Russell Harold Pearson

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Russell Harold Pearson, a third generation native Californian, on May 8th, 2018 at his home in Solana Beach, California, surrounded by family and friends.

Russ was born to Harold Andrew and Elizabeth Fraser Pearson on May 18, 1941, and spent his formative years in Berkeley and Oakland. Russ and his father attended the Oakland Oaks Baseball Games and watched legendary Casey Stengel manage. A founding member of the Casey Stengel Baseball Center, he actively served until his death. He enjoyed trips to New York, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles promoting the Center.

He graduated from Piedmont High School, 1959. He played football, track, baseball, and basketball. He was a member of the Kimmer Shielding Fraternity, and Senior Class President. He graduated from the California Academy of Court reporters in San Fransisco. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War attaining the rank of Sargent. Russell graduated from California State University, Hayward in 1967. After working at Safeway’s Corporate Office as Public Relations’ Manager, he joined JC Penney Company covering a total of 43 state legislatures before moving onto the Washington, D. C. scene.

Arriving in Washington in 1983 he worked the Halls of Congress during Presidents Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush.

After nearly 30 years with the company, he retired as their Director of Federal and International Government Relations, Washington, D. C..

After retirement, Russ returned to California and settled in Solana Beach. He and his first wife, Esme’ were married 39 years before an automobile accident took her life. He continued to sponsor the Esme Pearson Memorial Tennis Tournament.

Russ leaves his sons Jason of Sacramento and Blake (Sara Jones) of San Francisco.

Russ is survived by his wife of 12 years, Toni Harsh. Casey (Stephanie) Harsh, Brent Harsh, Troy (Laura) Harsh and Danielle (Paul) Harsh Stiritz. He will be especially missed by his 12 grandchildren who he always wanted “to watch grow up”.

Military Honors Ceremony at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego, CA on June 8, 2018. Celebration of Life will be at Stanley Dollar Clubhouse, Walnut Creek, CA on June 16th, 2018 at 11:30 am. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Russ’s memory to your favorite charity; or the Aphesia Clinic of California, 3996 Lyman Road, Oakland, CA 94602 or the Alzeimhers’s Association of Nothern Nevada, 1301 Cordone Ave, Reno NV 89502.

Katherine Minetta Prentice (née Quist), of Hayward, Oakland and Rancho Murieta, California, June 3, 2018, age 89, at home, in the loving embrace of immediate family, especially her husband of 72 years, Waller J. Prentice.

Kay, as all knew her, was a model of grace and generosity, an East Bay native with deep California roots. Paternal grandfather, Nils Quist, founded the familyrun Quist Brothers lumberyard in Hayward, producing redwood millwork for the developing region. Maternal grandfather, Henry Coleman Cutting, became a principal founder of the City of Richmond (hence Cutting Boulevard). As a freshman at Hayward High, Kay was crossing the street when she caught the eye of an athletic senior driving to school who vowed to find out her name. This was Kay Quist (HHS ‘47), jewel of the modern dance program, and Waller, the beguiled driver. By the time Waller shipped out for the Philippines in 1945, in the Army Air Corps, they were sweethearts, and soon after his return, they eloped to Reno. Kay had turned eighteen only the day before. Like so many couples after World War II, they scraped by, but they were uncommonly happy.

Applying Kay’s design instinct and irrepressible can-do, they built their own house in the Oakland hills, a haven for family and friends. With a husband on the Oakland Police force (Sergeant, then Captain), she adapted to his nighttime shifts and a wife’s perennial safety concerns.