LESLIE “LES” JAMES PEARSON

LESLIE “LES” JAMES PEARSON passed away on December 26, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Hospice at the age of 78 years, beloved husband of Colleen Pearson of Medicine Hat . He also leaves to cherish his memory three step children, Angelique Thomson of Cape Town, South Africa, Rory Trustham (Treena) of Edmonton, and Colin Jordan of Edmonton; two step grandchildren, Abigail and Jeremy Trustham, Aria and Sienna Jordan; one sister, Shirley Twietmeyer (Jack); his nieces, Tina Twietmeyer (Stephen Duke), Lara Guzik (Aaron Runge) and their son Nash; nephew Jan Guzik. He was predeceased by his parents James and Margaret Pearson; his first wife Louise (Beaudin) Pearson; his adopted son Christopher and sister in-law and brother in-law Collette and Ted Guzik .
Les was born March 27, 1946, in Regina, Saskatchewan to Maragaret and James Pearson. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Carnduff, Saskatchewan. This is where Les was raised and educated, excelling in academics, sports, drama, music and oratory. After high school graduation he continued his education at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon), University of Saskatchewan (Regina) and the University of Alberta (Edmonton) moving him into his role of teacher and principal. Les taught in many schools over the years, ending his career as the founding principal of the Eagle Butte High School. This appointment also facilitated the move to Medicine Hat in 1996, where Les became very involved with church, many and varied community organizations and local government. Some of his most notable achievements include being the first inclusion co-ordinator to improve services to people with disabilities, being the driving force behind achieving hospice care at St. Joseph’s Home and being a founding member of the Folk Music Club (Tongue on the Post). Les served as a Medicine Hat city Alderman from 2010 to 2017, representing council on various boards and committees including the Shortgrass Library System, Medicine Hat Public Library, Medicine Hat Community Housing Society, Tourism Medicine Hat, Heritage Resources Committee and Regional Drainage Committee. He served on the Palliser “Friends of Medicare” board and was on the local and national board of Covenant Health. He was a great believer in the potential of Medicine Hat, and its College, where he was the founder of the chaplaincy program. Les was a well-known friend and advocate of the Indigenous people, taking part in many events. Throughout his teaching career, Les inspired many generations of students as an English teacher and principal. He has left a legacy of kindness, humour, and vision for this city and for everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Sincere appreciation to all for the many messages of condolence and for the tributes given to Les. Thank you also to the wonderful staff of St. Joseph’s Home for the kind and compassionate care that Les and our family received. The funeral service will be held in VICTORY LUTHERAN CHURCH (2793 Southview Drive SE) on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Roland Weisbrot officiating. The service will be live streamed. Please visit Les’ obituary page on our website for the link. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2