Craig Bird Pearson passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, in Soda Springs, Idaho. He was born December 27, 1948, to Lee Ricks Pearson and Dorothy Bird in Salt Lake City, Utah, the fifth of six children. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Farmington, New Mexico.

Craig graduated from Farmington High School in 1967 serving as the class president. He attended Dixie College where he played football and was active in drama, appearing as a lead in several college productions. He married his sweetheart for time and all eternity, Mary Lou Marshall, in the St. George Temple on January 27, 1970. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology from Brigham Young University in 1973. Craig worked for the Fish & Game while pursuing graduate work at BYU. He completed a Master's Degree in Range and Wildlife Biology with a thesis on Birds of Prey.

Craig and Mary Lou moved their family from Southern Utah to Southern Idaho in 1984 where he taught at Grace High and Jr. High schools. He worked summers for the Forest Service, and often referred to school teaching as his "seasonal" work and the Forest Service as his real job. He always loved the mountains; whether hunting, riding motorcycles, cutting wood, or just taking a long 4-wheel drive ride. Craig enjoyed working on his Rasmussen Valley cabin the past few summers where his dream was to build the family cabin that everyone could come to enjoy the mountains, but sleep in a real bed.

He has been a great teacher to all students who have passed through the Grace school system over the past 25 years. He believed in being a "hands-on" teacher and will be remembered for the many animals in his classroom, alive and dead (dissecting lessons). He enjoyed coaching, especially wrestling. He loved to watch his wrestlers and was known for his loud "cheering" voice. Even with the stress, he loved to work with the blooming theatre and drama group.

Craig was a member of the Soda Springs 1st Ward, currently serving as the ward mission leader. He has served in many positions including Boy Scouting, Elder's Quorum President, and as a member of the Bishopric. Craig strongly believed in service in every aspect of his life. He also enjoyed doing temple work and going on temple dates with his sweet wife.

Craig and MaryLou are the parents of eight children; Robert (Kimberly), Saratoga Springs, UT; Mary Ann (Randy) Craner, Logan, UT: Katie (Jason) Justesen, Ephraim, UT; Nancy (Wade) Saunders, Chubbuck, ID; Rebecca, Salt Lake City, UT; Patricia (Jared) Sorensen, Soda Springs, ID; Leah (Phillip) Britt, Salt Lake City, UT; Jeffery, Pocatello, ID.

He is survived by his wife, children, 18 grandchildren, brothers and sisters: Clayne (Muriel) Pearson, St. George, UT; Beverly Hon, Provo, UT; Sandra (Al) Chapman, Escrito, NM; Rodney (Britt) Pearson, Orem, UT; Robyn (Karen) Pearson, Heber City, UT. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the Soda Springs 1st Ward Building, 361 S. 3rd E. in Soda Springs. Interment was Monday, February 23 in Panguitch, Utah. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grace/North Gem wrestling program.