Alfred G. Pearson

MEDALS-RIBBONS: Army Service, National Defense Service w/2 Bronze Stars, United Nations Service, Army Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct, Korean Service, Armed Forces Reserve, Overseas Service

Colonel Pearson, M.D. served his country for over 30 years both on active duty and reserve as a Field Surgeon. Dr. Pearson was recognized for his expertise and passion in disaster preparedness.

Alfred Gunner Pearson was born Dec.20, 1933 in Alvarado Minnesota to Swedish immigrant parents who spoke little English.

Early years were in Grand Forks, North Dakota where at seven years old Alf lost his father in a tragic accident.

His mother moved to Minneapolis struggling to exist with any job.  Cousins were very supportive, leaving Alf with fond memories of visits with them.

At twelve Alf got Ernie as a stepfather along with a half dozen step brothers and sisters all much older. Alf changed his name to be less immigrant like so now Alfred or as today Al! Ernie was a railroad engineer, and nurtured Al's growing interest in trains taking him along on jaunts he years later loved to share with us. His interest in railroads spawned from this to a lifelong pleasure and hobby.

Al graduated with honors from South High in Minneapolis in 1951. After one year at Bethel College Al chose to become a proud U.S. Marine for 4 years during the Korean War time period and eventual resolution - he also spent time on Mt. Fuji, Japan.

A visit to Sweden with his mother in 1956 was interrupted by their cruise ship the Stockholm colliding with the French cruise liner Andrea Doria in the Atlantic -  where Al was actually on deck during the collision (and subsequently assisted in the care and comfort of rescued passengers from the Doria, which sank.) His accounts and photos of this disaster are history captured.

Post event, he and his mom journeyed on where Al met the relatives in Varmland and Jamyptland, Sweden. Al attributed his decision to change his college major from law to medicine to Aunt Katrina. She said he'd make a "good doctor!" - such wise words.

The University of Minnesota and the medical fraternity occupied his life through medical school leading him to many lifelong friends and so happy memories.

In 1964 he moved to to Chicago for internship at Augustana hospital where Ruth Oxley, R.N. caught his eye. Unhappy with Augustana he went to Weise Hospital to complete his internship. But the relationship with Ruth kept growing.

Bicycling along Lake Michigan was just the beginning of a long happy life of biking for Al and Ruth. A quick trip to Las Vegas in July 1965 (was the first airplane ride for Ruth) and along the way impromptu, changed her name to Mrs.Alfred Pearson at a small chapel.. Al quipped to friends "she would have done anything to get married!"

Since Al had basic training in San Diego at MCRD it was only a winter in Chicago that convinced them to head West to begin a new life starting in 1966 in San Bernardino, California.  One year in, they moved to San Diego in 1967 and bought the house Ruth still lives in today. Son, Greg joined the team in 1970.

Alfred Gunner Pearson was born Dec.20, 1933 in Alvarado Minnesota to Swedish immigrant parents who spoke little English.

Early years were in Grand Forks, North Dakota where at seven years old Alf lost his father in a tragic accident.

His mother moved to Minneapolis struggling to exist with any job.  Cousins were very supportive, leaving Alf with fond memories of visits with them.

At twelve Alf got Ernie as a stepfather along with a half dozen step brothers and sisters all much older. Alf changed his name to be less immigrant like so now Alfred or as today Al! Ernie was a railroad engineer, and nurtured Al's growing interest in trains taking him along on jaunts he years later loved to share with us. His interest in railroads spawned from this to a lifelong pleasure and hobby.

Al graduated with honors from South High in Minneapolis in 1951. After one year at Bethel College Al chose to become a proud U.S. Marine for 4 years during the Korean War time period and eventual resolution - he also spent time on Mt. Fuji, Japan.

A visit to Sweden with his mother in 1956 was interrupted by their cruise ship the Stockholm colliding with the French cruise liner Andrea Doria in the Atlantic -  where Al was actually on deck during the collision (and subsequently assisted in the care and comfort of rescued passengers from the Doria, which sank.) His accounts and photos of this disaster are history captured.

Post event, he and his mom journeyed on where Al met the relatives in Varmland and Jamyptland, Sweden. Al attributed his decision to change his college major from law to medicine to Aunt Katrina. She said he'd make a "good doctor!" - such wise words.

The University of Minnesota and the medical fraternity occupied his life through medical school leading him to many lifelong friends and so happy memories.

In 1964 he moved to to Chicago for internship at Augustana hospital where Ruth Oxley, R.N. caught his eye. Unhappy with Augustana he went to Weise Hospital to complete his internship. But the relationship with Ruth kept growing.

Bicycling along Lake Michigan was just the beginning of a long happy life of biking for Al and Ruth. A quick trip to Las Vegas in July 1965 (was the first airplane ride for Ruth) and along the way impromptu, changed her name to Mrs.Alfred Pearson at a small chapel.. Al quipped to friends "she would have done anything to get married!"

Since Al had basic training in San Diego at MCRD it was only a winter in Chicago that convinced them to head West to begin a new life starting in 1966 in San Bernardino, California.  One year in, they moved to San Diego in 1967 and bought the house Ruth still lives in today. Son, Greg joined the team in 1970.

Now a Board Certified American Academy of Family Practice M.D. he started with a medical practice in Pacific Beach and later in Alpine. Their medical careers kept Al and Ruth busy - but he never left the proud service to his country, serving along the way in the Army Reserve and National Guard. Later in life - Part time work at Navy Clinics, NASSCO, Locum jobs on Indian reservations kept Al challenged and happy.

Disaster preparedness and safety to fellow military members and the Nation was Al's middle name. With over 30 years in the service, he returned to Active Duty to replace doctors sent abroad during the first Gulf War / Operation Desert Shield and then again active duty for Operation Restore Hope in the 1990s. From simple checking mirror positions in a car to always speaking about drinking enough water in the desert, to engaging our politicians on security issues  - Col Pearson had a calm voice with a loud message -- demanding compliance, safety and service to his country!

Col Pearson was one of a kind. "Aunt Katrina was right!" ....He loved medicine and made a great compassionate doctor, mentor and service member.

He never stopped learning - education was not only his ongoing gift to others but to absorb himself.

He was fun, humorous, loved to ski, bike, sail, kayak, cruise but most of all loved his family, life and kept everyone wondering what witty yet smart perspective he would present to everyone he touched.