Spencer Kimball Pearson's Obituary
Spencer Kimball Pearson, 39, of West Valley City, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2017.
Spencer’s arrival into this world was preceded by feelings of foreboding about his delivery. Nevertheless, his parents, Jeff and Marie Pearson, loved him even before his birth, and welcomed him into their home. On September 14, 1977 Spencer presented as a “blue baby.”
As his first years unrolled, the vague six-month diagnosis, “handicapped,” took on meaning. It meant many visits to specialists, doctors, therapists and an intensive home program called “patterning” which involved numerous volunteers. Hartvigsen School provided daytime activities and progress until he turned 22, at which time he graduated to attendance at the Work Activity Center. Spencer really enjoyed interacting with the participants and staff at these programs. His happiest interaction was to grab people’s wrists and clap their hands together to play patty cake. A strong grip and the “longest reach in the West” enabled him to grab a handful of bread from the sacrament tray, and snatch a burger from the tray of an unsuspecting McDonald’s customer. Spencer’s mission was to reach out to and love those around him. His parents and siblings were especially blessed by his patience and kindness, and they benefitted from opportunities to serve him. For almost two years Spencer was cared for by loving and competent staff at Woodland Park Care Center. Immediate family members mourn his passing: Parents – Jeffrey and Marie Pearson, and siblings and spouses - Jeffrey (Kaylyn) Pearson, Sarah (Daniel) Brock, David (Melissa) Pearson, Harold (Christine) Pearson, Amelia (Ryan) Brady, Joseph (Regina) Pearson, John (Kylee) Pearson, Matthew Pearson, and Norma (Hema) Heimuli. We hope to have a happy reunion in the Celestial Kingdom with our son and brother, Spencer.
Spencer is survived by many relatives and friends who love him dearly. He was preceded in death by many relatives including his cousin, Christian Packer, and his grandparents, Glenn and Ardith Pearson, and Harold and Norma Clark.
Many thanks to all who have loved and served Spencer.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2017 at the Meadow Heights Ward building, located at 4310 South 3200 West, West Valley City. Viewing will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to the services. Interment will follow at the Valley View Memorial Park.
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