Donald Pearson

Donald E. Pearson,84, of Barrington and formerly of Winnetka and Chicago, passed away peacefully just before dawn on Sunday, May 22, 2011. During his business career Don rose steadily through the management ranks of major securities firms. Beginning at A.G. Becker in Chicago in 1953 and later in New York he became Senior VP, Director and a member of the Executive Committee in the fifties and sixties. He was President and COO of the Chicago Corp in the Seventies and Chairman of Oberweis Securities in the eighties. Today,"" his company Pearson Capital Group provides financing for small businesses. All of his life he placed the highest value on and acted with integrity. He could be heard asking """"Is it right for the client?"""" """"How did the client do?"""" He fervently believed """"everyone"", given half a chance,"" some encouragement and direction could be more successful than they thought and that they could make important contributions.""""

He was always an enthusiastic leader,"" at his best when attracting dynamic people to a new venture. He managed by giving his people """"plenty of discretion"", authority and opportunity,"" then keeping the tracks clear and letting them run"""". Many say Don Pearson launched their careers. And"", while he had many friends, he always had time for strangers and they became his friends too. He remembered everyone he met. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois. Don was an officer of various industry organizations including the Securities Industry Association as Vice Chairman, Continental District. For six years he served as Trustee of the Securities Industry Institute in association with the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania from 1967 through 1970 and again 1983 through 1986. At the Chicago Stock Exchange Don was on the Board of Directors Committee on Specialist Assignment and Evaluation from 1986 through 1993. Clubs and Affiliations include the Illini Club and The Bond Club of Chicago among others. Don was an avid golfer and member of Beverly Country Club, South Shore Club (past officer), Exmoor Country Club (Board of Governors) and Aurora Country Club. He was also a member of various investment clubs and various Chambers of Commerce including most recently the Barrington Chamber of Commerce.

Don is survived by his wife of 60 years Dolores, nee Coffey; and their six children, Jay (Carmel), Gail Fitzgerald, Jan Gosselin, Brad, Kris, Camille; grandchildren Nicholas (Kate) Fitzgerald, Shannon (Michael) Palmer; and four great-grandchildren. Don was brother of Patricia McCabe, the late Robert Pearson and the late Diane Ostrow. Memorial visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June, 2 at Davenport Family Funeral Home , 149 W. Main Street (Lake Cook Rd.) Barrington and 1 p.m., until the time of the Mass, 2 p.m., Friday, June 3rd, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 North Ela St., Barrington, IL 60010. Information: (847) 382-5300. www.stannebarrington.org.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

Memorial Service: 2p.m. Friday June 03, 2011 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 N. Ela St, Barrington

Visitation: 4p.m. until 8p.m Thursday June 02, 2011 at Davenport Family Funeral Home