Latest update July 31st
The following is a statement from Don's family
It is with great sadness that the family of Don Pearce announces his passing at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at the age of 77. Don will forever be remembered in the hearts of his family. Cherished husband of Theresa (nee Kluke). Beloved father to Donnamarie (Tom), Jeffrey (Rhonda), Robert (Sue) and Maureen (Joe). Admired proud and loving grandfather to Philip (Liberty), Robbie (Ashley), Victoria, Sarah, Stephanie (Mike), Kimberly aaDevyn), Alicia and Maddie. Great-grandfather to Sophie and Ava. Don was predeceased by his parents David and Winnifred (Joan) Pearce and twin brother David. Affectionately remembered by his brother Jim, sister Jean and Susan, Donna and David. Don came to Canada from London, England, in May 1962 and became a Canadian citizen in 2008. Don was a longtime referee with the Ontario Soccer League. He was very passionate and enjoyed refereeing immensely. He will be greatly missed by all his friends in the League and by all his friends at Home Depot. Don was an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan and was hoping to see another Stanley Cup this coming season. Don has been entrusted to Aftercare Cremation and Burial Service. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 133 Brock St. N., Whitby, ON L1N 4H3 (Brock St. N., north of Hwy. 2), on August 20, 2017 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Donations to Cancer Research
Dear Colleague,
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I have to inform you of the passing of our friend and colleague, Don Pearce. Don passed away today Wednesday 26th of July at 10:45 am at the Oshawa General Hospital.
The soccer community has lost a true ambassador of the sport we so dearly love. He will be sadly missed.
I will keep you informed with regards to funeral or any other arrangements, when advised by family members
The Legacy of Don Pearce
Don migrated to Canada in1962 and brought with him many good attributes best of all refereeing skills. He was a very likeable person who stood head and shoulders above us.
An astute administrator an excellent referee always neatly attired and above all a very good friend who was reliable and always had kind things to say of his fellow referees.
Don Pearce was a teacher a mentor and sometimes a funny guy, especially when talking of his experiences refereeing.
He was involved in the wonderful game of soccer from 1974 to 2017as an official. His involvement consisted in playing for a short period of time (He was no Pele), then he became a soccer referee in 1974 a period of 43 wonderful years.
He was one of the most knowledgeable, respected, likeable, approachable person and was always willing to mentor others. Those of us who have refereed with Don can attest to this. Over these 43 years of his involvement in the wonderful game of soccer,
In 1974 Don became a soccer referee in District of Scarborough, and quickly became a grade 1 referee. He was very well respected on and off the soccer field. Not only was he a good referee, he showed good managerial skills.
He ventured into the administration sector of soccer and accomplished the following in three different associations
President of Ontario Soccer Referees Association
Vice President of Ontario Soccer Referees Association
Editor of Can-so Ref
Nominated National in both Instructing and Assessing
Educator
OSRA Board of Governors
Ontario Soccer Association
Provincial Instructor and Assessor
Provincial Referee (grade 1)
Scarborough Soccer Referees Association:-
President for a period of 11 consecutive years
Vice President on several occasions
Education Officer on several occasions
Director
Mentor
District Referee Coordinator
Scheduler
Robbie International Soccer Tournament Referee for 41 of his 43 years
Don has certainly done a lot for this beautiful game of soccer during those 43 years. As he normally say “Been There! Done That!“ It would take a person with large feet to fill his shoes
The Referees Association is an extension Don’s family, we all share sorrow, grievances of a friend, a colleague and a family member. The soccer community has lost a true ambassador and comrade. May he rest in peace!
