

I could spend all day extolling Eric's virtues and what he meant to me. He was my boss, he was a great leader, he was a friend; in fact he was everyone's friend. His energy was limitless, and he really came into his element when he was with his team. He was a hard taskmaster, yet pursued everything with such zeal and passion, always laced with a large dose of humanity and empathy. He was a great admirer (and practitioner) of excellence, and a consummate showman, through and through. His presentation style  was electric, and he used his great oratory skills and sense of theater to devastating effect! A day before he passed, he found the time, presence of mind, and the energy to message me to wish us Merry Christmas. I will treasure that message for as long as I live. I cannot even begin to imagine the loss his premature departure must mean to Kelly, Jacob & Spencer. May they find the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. He always lived in the moment, for the moment. It is little wonder then, that his motto in life was "Carpe Diem". I have little doubt he is saying the same thing in heaven right now. Rest in Peace Eric. You changed so many lives - all for the better. We are fortunate that you were a part of ours.

My favorite memory of Eric Pearson occurred at one of his many memorable themed Town Halls at the Intercontinental Buckhead.  We sat for lunch and the table was full except for the seat on my right. Suddenly the table became quiet and I heard a voice ask, "Is this seat taken?" I turn, see Eric standing there and said, "No, please sit!" Eric immediately engaged everyone at the table and as the discussion continued, I brought up going to Disney. At the time, the Magic Bands were new and I told him they were delivered to the house. He was excited we were going on the trip and discussed at length the technology behind the Magic Bands.  No surprise considering he worked for Disney!

Eric embodied approachability, leadership and a larger than life persona. He will be missed greatly on many levels.  May he rest in peace.

Having known and seen Eric for years I know what a tragic loss this is.  His energy and attitude will never be forgotten.   Such a sad thing to realize that this person was taken from us, and at such an early age.  Rest in peace Eric and realize the world was better because of your presence.  

Our condolences to the Family, Friends and Colleagues of Eric.

A powerful mentor, and just a real person. A man that was selfless, always thought of others yet demanding to ensure people were successful at work and in life. 

He will be missed in person, never forgotten in spirit, and always will be thought of when we make decisions in our lives.  

He is at peace. Peace is a  blessing. 

May he rest in peace. 

Kevin

I did not know Eric very much but I bumped into him in the IHG elevator, in the Three Ravinia parking garage and one time at a concert at the Gwinnett arena. Eric always asked me how I was doing and how my familly was doing and he always remembered our last conversation no matter how long it was since we last talked. His energy and radiant smile was contagious. 2 mn with Eric will pump you up for 6 months! Eric trully cared and was selfless. I remember the time when Atlanta was shut down because of 2” of snow.  He was the only IHG executive who stayed with the folks who were trapped overnight at the office and from what I heard it looks like Eric made sure folks had some fun! My sincere condolences to the family. Your husband, dad was a special person....one in a million. He  impacted me and many others.
Eric Nicolas

To Kelly and Spencer and Jacob and family, we send our sincere condolences and prayers of comfort and peace.  You all remain our hearts and prayers.  May Eric rest in eternal peace.  With much love, the Wright Family. 

My condolences to all of Eric's family and friends. Over years of working with him in one way or another,  he exuded enthusiasm, courage and honor- but most of all a love for his wife and boys. I can't think of a time when he told a story that he didn't weave them into it! I will be praying for you in your time of grief, knowing he is honored by you all.

Leader, Smart, Dynamic, Caring, Passionate, Family Man, Relatable, Humble, Great sense of humor,   These are just some of Eric's amazing qualities.  I was always impressed how Eric could captivate a large audience, then immediately pivot to make things personal with all those around him.  When Eric would always say that you can forget about what someone said or did, but you'll never forget about how they made you feel - this wasn't just a tagline, Eric walked the walk everyday in his personal interactions.  No matter what the work issue was, he would always ask for my family.   Need to plan an executive briefing where Eric would be asked to provide a 30-minute overview on the business?  No problem, Eric would do that in his sleep on the fly!  I never saw anything like it!   Much will be said about how Eric was a one-of-a-kind brilliant dynamic leader at work.  He had my sincere respect for that.  But what made Eric such an amazing person was to listen to how he glowed about Kelly and their sons, and how he had such a terrific sense of humor.  He even owned up to a dinner bet one time when our college alma matters played against each other in football, and wore my hat to the restaurant.  But true to Eric's sense of humor, he made sure he and Kelly arrived 15 minutes before my wife and I, so that he could be sure to strategically place UCF cards throughout our menus, and on the table.  I'll miss you Eric; and much love and strength to Kelly, Spencer, and Jacob.

Such a great leader who treated you with respect and kindness.  He always took time to speak to you one on one, like a friend.  I remember when he was introduced as the new executive for the Sales and Marketing Team and walked into the White Night Party in a Black outfit.  Always a standout, such courage and a great sense of humor!  Condolences and prayers for his family are shared today.

OBITUARY

Eric Edward Pearson

2 November, 1965 – 26 December, 2018

Sandy Springs Chapel

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