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REFERENCE TITLE: Russell Pearce; death resolution |
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State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session 2023
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HCR 2027 |
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Introduced by Representative Parker B
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A Concurrent Resolution
on the death of the honorable russell k. pearce.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
The Honorable Russell K. Pearce passed away on January 5, 2023 in Mesa at the age of 75 after a brief illness.
Russell Pearce was born on June 23, 1947 and was a fifth generation Arizonan, growing up in a blended family that totaled 13 children. He honorably served in the Army National Guard from 1965 to 1972. During that time, he served a two-year mission from 1967 to 1969 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the areas of New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
A life-long learner, Russell Pearce earned a bachelor's degree in management from the University of Phoenix in 1981. He continued his education by earning several certificates, including certificates from Harvard University, John R. Kennedy School of Government, Arizona State University in Advanced Executive Development, the University of Colorado, Motor Vehicle Legal and Law College, Arizona State University in Budget and Appropriations and the Supreme Court of Arizona, Arizona Judicial College.
Russell Pearce cared deeply about Arizona, and he worked in a variety of public servant jobs his entire life. Before being elected to office, he worked as a deputy sheriff with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office from 1970 to 1991, and from 1993 to 1994 he served as the chief deputy. After being shot and critically wounded in the line of duty, he was nominated for the Medal of Valor award, which is the highest award in law enforcement.
Continuing his civil service, Russell Pearce served as a judge in the North Mesa Justice Court, a pro-tem judge in the Maricopa County Justice Courts, the director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, the director of the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division and the chief deputy director of the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office.
Russell Pearce was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2001 until his term limit in 2009 and was subsequently elected to the state Senate, serving as the Senate President in 2011. He believed in his constitutional duty to follow the rule of law and to protect Arizona's citizens by enforcing those laws. He believed in standing up for the taxpayers, efficiency in government and defending faith, family and freedom above all else. He once wrote, "The greatness of our nation is measured by the character of its people."
Russell Pearce is survived by his wife of 47 years, LuAnne, and their children, Dodi, Sean, Colten, Justin and Joshua, Wyatt, Ethan and Tatum, and many grandchildren.
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:
That the Members of the Legislature sincerely regret the passing of the Honorable Russell Pearce and extend their most sincere sympathies and condolences to his wife, his surviving family members and his many friends and colleagues.