Edward Andrew Pearson

“Poppa Ed” lived a remarkable 93 years, shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a deep connection to people. Born in Genoa, Nebraska in 1933, he remained a Husker fan for life, always tied to the family farm and returning one last time at age 90.  After surviving polio as a teenager, he moved west to build a full and independent life on his own terms—never limited by circumstance and never defined by his wheelchair. He enjoyed a meaningful career for the State of California Department of Water Resources, raised two children, deeply loved his four grandchildren, and shared more than 40 years of marriage with his first wife before her death.  Later in life, he found happiness again, spending his final 16 years married to a partner who shared his Nebraska roots. He valued people above all else, forged deep friendships everywhere he went, and was known for a kindness and generosity that asked for nothing in return—leaving everyone feeling better for having known him.  He lived independently to the end, passing peacefully at home, just as he wanted—calling the shots, with no regrets, and leaving behind a life well lived and a world made better by his presence.