Brent Carl Pearson, age 60, died peacefully with his close relatives by his side on Wednesday, August 24, in Grand Junction, Colorado, from complications after surgery.
Born on November 12, 1955, to Reuben and June Pearson in Salt Lake City, Brent grew up in Salt Lake City, where he attended Olympus High School. He later settled in Moab.
He was hired by Utah Power and Light – later known as Rocky Mountain Power – in 1974 as a lineman. He recently retired as a foreman after almost 42 years. He loved his co-workers like family and missed them after his retirement. He was the union representative for the company and traveled to Salt Lake City to attend meetings for many years.
His goal in life was to have a kind heart like his mother, who was a nurse, and to never forget his father, a hardworking man. He always did his best making sure that his little dancer had her hair in a bun for her dance recitals and her soccer cleats tied before he went off to coach the game. He enjoyed watching hours of classic Westerns with his daughter and talked about seeing Led Zeppelin live.
Brent loved animals and over the years had horses, mules and always a dog: Hobart, Hoover, Chewy and Obleeo.
He loved the Moab area and was a true outdoor enthusiast. He loved to hike, camp and boat on the river with his nephew Justen and family.
He is survived by his daughter, Hayley Yabrra (daughter of Angela Jane Nicol); his grandchildren California, Haile and Leonard Jr. Yabrra; Hayley’s half brother Carson Nicol; his nephew, Justen (Amber) Padgett and niece, Brea (Nathan) Millward, whom he considered his “kids.” He is also survived by his brother, David (Anita) Pearson; sisters Joan (Bruce) Quigley, Kathy Perkins and Lisa (James) Shupe; and by many nephews and nieces.
He was proud of his Swedish heritage and his final wish was fulfilled by departing with a sword in his hands.
A memorial will be held in Moab on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. at Old City Park.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. at Elysian Gardens, 1075 E. 4580 South in Salt Lake City. In memory of Brent, those who wish to come, please meet us after the graveside service for a Swedish smorgasbord lunch at Creekside Park, 1664 E. 4800 South, in Salt Lake City.
