Eugene (Gene) was born in Turlock, California, on October 25, 1920, to Mr. Noah W. Pearson and Mrs. Eva Charlotte Pearson. Gene attended Turlock grades schools, and graduated from Turlock High in 1938. He then went to U.C. Berkeley and received his BS in Mechanical Engineering (with a Chemistry minor) in 1943. From there he went to Cornell University for his Commission as Ensign USNR. Then on to active duty with the Fleet for 2-1/2 years as Engineering Officer of the Destroyer, USS Edison DD439, in both the Mediterranean and Pacific action.
Upon returning stateside, Gene met Marilyn Joy Thompson (from Nebraska), and on June 7, 1947, they were married at the Piedmont Community Church. They purchased a home in Orinda in 1950 right after their son (Craig) was born. They lived in Orinda for 30 years before moving to Pebble Beach in 1980 upon completion of their new home designed by their Architect and son, Craig, and constructed by Comstock Builders.
Gene’s Professional career centered on Heavy Structures, Hydraulics, and Control System, relating to the Metal Forming Industry. From 1947 until 1952 he was with the Utility District (EBMUD), and was involved in major pumping plant design projects in the San Francisco Bay area. In 1952 he joined Pacific Industrial Manufacturing Company and was involved with the design and development of major product lines. In 1955 he became Plant Manager, and the Company name was changed to PACIFIC Press & Shear Corp. In 1963 he became Exec. VP, and in 1965 he became President and CEO until his retirement in 1983. “Pacific” was a major manufacturer of Hydraulic Press Brakes and Plate Shears, with multi-plant operations in Oakland, CA, and Mt. Carmel, Illinois … having Licensees in Canada, Australia and Europe. Gene was a member of the ANSI b11.2 subcommittee (Chicago) and he held 34 US patents and 80 foreign patents relating to hydraulics and hydraulic and electrical controls and equipment.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, of 49 years. He is survived by his son, Craig and daughter-in-law Denise Pearson of Palm Desert, and his two grandsons: Taylor Pearson and Trenton Pearson. All who knew Gene will remember him as a strong, loving and caring individual.
Gene was a former member of Orinda Masonic Lodge #704, the Round Hill Country Club in Alamo, and the Monterey Peninsula Country Club. He was also a member of The Church in the Forrest in Pebble Beach.
There will be a visitation March 11th at Paul Mortuary, funeral service will be Thursday March 12th at 10am at The Little Chapel-by-the-Sea with burial to follow at El Carmelo Cemetery . The family suggests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the American Cancer Association. Gene did not pass away at 94 years of age from cancer, but he did experience firsthand during his lifetime what this horrid disease can do to others he loved and deeply cared about.
