Bradenton - Brian Gregory Pearson, a loving father, dedicated husband, and cherished grandfather, passed away on March 26, 2025, at the age of 79 in Bradenton, Florida. He was born on September 20, 1945, in Toronto, Canada. He graduated from Dearborn High School and attended Northwood Institute in Alma, Michigan.
Brian spent his career in the family business, Colonial Brick Company, which his parents, George and Audrey Pearson, started in the basement of their home in the early 1950s. Through long hours and dedication, the business grew to three brick and mortar locations in Detroit, Sterling Heights, and Whitmore Lake, Michigan. These locations attracted customers to their pristine showrooms and brick yards, serving the Greater Detroit Metropolitan area. Brian's business integrity and product knowledge earned him widespread respect in the industry. He was known for being able to name the type of brick on almost every building he passed. Brian eventually became the President of Colonial Brick and took the reins following his parents' retirement. He continued to help grow the business until his own retirement in 2011.
Brian met his "brown-eyed girl", Elaine Lange on a blind date. The couple tied the knot on June 22, 1968, in her hometown of Williamston, Michigan. Only able to afford one car at the time, Brian drove Elaine to work every day. This spirit of devotion to each other carried them through the next 56-1/2 years of marriage. They lovingly raised their three children, Jenny, Jill and Jeff in Dearborn, Michigan.
Brian was known for his quiet and kind personality, but he also had a wild sense of adventure and a contagious laugh. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed various outdoor activities with his family and friends, including sail boating, power boating, snow skiing, golfing, hunting, fishing, motorcycling, biking, and rollerblading. He also loved a spirited card game, a quiet game of sudoku or reading a book with his granddaughters. Brian and his family spent many fun summers at the Detroit Yacht Club and sailed the Great Lakes on the family's sail boats, all named "Gold Brick". Winter vacations were spent on the slopes in northern Michigan, Colorado or Montana. Brian was an accomplished sailor, having completed 31 Port Huron to Mackinac races, which earned him the prestigious "Old Goat" status.
After their retirement, Brian and Elaine moved to Northville, Michigan in 2015 where they lived until 2018, when warmer weather drew them to Venice, Florida. They were "snowbirds" until they permanently relocated to Florida in 2020.
Brian was predeceased by his parents, George and Audrey Pearson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine; his children, Jennifer Pearson, Jillann (Paul) Olejniczak, Jeff (Attea) Pearson; his three granddaughters, whom he adored; his sister, Linda (Andy) Balser; his nephew, and his grandniece, along with many loving cousins and dear friends.
"That man is a success-who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who leaves the world better than he found it; who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had. "
-UNKNOWN
