Roger Carl Pearson

Roger Carl Pearson, age 66, a resident of Albuquerque since 1973, died Friday, November 16, 2018, at Lovelace Medical Center, Albuquerque. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin L. Pearson and Gladys M. Pearson, and his wife Candice Skarsgard Pearson. He is survived by his sister Marjorie Pearson and brotherin-law Said El-Jbeili of St. Paul, MN, many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and other members of the extended Skarsgard family.

Roger was born on March 13, 1952, in St. Paul, attended the St. Paul Public Schools, and graduated from Murray High School in 1970. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, served 10 months in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1973. He came to appreciate the American Southwest while stationed at Fort Huachuca, AZ. While still in the Army, he pursued further education, receiving an Associate degree in Air Traffic Control in 1975, and a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies in 1976, both from the University of Albuquerque.

Roger joined the FAA as an air traffic controller in 1976, serving at several towers, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Roswell, New Mexico. He married Candice Skarsgard in December 1982. Together they enjoyed travelling, visiting family and friends in Minnesota and North Dakota, theater, concerts, and golfing.

After Roger retired in 2007, he worked part time with Candy at GardenSwartz Team Sales, was an occasional extra in local film productions, and took many continuing education courses at the University of New Mexico. He enjoyed attending movies, reading thrillers and murder mysteries, and spent several afternoons a week at the local public library. The local Sports and Wellness Center was a regular part of his routine.

A graveside service and burial were held at Sunset Memorial Park, Albuquerque, on November 23, 2018. Memorials may be made to the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation, or Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNM through the University of New Mexico Foundation.