David Nels Pearson

David Nels Pearson passed away at the age of 76 with his family and friends by his side on

November 18, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. Dave was born in Mt. Vernon,

Washington, the second son of Nels and Clara Pearson, on April 28, 1938. He graduated from Twin

City High School, in Stanwood, Washington. During his teenage and young adult years he was active

with KYB (Know Your Bible) youth group at the Mission Church of Marysville. Later, Dave received

B.A. degrees in Bible and Theology from Northwest University, and became an ordained minister with

the Assemblies of God.

Dave began his career as a minister in 1966 serving as senior pastor of four churches in Washington:

Marblemount, Silverdale, Fairwood in Renton, and Lake Stevens. He then worked in Men’s Ministries

and as Business Administrator at Bethany Christian Assembly in Everett until his retirement after

nearly 40 years of full-time ministry. Dave served on the boards of Northwest University Alumni

Assoc., NW Ministry Network Home Missions, Teen Challenge, and Cedar Springs Camp. Dave was

a volunteer chaplain of Lake Stevens Fire Dept.

He loved teaching, sharing his faith, and mentoring others – not just in his pastoral duties but as he

and Glenice moved into their retirement years. He taught Sunday School, led Bible studies, and

volunteered in the churches they attended in Renton (Renton Assembly), Everett (Bethany Christian

Assembly) and Arizona (Christ’s Church of the Valley). Dave and Glenice enjoyed hosting many

family and friends at their home in Surprise, Arizona near the Seattle Mariners spring training facility.

Dave’s love of sports was evident by what he watched and played. He was a great competitor in

basketball, softball and all racket sports; especially ping pong. His fun-loving and competitive spirit

spilled over into board games like Sequence, Scrabble and Flinch. He was a Sudoku master.

Gathering with friends and family to play and share life was essential to Dave. Coming from a large

family this was second nature. Holidays were spent in celebration with his extended family as well,

and over the years, traditions such as the huge cousin reunions became a highlight to his life.

Dave was an accomplished builder of homes and churches. He often drew the architectural plans and

was the general contractor on homes and major remodeling projects. He was in his element with a

tool belt on, a hammer in his hand and a bible nearby.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Glenice, son Brian (Roxanne) Pearson of Bothell, and

daughter Brenda (Loran) Lichty of Maple Valley, five grandchildren Jared, Joel and Julia Pearson;

Drew and Brooke Lichty; and four siblings Allen (Bonnie) Pearson of Omak, WA., Marlene (Willis)

Dudley of Everett, WA, Dean (Diana) Pearson of Marysville, WA., and Gloria (Grant) Kavlie of

Phoenix, AZ.

Memorial service: Saturday, November 29, 1:00 pm at Bethany Christian Assembly (BCA), 2715

Everett Avenue, Everett, WA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to BCA Missions, BCA

Compassion Ministries, or the charity of your choice.