Claude M Pearson Obituary (1921

Claude M. Pearson, founder of the Davies Pearson Law Firm in Tacoma, died on June 7, 2016 at the age of 94. He was born on December 20, 1921 in Hudson, Wyoming, to Reverend C.M. Pearson, a traveling Methodist minister, and his wife, Golda. He attended Cando High School and graduated from Jamestown College, North Dakota, the U.S. Naval Reserve Midshipmen's School at Northwestern University, the Officers Submarine School at New London, Connecticut, and the University of Michigan Law School at Ann Arbor. During WWII Claude served as Torpedo and Gunnery Officer on the USS Pogy (SS-266) where he was twice awarded the Submarine Combat Award. On the Tenth War Patrol of that vessel he was cited for meritorious conduct by the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet after his submarine had made a perilous transit of minefields into the Sea of Japan. "His careful and precise operation of the Torpedo Data Computer was of valuable assistance to his commanding officer in conducting attacks that resulted in sinking or damaging of 22,500 tons of enemy shipping. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men on his ship and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service". During his law practice he continued to serve in the Submarine Naval Reserves rising to the rank of Captain. At the height of the Vietnam War he served as Naval Reserve Group Commander at Tacoma where he supervised the construction of the Naval Reserve Training Center. During his Naval Reserve career he served on five generations of U.S. Navy submarines. Claude was a member of the Lions Club and president of the United Good Neighbors board of directors. During his 45 years of law practice he served as Chair of several Washington State Bar Association committees, boards and sections. He was the Organizing Chair of the WSBA Business Section and the Dispute Resolution Section. Later he was the Organizing President of the Northwest Justice Project, an organization that provides legal service for those in need. He was a fifty-year member of the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association where he assisted in organizing and funding of the Local Bar's Office and the selection of its first Executive Director. After retirement he pursued his passion for writing and authored short stories, essays and novels, one of which won an editors choice award. His articles appeared in legal journals and bar association newsletters. Claude and his wife, Helen, were fond of travel and spent one month in London every year enjoying plays, concerts, museums, and walking tours. He is survived by his daughters Susan Pearson of Albuquerque, Marcia Crews (Kyle) of Tacoma, and grandson, Sam Vaughan of Bellingham. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen (Adams) Pearson, brothers Justice Vernon R. Pearson (Jean) and Richard Pearson (Gladys), sister Ruth Pearson, and son Scott Edward Pearson. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Franke Tobey Jones for their compassionate care of Claude during the five years he resided there. A Memorial Service will be held at Mason United Methodist Church in Tacoma on June 18, 2016 at 4:00 pm. Burial will be at Haven of Rest Memorial Park in Gig Harbor, next to his wife, Helen. Remembrances may be made to the Claude M. Pearson Dean's Discretionary Fund 570580 at the University of Michigan Law School by going to this website: https://leadersandbest.umich.edu/find/#!/give/basket/fund/570580 Please leave condolences and memories on this website, where you may also light a candle in memory or add photos to the gallery for Claude. Claude M. Pearson Dean's Discretionary Fund 570580 University of Michigan Law School625 S State St, Ann Arbor MI 48109Web: https://leadersandbest.umich.edu/find/#!/give/basket/fund/570580